Microsoft Announce "Arcade NEXT" for XBLA

Microsoft have announced Arcade NEXT, a promotion for Xbox Live Arcade that focuses on the next big releases for the platform. Along with the promotion, Microsoft have announced that, starting in April, all new XBLA games will include up to 400 Gamerscore (up from a maximum of 200) and up to 30 achievements.

Arcade NEXT kicks off on April 18th with the release of Trials Evolution, followed by Bloodforge on April 25th, Fable Heroes on May 2nd, and Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition on May 9th.

Some blurb about the titles, from the press release:

TRIALS EVOLUTION (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Ubisoft/RedLynx)
April 18, 1200 Microsoft Points

“Trials Evolution” is on every front, the next dimension of the smash-hit, award-winning “Trials HD.” Bust out of the warehouse into an outdoor world of night and day, curved driving lines, and spectacular scenery. Multiplayer comes alive in your living room or on Xbox LIVE. Build your own tracks with the in-game editor or download those of any other player from the new Track Central. Customise your bike and rider with awesome gear and unique parts, enjoy innovative skill games, try ghost racing, beat your friends' scores and more! Don't miss the madness!


BLOODFORGE (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Climax)
April 25, 1200 Microsoft Points

With a brutal combat system, stunning art style, and a deeply compelling story, “Bloodforge” empowers you to slaughter hordes of demonic soldiers, deformed worshippers, and the gods themselves, using ferocious Rage Kills, devastating Rune attacks, and furious Weapon Combos. Help seal Crom's fate - and the fate of the rest of the world - in this dark, visceral story of revenge, betrayal, and destiny.


FABLE HEROES (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: Lionhead Studios)
May 2, 800 Microsoft Points

“Fable Heroes” is an action-packed, hack-and-slash adventure built for Xbox LIVE Arcade. It delivers a fresh spin on the “Fable” franchise with a unique art style and gameplay that takes playful competition to the next level. Whether on the couch or using Xbox LIVE, up to four players can work together to defeat enemies while also competing with one another to collect gold coins and level up. Precious gold collected in Fable Heroes can be imported into the forthcoming Kinect title “Fable: The Journey” providing players with a valuable head start from day one.


MINECRAFT: XBOX 360 EDITION (Publisher: Microsoft Studios; Developer: 4J Studios/Mojang)
May 9, 1600 Microsoft Points

“Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” brings the global “Minecraft” phenomenon to console gamers for the first time. The Xbox LIVE Arcade version of this game features an innovative new crafting interface, natural controller movements, a full tutorial mode to teach the basics and for the first time in “Minecraft”, split-screen multiplayer as well as over Xbox LIVE.