XBLA: Weekly Releases and Prizes Company: Microsoft Product: XBLA With summer winding down, Microsoft has decided to see the season out with a bang by introducing the Summer of Arcade. Beginning this week with the release of Geometry Wars 2 on XBLA, Microsoft will be releasing what are probably the service's most highly-anticipated games. In addition, Microsoft is also awarding players with weekly prizes, including a grand prize of 100,000 Microsoft Points -- enough to keep you in Arcade, Guitar Hero and Rock Band DLC for years! The best part is that all you have to do for a chance to win is play games. Each week players will earn entries simply by logging into XBLA and playing that week's XBLA game. At the end of the 5-week period, one Grand Prize winner and two Second Place winners will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. The Grand Prize includes 100,000 MSP as well as an Xbox 360 Elite console and a 12-month Gold subscription. The second place prize pack includes 10,000 MSP and a 12-month Gold subscription. The release schedule is as follows: July 30: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 - The latest version of the wildly popular retro shooter offers screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available at 800 Microsoft Points. August 6: Braid - From acclaimed developer Jonathan Blow, Braid is a mind-bending and artistic puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. Braid is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB. August 13: Bionic Commando: Rearmed - The classic 8-bit side-scroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that put 2D gaming back on the map! Bionic Commando: Rearmed is rated M for Mature by the ESRB August 20: Galaga Legions - The legend lives on with Galaga Legions, a reimagining of the classic arcade shooter. Featuring table-turning game dynamics and updated graphics, the game was created by the team behind the bestselling PAC-MAN Championship Edition from Namco Bandai Games. Galaga Legions is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. August 27: Castle Crashers - Award-winning studio The Behemoth brings red hot arcade adventure to Xbox LIVE Arcade with Castle Crashers, featuring hand-drawn characters and an array of weapons to choose from as you defend your kingdom and save the princess. Castle Crashers is rated T for Teen by the ESRB. -Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker Related Links: Summer of Arcade -- Official Site Summer of Arcade -- Sweepstakes Details