Remember that cute little title from Gastronaut Studios that started the rave about viral Achievements?  It was awarded an Untouchable Award for its Six Degrees of Small Arms.  Well get ready to dust it off as Small Arms gets an injection of new content.  Two new maps and two new characters are ready for download to breathe some fresh life into this action Xbox Live Arcade title. 

There is also a picture pack for the game ready to go at 100 Microsoft Points.

The new downloadable in-game content includes the 2 new characters Ivar and Gullarp as well as the two levels Arctic Ice Float and Pillaged Village.  It also comes bundled with additional Achievements to unlock. 

How much: 250 Microsoft Points

As I mentioned in Episode #23, Microsoft continues to unload the punches this holiday season with another original Xbox Live Arcade title this Wednesday and a new program, Xbox Live Arcade Challenge.

Non-stop vehicular combat action at its best is coming to Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday with “Assault Heroes“. Developed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade, this fresh, innovative action combat game from Wanako Studios and published by Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, is read ready to assault the Xbox Live Arcade.

Key feature:

Multiplayer co-op mode – Two players may play co-operatively online via Xbox Live or offline (same screen) with enhanced weapons and special attacks to encourage team-based campaigns.

How much: 800 Microsoft Points
When: Wednesday, December 13, after 0800 GMT (1:00 a.m. PST)

Xbox Live Arcade Challenge is a brand new program featuring fully integrated global tournaments designed specifically for all people playing Xbox Live Arcade games. The program is for all levels of gamers – those who like to compete and win, and those who simply want to play and join in with friends. Gamers can play for points, prizes, and fun.

The first two events feature the recently released Xbox Live Arcade titles “Lumines Live!” and “Small Arms”.  So get your skills tuned because I’m coming after that 42″ Plasma!  Registration has already begun and ends December 22.  Don’t say you weren’t informed if you miss out.  Get all the Xbox Live Arcade Challenge details here.

Boy how time flies when you’re playing great games, getting dashboard updates and logging in millions of sessions over Xbox Live huh?  Do you remember camping and the Best Buy 360 locators that were spreading around in the community during launch?  I sure do.

It’s been a long, fun ride this past year and I’d like you all to join me in giving a big WOOT! to the Xbox 360 for a great first year!  It’s been an amazing year with a lot of surprises and announcements.  I can’t wait to see what the coming year(s) will bring.

You’d think that a console would take its birthday off but nope…not the Xbox 360.  Today you can head out to the Xbox Live Marketplace and download Small Arms, new Obilivion content in Knights of the Nine and the Xbox Live Video Marketplace comes alive today as well!  And I won’t even mention that tomorrow the Lost Planet multiplayer demo hits. (ok so I just did)

And if those weren’t enough reasons to sit down this holiday weekend with the Xbox 360, then how about 360+ more reasons to love it!  Xbox.com’s TriXie, came up with over 360 reasons for you to settle down with the Xbox 360.  I love #317 the best!  I was informed that the list isn’t in order of importance but who cares…#317 ROCKS BABY!

Happy Birthday Xbox 360!

Perhaps the most anticipated Xbox Live Arcade original title, Small Arms is set to debut this Wednesday right before you dive into some turkey.  The biggest surprise of them all is that the speculated price point of 1200 Microsoft Points was just that…speculation. 

GAME FEATURES:

12 characters, each with their own weapon
8 unique levels
12 Achievements, including the innovative “Six Degrees of Small Arms” viral achievement
Up to 4-player multiplayer offline and on Xbox Live
Local Multiplayer / Xbox Live Swap – allows players to swap out a local friend with a friend over Live without leaving the game!
Three single player game modes (Story, Challenge, and Shooting Range)
Colorful 3D graphics with classic side-scrolling run and gun action
Expect premium downloadable content for this title in the future – providing new game play elements and unique challenges for Small Arms fans

How much: 800 Microsoft Points
When: Wednesday, November 22, at 1 a.m. PST on Xbox Live Arcade

For those of you who may have missed it, be sure to check out an interview roundtable with the guys at Gastronaut Studios about Small Arms!