[From Gamasutra's creators, GamerBytes is a blog about downloadable console & handheld games - from XBLA through WiiWare, PSN and DSiWare to PSP Minis.]

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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

: OFLC watch - Domino Master and Beat'n Groovy rated!

Two brand new, unknown games have popped up on the Australian Classification website today - Beat'n Groovy and Domino Master!

Let's go on the discovery trail!

Beat'n Groovy is coming from Konami under their Konami Digital Entertainment label. Now, regular disc games made by Konami (such as Metal Gear Solid 4) are all applied for by Atari Australia, who does the distribution here. All games under the OFLC which are under the "Digital Entertainment" label have all been XBLA games - From their Gyruss and Contras to their still unannounced upcoming titles of Coffee time Crosswords and Frogger 2. The only exception being Critter Round-Up, a Wiiware title.

However, this game is being made by Voltex - a mysterious company nobody seems to know about - except they've also being touted as the creators of the upcoming Frogger 2! Bam!

So what do we know about it? Nothing! That's right! The only information available is back when Konami filed for the Trademark for the title - mentioning that it was not done by Konami Japan who usually does it all, but Konami Digital Entertainment (or Konami America). Interesting!

The second game, Domino Master, was applied for by Microsoft themselves - which pretty much means XBLA title.

So what is Domino Master? It's a game made by Tik games - a 'casual games' company. It's already available for the PC and is... well, you guessed it - a Domino simulator!

The website quotes:

The classic family game of Dominos comes to your PC like never before! Choose your favorite from seven uniquely exciting games, including All Fives, All Threes, Mexican Train and Pictures. Loads of options like Domino types, styles, table surface, and difficulty allow you to play your way. The 'Domino Effect' here is that there's fun for everyone!

The big deal about this is that this cements a rumored workings dug up by Gamedaily and discussed by XBLArcade some time ago, where The Real Network had said that the Real Arcade's work on consoles "is happening as we speak." - Domino Master IS a Real Arcade title!

We don't know anything about Beat'n Groovy - but the addition of Domino Master might make a good addition alongside Uno and a variety of other very simple board and card games. The PC version is an inflated $20 - but that certainly shouldn't be the case on the XBLA title - 400 points or bust.

Anyone excited for Dominoes?

Source: The Australian Classification website

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