14 DAY TRIAL // PopCap Games, the company that profits the most from the increased popularity of casual games, has released all the information a player needs related to the launch of its flagship title, Peggle, on the Xbox Live Arcade service provided by Microsoft for gamers who have bought an Xbox 360 console. The videogame is set to arrive tomorrow for all users and will cost 800 Microsoft Points, which is pretty low for a title that can be played and re-played for months.
PopCap says that the game has been redesigned to take advantage of the Xbox 360 controller, while the graphics have been redone to benefit from the high definition output of the console. Players should also consider the fact that Peggle for XBLA has 55 levels for the single player portion, 75 levels for the Challenge Mode, a Quick Play mode and ten Peggle masters that can be unlocked.
For the first time, the game also gets a multiplayer section, with two different modes and a choice between TrueSkill matches, powered by Xbox Live, and normal matches. There's also a Duel Mode, which can be played locally by two players, and a Peg Party Mode, which is only available by connecting to Xbox Live. PopCap is also pointing out that the game has been created with downloadable content in mind, meaning that more levels, Peggle Masters and even game modes can be easily added.
Greg Canessa, who is the vice president of videogame platforms at PopCap, has stated that “Peggle has become a cult gaming phenomenon, crossing over and becoming as big a hit with hard core gamers as it has with casual players. This makes XBLA the perfect platform for the game. With the XBLA version, we’re delivering even more features that appeal to the diehard enthusiast with an incredible multiplayer experience and community elements that take Peggle to new heights. When you combine the multiplayer experience we’ve created with some of the online features and downloadable content support, PopCap is providing an all-new way to play Peggle competitively with room for expansion and future growth.”
Another PopCap product, Bejeweled has recently been added to the PlayStation Network and PopCap will continue its three-month Peggle Fever promotion, which will see the release of Peggle on other platforms, while also allowing casual gamers to take part in competitions and prize draws.