Microsoft today announced that Treasure’s arcade shooter Ikaruga is slated for a release this Wednesday on April 9, as was listed on Xbox Japan last month.

Featuring HD visuals fit for widescreen, the XBLA remake includes two player co-op over Live or offline, the ability to record gameplay sessions and share them with friends, and twelve new achievements.

Alongside the debut of Ikaruga, indy developer Void Star Creations is releasing two new downloadable content packs for their XBLA title Poker Smash. Priced at 100 Microsoft Points per pack, the new content features 13 environments and 70 new puzzles in total.

The Arcade Shooter Gamers Have Been Clamoring For: Treasure’s “Ikaruga” Launches On Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday and Void Star Releases New Downloadable Content for “Poker Smash”

The Japanese arcade hit “Ikaruga” receives the full Xbox LIVE Arcade treatment and is poised to launch on the platform this Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PDT).

“Ikaruga” is a fast-paced scrolling shooter with a twist – players must constantly switch their ship’s polarity to maximize their damage output and avoid incoming enemy fire of the opposite polarity.

“Ikaruga” on Xbox LIVE Arcade features a two-player co-op mode both locally and over Xbox LIVE. Newcomers can also easily bring their skill up to speed by using the game’s slow motion training mode.
“Ikaruga” is a perfect combination of beautiful, manga-style storytelling and challenging arcade heroics, all brought to life in a gorgeous HD environment.

Gamers itching to obtain a moment of “Ikaruga” glory will be wise to master the chaining system that detects when enemies of the same polarity are destroyed consecutively. Doing so will reward players with huge score bonuses, which will be key to topping “Ikaruga’s” leaderboards.

The ability to relive a particularly harrowing battle is also possible thanks to the game’s record and replay function, which is new to the Xbox LIVE Arcade version of the game.

From the Japanese developer Treasure, “Ikaruga” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more details on “Ikaruga” please visit:

* http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/i/ikarugaxboxlivearcade

Independent developer Void Star Creations unveils two new downloadable content packs for their hit Xbox LIVE Arcade title, “Poker Smash” this Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PDT). The new content includes two Action Mode Environments in the Environment Pack and an additional 15 Puzzles in the Puzzle Pack, giving “Poker Smash” players a total of 13 immersive environments and 70 mind bending puzzles. The “Poker Smash” Environment Pack and Puzzle Pack will each be available for 100 Microsoft Points.

“Poker Smash” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more details on “Poker Smash” please visit:

* http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/p/pokersmashxboxlivearcade

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