It has been awhile, and the wait may finally be over. One of the more anticipated Xbox Live Arcade games to be announced (Hey, where's Hoopworld?), has finally found itself an official page on Xbox.com. Not only that, but Xboxic also has 'inside sources' that point towards a May 30th release.

Now, let's get to the OXM Review: 8.0
Pros: Great pick-up and play gameplay, feels worth the 800 Microsoft Point ($10) price point.
Cons: No instant-rematch system for groups in multiplayer, repetitive soundtrack.
Facts: 8 players over Live, 4 player split-screen locally. Also, alot of achievements require you to explore the environment (Easter Eggs in Marble Blast Ultra, anyone?).

Check out some old stories about Mad Tracks, maybe we even had a part in the delay - and the Live! - As well as our interview with Denis Bourdain himself!

- Klutch86

Is it possible? Could Mad Tracks actually come out on XBLA? And "soon"? It can and it will according to Load Inc.'s website.

This is great news for those that have been waiting for this game since it was announced in February of 2006 for a "Spring 2006" release. Yeah, that plan didn't quite work out. But, we will finally get the game we wanted (read: with online multiplayer) so we should avoid complaining too much.

Speculation at GamingTalkHQ puts the game's release in 2-4 weeks. Let's hope it is sooner rather than later.

[via GamingTalkHQ]

Hot off the presses comes word of this weeks new release, which is the "controversial" Double Dragon. Some may recall a bit of a fuss over the new HD look of the graphics, so this release will give us the perfect chance to make our decision in person. Of course not only is Double Dragon coming this week, but Microsoft has let slip a few more games that will be "coming soon". Full details below, but for the entire press release read the full post.

The legendary arcade classic that introduced gamers to co-op street-brawling action is back and looking better than ever. Team up with a friend or prepare to go it alone, because "Double Dragon" is hitting Xbox LIVE® Arcade Wednesday, May 9, at 9 a.m. GMT (2 a.m. PDT). "Double Dragon," from Empire Interactive Ltd., is a genuine re-creation of the classic coin-op arcade game. For the first time ever, fans of the franchise can play "Double Dragon" online with a friend over Xbox LIVE.1 The game features enhanced art, a new soundtrack and a host of extras. "Double Dragon" is the story of Billy and Jimmy Lee, twin brothers who learned to fight on the cold, tough streets of their city. Their expert knowledge of the ancient martial art of Sou-Setsu-Ken, combined with their streetwise outlook, means that they're two of the most formidable combatants ever to walk the streets. Billy and Jimmy will use their feet, fists, elbows and whatever weapons come to hand to defeat the gang that kidnapped Billy's girlfriend. "Double Dragon" will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft® Points and is rated E10+ by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, with mild suggestive themes and violence. Game Features The title includes the following: · Two-player co-op multiplayer locally or over Xbox LIVE1 · Special extras such as a look at the original Japanese and U.S. "Double Dragon" sales fliers · Gameplay with either the original graphics or with new high-definition graphics

In a press release this morning, D3Publisher of America announced that they will be publishing three titles for the XBLA service. While we already knew about (and are eagerly awaiting) Mad Tracks, the other two are new announcements for the service. RocketBowl is described as Miniature golf meets Bowling, While Puzzle Quest is a game that needs no explanation to casual game fans everywhere.

While Mad Tracks and Puzzle Quests are on my day one purchase list, RocketBowl sounds quite interesting and, if done correctly, has the potential to be the sleeper hit of the three.

Click read more for the PR...

[via Mygamertag.net]

Xbox Archive has found out some [url=http://www.xbox-archiv.de/?p=5541]new information about the XBLA racing game Mad Tracks[/url]. According to Denis Bourdain of Load Inc, the title is currently in certification and will see a release for 800 MS Points. This price point is odd considering that the PC title is available for $15 (1200 MS Points). Also included in the update are some new shots of two of the cars that will be available with the game.

Xbox360Achievements.org has just posted the achievement list for the upcoming Load Inc. game Mad Tracks. It seems like a good mix of challenges, my early favorite being "Real Fun" where you have to complete five of the in game challenges while playing split screen. Personally I'd like to see more achievements in games be set up around local multiplayer.

Check out the whole list here.

Everyone's favorite french indie developer Load Inc has been working hard to bring customers what they want. When Mad Tracks was first announce, it was not going to include any online multiplayer component. After many complaints, Load Inc decided to add the feature.

Over in the xboxic forums, Denis Bourdain, VP Business Dev at Load Inc, has stated that "we had a pretty good first overall review from the test team at Microsoft." and when pressed about the multiplayer component, he said: " Multiplayer is done and it's great, thanks."

Also at xboxic, are 5 new screenshots of the multiplayer menu interface.

With the game being so close to complete, here's hoping that we see a 2006 release.

The people who run the Independent Games Festival have announced the entries for the 9th iteration of the show. While many of the games are completely unknown to the general public, this is not due to the quality of the game but rather due to the lack of marketing budget. So next time you get sick of Tony Hawk 52 or Madden 78 check out this list for some great games.

Another thing to note that three upcoming XBLA games are on the list; Load Inc's Mad Tracks, Naked Sky's RoboBlitz, and The Behemoth's Crashers.

You can check out the list here.

Load Inc., the Paris based company behind the highly anticipated Mad Tracks, has announced via press release that they will be attending CGDC in Leipzig. At the European developers conference, they will be representing Mad Tracks, as well as a previously unannounced racing title also bound for XBLA titled ToW.

Also announced were the expected release time frames for both titles. Mad Tracks is hoping for Q1 2007, while ToW is slated for Q3 2007. With no current driving genre games currently released, it's good to see that Load Inc. is looking to rectify that.

After months of playing coy, Denis Bourdain revealed recently to Xboxic, that Mad Tracks will indeed have online multiplayer.

When Load Inc. first announced Mad Tracks was coming to XBLA, many people were extremely happy that Microsoft had finally found something to fill the Revolt/Micro Machines hole in their lineup. Later, it was revealed, that due to time and money concerns, the game would be released without an online multiplayer component. Today's news comes after a fair bit of backlash that Load Inc. received about it's lacking.

As with almost everything it seems these days, with the good comes some bad. In order to code the PC's net code from the ground up, the game has been pushed back "several months" from it's estimated mid-September date.

Thanks Hexx and Audie for the heads up.