Microsoft Rewards 'Live' Users With Original Xbox Game Downloads

Gaming enthusiasts in the United States have reasons to cheer now. Microsoft has decided to add download feature to the planned Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update which is scheduled for a December 2 release, enabling gamers to download original Xbox game titles to their hard drive.

Apparently rewarding its subscribers on the occasion of 5th anniversary of Xbox Live for making it a big success, Microsoft said that in addition to the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update six new full version original Xbox games will also be available for download starting December 4th.

The owners of Xbox 360 gaming device would be able to download Burnout 3, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Fable, Halo: Combat Evolved, Indigo Prophecy for a mere 1200 Microsoft points or approximately US$15 each.

“Since its pioneering launch, Xbox Live has consistently lead the way in terms of innovative features and quality content. New services such as the ‘Xbox Originals’ demonstrate precisely why Xbox Live is – and will remain – the premiere online destination for console gamers,” said Andrew Jenkins, Xbox Product Marketing Manager.

That is not all; the real bash is on November 15th, the actual 5 year anniversary of Live, when Microsoft will allow worldwide Xbox Live users to download Sierra's Xbox Live Arcade hit Carcassonne for free. Gamers can download the board game Carcassonne at no charge until just before midnight on November 17th. Users in Korea will be able to grab Hexic 2 at no charge.

Moreover, the company will also reward 500 free Microsoft Points to the Xbox Live veterans, who have been members of the service since its inception in 2002.

"In just five short years, Xbox LIVE has revolutionized the way friends and family have fun in the living room," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of LIVE, software and services at Microsoft. "On its fifth birthday, Xbox LIVE truly is the place for hanging out with friends and enjoying downloadable TV shows, movies, videos, game add-ons and now downloadable Xbox games on demand."

In addition to the six new gaming titles Microsoft is also planning to re-release more Xbox content on the Marketplace soon. Plans are in hands to make the original games for Xbox available on Live Marketplace which can be played on the Xbox 360.

Microsoft's Xbox Live connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games.

This innovative and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network currently offers more than 3,200 hours of entertainment content from more than 30 studios and networks. It is the only online service that offers downloadable movies and TV shows in high definition.

Microsoft has described Xbox 360 on its Website as a superior video game and entertainment system that delivers the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 will have a portfolio of more than 300 games and will be available in nearly 40 countries by the end of 2007, Microsoft has stated.