We previously revealed Gastronaut Studio's upcoming title through the Australian classification website, but now they've made it official - Gel: Set & Match is making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade, and we have the latest screenshots.

Gel is the spiritual successor to Fuzzee Fever, Gastronaut's first title and one of the only 27 titles released for the Xbox Live Arcade for the original Xbox. The original game is quite an obscure title, but played much like a puzzle variant of Bomberman with a pinch of Adventures Of Lolo - you could fight in a square grid and play for top points in a times game, or have a game where you could throw bombs at your opponents, but only if you matched 3 "presents" together.

Gel appears to be expanding on that formula with 3 modes - puzzle mode has you complete challenges, action mode features you removing debris from the path of your tank, and battle mode, which looks to be similar to the the original's multiplayer modes.

The original game didn't get much of a chance on the original Xbox, but now with a new name and new modes they're going to give it another go. Check out more screens and artwork below.

Source: Gastronaut Studios: WIGGLE AND WOBBLE WITH “GEL” COMING SOON TO XBOX LIVE ARCADE

Onslaught

Wii Points: 1000 Wii Points
Game Type: Action, Shooter
Control Type: Wii Remote, Nunchuk
Players: 1-4 Wifi Connection
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment

"In the distant future, contact with a distant research colony is lost and your team is sent in to find out what happened. Upon arrival, you’re attacked by overwhelming numbers of mysterious creatures. It’s up to you and your squad to eliminate the threat and discover the truth that lies deep inside the colony.

"Being the first FPS on WiiWare, Onslaught gives shooter fans the action you’ve been waiting for. Taking advantage of the precise motion controls of the Wii Remote, you’ll be in full command of your soldier as you tread through treacherous terrain. The action stays tight by aiming with the Wii Remote. You'll need steady hands if you're going to survive the horrors that await. When running low on ammo, give the Wii Remote a shake to get back in the game. When the odds get overwhelming, a supply of grenades will keep enemies at bay by throwing them using the Nunchuk. Get set to play an FPS unlike any you’ve ever played before!"

Click here for some footage of the game.

Also this week Nintendo have begun releasing Commodore 64 titles in North America. Europe have been enjoying these for a while, but much like the Master System it wasn't nearly as popular in the USA. You can check out The Last Ninja, International Karate and Pit Stop II for 500 Wii Points each.

Mr. ESC, the escape artist, is back in Exit 2, and this time he is rescuing people all over the world before time runs out. To escape safely, use your head to find a route and work with people you rescue to overcome tricky obstacles. Compete for the fastest clear time and aim to become the world's top escape artist. Exit 2 is the definitive escape puzzle game!

- More characters and excitement: Rescue people from danger all over the world, and welcome "Macho" and "Dog" as new companions, joining those from the previous game.
- More challenges: Over 10 new challenges have been added, increasing the puzzle and action elements even further.
- Massive gameplay: This massive game consists of 240 stages with an additional 30 original Xbox 360 stages available for download.

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

Microsoft have begun their weekly deal promotions once again, but this time it's a permanent fixture. This week starting from today, if you have a Xbox Gold Membership you can grab yourself a copy of Braid for 800 MSP - a saving of 33%.

This is an excellent idea, but I hope Microsoft extend this to other games that actually need more help selling, or older titles that should do with a bit of a bump. We're talking Switchball, Gripshift, Cloning Clyde, Band Of Bugs, Eets, Arkadian Warriors and Go! Go! Break Steady to name a few.

Virtual On is a series of one-versus-one battles between giant robots, or Cyber Trooper, of various factions. Each Cyber Trooper has three weapons they can use to battle, as they skim around a battlefield blasting at each other. Virtual On was noted for using a large controller called the twin-stick, but could be used without it just fine.

Virtual On was released back in 1995 and had a release on the Sega Saturn - it was also released for the PlayStation 2 back in 2007 in Japan. However, this is not that game. This is Oratorio Tangram, its 1999 sequel released for the Model-3 Arcade cabinet and on the Sega Dreamcast. This is getting interesting.

With the release of Outrun Online Arcade on the horizon we speculated that Sega could also be working on bringing their other classics across. Virtual On is a perfect choice for the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, with an arcade mode and the chance of online battles, this could be fantastic.

The rating does not specify who exactly is doing the port, as it sometimes does. It has not been Sega's style to port it themselves, with Backbone doing the Sega Vintage Collection games and Sumo Digital doing the Outrun Online Arcade, but we could definitely see Foundation 9 being a part of it.

It's an interesting choice for Sega, particularly Sega of America as they did not release the Dreamcast version of VO:OT themselves, letting Activision do it. The US version also removed the online play, and was never released in Europe, making this Australian classification even sweeter.

Whether this will be a complete reworking of the game, or something quick-and-dirty like the Xbox Live Arcade version of SoulCalibur, is pure speculation at this point.

Some time ago Sega re-registered several trademarks of other Dreamcast titles, including Jet Grind Radio, Cosmic Smash and Sonic Shuffle. While they're not the nearly as obvious to become digital download titles, it may be the beginning of some very interesting content coming from Sega. Crazy Taxi anyone?

If you're one of the many poor individuals who never got the chance to play the game, check out this excellent article over at Hardcore Gaming 101 about the whole series.

Source: VIRTUAL ON - ORATORIO TANGRAM Game (Multi Platform)

Alongside today's Australian classification for Virtual On, Sega also rated another strange title they released in Japan last year - Prope's Let's Catch.

Let's Catch is self explanatory - you play catch. In essence it recreates the "thrill" of throwing a ball in the back yard or playground. It's best to look at this video to truly understand the game's concept.

It's not just catching though - the game also includes panel hitting minigames, bomb toss minigames, as well as a story mode.

The game was very much a Japanese concept, being that many Japanese kids probably don't get outside all that much. It's the same idea as Nintendogs, essentially. What this does do is give hope that Sega's even more bizarre game Pole's Big Adventure could somehow make it across to the west. Now that would be something to see.

Source: OFLC - LET'S CATCH

Well it's official, Sega are now doing something right. The Cyber Troopers are returning.

In the latest Famitsu Magazine, Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram has been confirmed for the Xbox Live Arcade - and only the Xbox Live Arcade it seems.

The Robot arena fighter will be getting a complete conversion over to the XBLA using V5.66 - the very final version released in the arcades. V5.66 was released after the Dreamcast version, and instead of using Sega's Model-3 arcade board was instead using the easier to use Naomi board used for games like Crazy Taxi and Marvel Vs. Capcom 2. This version featured 3 additional Cyber Troopers as well as all the arenas added in the Dreamcast version.

The game looks to be a full update of the game, including wide screen support and hopefully online play over Xbox Live. It is planned for an April release for 1,200 Microsoft Points.

Source: Famitsu Magazine.

[Every week, sister site GamerBytes' editor Ryan Langley passes along the top console digital download news tidbits from the past 7 days, including brand new game announcements and scoops through the world of Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare.]

This week, Xbox Live users can check out EXIT 2, Taito's puzzle platformer title which has been converted from PSP to Xbox 360. They can also buy Braid for 800 Microsoft Points this week, but only if they're a Gold subscriber.

Elsewhere, PlayStation Network users can check out PopCap's Zuma, finally making it to the platform. But this week's draw is Keita Takahashi's Noby Noby Boy, possibly the most bizarre thing you've ever seen.

Wii owners can check out Onslaught, a WiiWare first person shooter done by a Japanese development team. That's something you don't see every day. You can also now check out Commodore 64 titles in the Virtual Console section.

This week's big news is that Sega plan to release Virtual On for the Xbox Live Arcade, in what seems to be the first time Sega of Japan have done anything on next-generation consoles. We also interview DICE about Battlefield 1943, their upcoming multiplayer game for XBLA and PSN.

GamerBytes Specials

Interview: Between A Company And Heroes - DICE Talk Battlefield 1943
We talk to Patrick Liu, director of Battlefield 1943 about distributing a digitally downloadable online shooter for PSN and XBLA.

Xbox Live Arcade

EXIT 2 Now Available On XBLA - Don't Forget Your Cheap Braid As Well
The sequel to Taito's side scrolling puzzler now available on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram Confirmed For Xbox Live Arcade
Sega's classic Arcade robot fighter is coming to the Xbox Live Arcade. I get dibs on Raiden.or Cypher.

Matt Hazard Retro Game Coming To XBLA And PSN
The parody shooter's non-existent classic game gets a little more real.

Gel: Set & Match Announced - Match 3 In This Puzzle Action Game
Semi-sequel to the original Xbox's Fuzzee Fever coming to XBLA soon.

PlayStation Network

EU PSN Store Update - Noby Noby Boy, Street Fighter II HD Remix, Burnout DLC
Europe finally gets Street Fighter II HD, and also enjoy some craziness with Boy.

NA PSN Store Update - Noby Noby Boy, Zuma, And Burnout, HV Bowling DLC
PSN users can begin to take their hallucinogenic substances, because Noby Noby Boy is here. I'm pretty sure that Zuma frog is on something too...

WiiWare

Let's Catch Getting English Release
Don't have time to play catch with your kid? Here's another way that the Wii can do your parenting for you.

First Screens Of Adventure Island: The Beginning Released
Hudson has revealed the first screens of their brand new title in their classic platformer.

NA WiiWare Update: Onslaught And Commodore 64 Comes To Virtual Console
Players can now play downloadable first person shooter Onslaught online with up to for players. Or they can go play The Last Ninja.

The Australian Classification Office has done it again. For the second time this week we can reveal a brand new, unannounced title making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade. Worms Armageddon Decade is coming.

It's been 10 long years since Worms Armageddon made it to the PC, Nintendo 64 and PlayStation. Some still consider it the best Worms game to be released - it had the most weapons, the craziest level designs, and the most fun. Now it appears that team 17 are taking look back with a second revision on XBLA.

The classification has been added by Microsoft themselves, somewhat confirming that this version will not be coming to the PlayStation Network or WiiWare, or at least not under the same title. The PlayStation Network will be getting a Worms title as shown by the German rating board, but it simply using the title "Worms". Whether this is the same game is pure speculation at this point.

The original XBLA Worms was a great title, but was hampered by, at the time, a very low file size. They crammed as much as they could into 50 megabytes, but had to remove a lot of the cool extra weapons found in Worms: Open Warfare on the PSP. This appears to be rectifying that.

Worms was my first Xbox Live Arcade purchase, and the first game I ever got all 200 Gamerscore for. I am all over this. We should be hearing more soon.

Source: OFLC - Worms Armageddon Decade

EXIT 2

"The sequel to Exit, the definitive escape puzzler! Escape danger all over the world! There are no refunds for this item. "

Developer: TAITO CORPORATION
Publisher: Xbox LIVE Arcade
Genre: Action & Adventure
Availability: Not available in Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore
Price: 800 MSP

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

Click here to download the demo via the Web Marketplace.

And don't forget that Braid is now 800 MSP for Xbox Gold subscribers this week.

Capcom and Proper Games's long awaiting title Flock has finally set itself with a steady release date across all platforms. It is now schuduled for release for Windows on April 7, Xbox Live Arcade on April 8 and PlayStation Network on April 9.

Flock was initially announced for a December release, then January, then we didn't really hear much about it for a while. It's a fantastic looking game and has an awful lot of charm going for it too, so it was a shame to see it constantly get delayed. On the upside though, the developers did team up with Sony for an episode of Qore which included a demo of the game for subscribers.

Hopefully Capcom will begin to start up the hype train for this game soon, as they have been awfully quiet about this game in comparison to their slew of digital download titles last year.

Source: Eurogamer - Capcom dates Flock! for PC, PSN, XBLA

In the nineties, with the creation of Sonic the Hedgehog now wowing over the populace, the cute furry animal platformer began its tirade on the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. Everyone was scrambling to get in on that slice of the gaming populace.

Electronic Arts on the other hand, went in a very different direction. Sure they did a bit of publishing with James Pond, B.O.B and Rolo To The Rescue but they were never known for that. Instead the focused on several other genres - sports games like Madden and NBA Live, driving games like Road Rash and Lotus, and crazy simulator games that pushed the Genesis to the limit like F-22 Interceptor and LHX Attack Chopper.

One series that stood out from the pack was the Strike series. Desert Strike, Jungle Strike and Urban Strike - the ultimate helicopter action game.

The upcoming Cave Story from Nicalis is one of the biggest WiiWare titles coming out this year - but they have another game coming too - Night Game (working title).

Previously announced but without a specific platform, Night Game now officially a WiiWare exclusive title. The game is "part action game and part puzzler", where you must "use real physics to maneuver a mysterious, glowing sphere through vastly different locales". It's simple graphic style is a little reminiscent of last year's World Of Goo, but using physics in an entirely different way, more akin to a a more interactive Incredible Machine.

The game is currently up for nomination for Excellence In Design and the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the IGF this year, so this is one to look out for.

Source: Nintendo PR

The Watchmen movie is out next week, and to accompany it Watchmen: The End Is Nigh for Xbox Live Arcade, PC and PlayStation Network will be released a couple of days beforehand. But what of the price?

There has been speculation that the game would be either $15 or $20, considering the current digital download climate, the episodic nature of the game and the high production costs involved. Valve's Steam service have just put the game up on their store for pre-purchase, allowing you to install the game before its released, and then unlock it on release day. The price is set at $20.

While this may be yet another case of PC-tax, which was the case for Bionic Commando Rearmed and several other titles that are more expensive on PC than XBLA, you might want to get yourself in the right mind now pay $19.99 on PSN or 1600 Microsoft Points on XBLA for this game. If it's cheaper, hey it's a bargain. It looks like it might be quite a large download too - the PC version requires 2 gigabytes of space.

Source: Steam - Watchmen: The End Is Nigh

This week on XNA Roundup Nick looks into Zoomaroom, a new platform puzzle game that's worth checking out.

The graphics are incredibly simple but each level uses physics to past them. As a real (Super?) Monkey Ball, you must get to each level's end using the physics on hand, or one of the many powerups available to you. You can get a grappling hook, a jet pack and a ton of other ones too. It's JellyCar meets Monkeys.

The game has 70 levels and the ability to create and send your own levels to other people. For only 200MSP, or $2.50USD, it's an absolute bargain.

If you haven't given the trial a download yet, check out this episode. You can also download each episode via the iTunes music store.

After the reveal yesterday that Worms Armageddon is coming to the Xbox Live Arcade, Team17 Studio Director Martyn Brown, known as Spadge throughout the community, decided to set things straight with their upcoming game, as well as their new Worms game coming to the PlayStation Network this year.

On his blog Martyn reveales that "Worms PSN is an enhanced edition of the hugely successful XBLA edition" and will include "more levels, additional weapons, audio, 1080p support and more besides".

Worms XBLA, being based on Worms: Open Warfare on PSP, did not include weapon favorites like the Holy Hand Grenade, Concrete Donkey or the Buffalo of Lies. Since these were included in the PSP sequel, they should make the round this time.

Martyn then discussed Worms Armageddon Decade, which he says "is subject to a potential name change", is a "vastly expanded edition of the game which mixes classic weapons and features from Worms Armageddon" as well as "some very new (and rather tasty) content".

Excellent news. Hopefully both are not too far away. Keep checking back for more details.

Source: Spadge.net - Mole strike?

Way back in August of last year, we reported that this Eurogamer article cited that Quake Arena Arcade, the port of Quake III Arena to Xbox Live Arcade, had been canned.

Looks like we may have misread it.

According to Joystiq's recent interview with id's John Carmack, he assured them that Pi Studios were "actually very close to finishing that up." It seems that the Eurogamer article was discussing a next generation Quake Arena game outside of Quake Wars, and that they were putting that idea on hold.

So its fantastic news! While Quake Live is currently on open beta (and oddly crashing my whole computer 30 seconds in) Xbox 360 users will also be able to join in on the fun soon enough. Now with Battlefield 1943 and CellFactor also not too far away, who is going to win the digital download FPS multiplayer crown this year?

Source: Joystiq - Quake 3 Arena for XBLA is 'very close' to being finished

Pong Toss – Frat Party Games

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Sports, Arcade
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-4
Publisher: JV Games Inc.

"Pony up-it's Pong Toss time. Compete against your friends or the computer in this ultimate party-game favorite. Play on a regulation table with up to four players. Make consecutive shots for the Fireball bonuses and Roll-Backs as you or your team try to dominate the table and reign as Pong Toss champs. In Speed Pong, up to three challengers can compete at the same time. Speed and strategy are the keys to this fast-paced game. Jack up your opponents by using a slew of power-ups that will slow them down. The first one who sinks the last cup wins it all. Be fast. Be furious. Be victorious."

Snowboard Riot

Wii Points: 1,000
Game Type: Snowboard Racing/Battle
Control Type: Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Wii Balance Board
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment

'This snowboard racing and battle game can be enjoyed by multiple players and is compatible with the Wii Balance Board accessory. In an intense scramble for first place, guide your character down the slopes while snatching up items to attack and defend against rivals along the way. Up to four players can battle and participate in various ranking modes via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection."

Click here for screenshots of Snowboard Riot

A few weeks ago TellTale Games revealed that their upcoming Wallace & Gromit episodic game would be released through Xbox Live later this year. Now they're going back into the archives and releasing Sam & Max Seasons 1 and 2 as well.

Seasons 1 and 2, now under the new titles Sam & Max Save the World and Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space, feature the classic duo of Rabbit thing and Dog as Freelance Police, solving the most bizarre of crimes in New York City and beyond. Originally a comic book and then a highly regarded Lucasarts point-and-click adventure, Sam & Max's new adventures are considered to be just as good.

Most interestingly is that they will not be releasing these titles as episodes on Xbox Live - but instead putting each seasons up for download in their entirety. This is the equivalent of the Wii and PC retail games, which sell for $29.99 in the US. Could we see an Xbox Live Arcade title sell for 2400 MSP?

Like most titles, we probably won't be seeing the price of the game until the eventual release. Being the full seasons they will also be the second and third titles to break the 350MB file size limit, the first being Portal: Still Alive.

Now the question is - which comes first? Sam and Max or Wallace & Gromit? This year is getting more and more expensive with every month.

Source: Sam & Max coming to XBLA with new and improved names

The Japanese website for Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram , and with it is information, screens, and the very first trailer for the game.

Bask in the awesomeness of the game in the trailer above, or you can check out the latest screenshots here. The trailer officially says that online battles are in and shows the game in a widescreen state. The only thing that appears to be missing is a split screen mode. A shame, but online battles should be a blast.

Source: VOOT Xbox 360 Japanese site

In this round-up, we highlight some of the notable jobs posted in big sister site Gamasutra's industry-leading game jobs section this week, including positions from Capcom, NetDevil, Realtime Worlds, PlayFirst, and more.

Each position posted by employers will appear on the main Gamasutra job board, and appear in the site's daily and weekly newsletters, reaching our readers directly.

It will also be cross-posted for free across its network of submarket sites, which includes content sites focused on online worlds, cellphone games, 'serious games', independent games and more.

Some of the notable jobs posted in each market area this week include:

The Xbox.com splash pages are exploding with new content, with Square-Enix's Crystal Defenders being the latest to show up before any specific release details have come in.

Siliconera's remarks that the Xbox Live Arcade, and the PSN version we assume, would include all 3 parts of the game in one package appear to be true. It will include W1, W2 and W3 campaigns in the one package, which is 300 stages of Desktop Tower Defense goodness. Also, in a surprising move, the site specifically mentions TOSE as being the developer. TOSE tend to be behind a lot of games, like Starfy on the Nintendo DS, but they usually keep themselves hidden from the public - the "Ninja outsource developer" for video games.

It's looking good despite the huge border around the game. Hopefully it'll be as addicting as I hope it will be. You can check out the latest English screenshots at our photobucket page.

Source: Xbox.com splash page

Well that didn't take long - website All Games Beta has found itself with a collection of screenshots for the latest in Sega's Vintage Collection series for the Xbox Live Arcade.

Included are screenshots of Comix Zone, Sonic 3, GunStar Heroes, Phantasy Star II, Shinobi And Altered Beast, with the latter being the Arcade versions of their games rather than the Genesis versions. Shinobi is an odd choice, considering the Genesis sequels are far better known.

A damn shame that Sonic 3 is not connected with Sonic & Knuckles like it should be. Maybe an XBLA release of S&K will have something special inside it to connect to the other games, though we highly doubt it at this point.

You can check out some of the screenshots here at our screen gallery. They appear to have updated the games to be as good as the ones on the Ultimate Genesis Collection, with the correct aspect ratios, but also use the same interface as the original Vintage Collections.

My only gripe is that there is no Ristar. It needs to be played by everyone!

Source: All Games Beta. Thanks to Shard for pointing them out.