Microsoft has a new promotion for those gamers who are just getting into the the Xbox Live scene. Those gamers who have just created a Gamertag can register via a .NET site to receive a download code for the XBLA version of the classic tabletop game Settlers of Catan. The article is formally for recommending friends, but any user who has created a Gamertag since the twenty-fifth of this month can sign up. The offer ends exactly one month from inception, and so you new Live users have until the twenty-fifth of March to get in on the action. A word to the wise though, the site decrees that (even though the whole thing involves not a single sheet of paper) it will take between six and eight weeks for your "gift" to arrive. Jeez Microsoft, speed it up bit would ya?
While it may not be as exciting as, say, a downloadable expansion, there is new Catan content available on Xbox Live Arcade. It's not particularly exciting though, as it won't significantly alter your game at all. First, there is a picture pack available that will set you back 100 MS Points. Somewhat more interesting, you can download the Mayfair skin, which will give your gameboard the appearance of the original Mayfair Games version. The Mayfair skin will set you back 100 points as well.
Anyone planning on downloading this content, or will you save your money for an expansion?
Connectivity, friends, fun, racial epithets: unfortunately, all of these things are trademarks of Xbox Live. You can also throw in the screeching voices of the prepubescent and those who think their personal soundtrack should also be heard through everyone else's headset. And of course, there are even a few wretched souls who insist on singing.
But not in Catan apparently. Joystiq's Alexander Sliwinski reports that Catan is a veritable bastion of civility and grace in the sophomoric minefield of Xbox Live. It seems he has been able to play game after game without one player-related issue. Not one. He even played a round with our own David Dreger (who must have held himself in check). As Sliwinski notes, Catan presents a different kind of experience on Xbox Live and it presumably attracts a different kind of player. If this is the kind of precedent set by board games on XBLA, Microsoft may just be in for an unexpected jump in sales.
800 points for some peaceful, enjoyable gaming doesn't sound bad at all, now does it?
Remember how back in February we told you about Ken Rolston, lead designer for both Morrowind and Oblivion, joining the ranks of Big Huge Games (of recent Catan fame) to work on an RPG project? Well, last week there was an official announcement from THQ that they are working on that very same RPG project alongside BHG (with Ken in tow) and it will be hitting Xbox 360s, Windows Vista PCs and PS3s in 2009. Tim Train, President and COO of BHG displayed his enthusiasm towards the project's direction in the RPG genre. Make the jump to take the dive for more PR fluff to sift through. Still, THQ & BHG RPG FTMFingW?
Friday's Penny Arcade pertained to last week's XBLA release Catan, starting off with the revelation of Gabe, of all people, sitting down to play a round. Obviously, that's slightly out of character, although it is revealed in the accompanying podcast that Mike actually has played the real life counterpart, and much to everyone's surprise, hated the game.
Today's strip is a continuation of the storyline, but no longer relates to Catan anymore, for obvious reasons. We spent the better part of our weekend trading wool for ore, what about you? Expect a full X3F review on Catan to come later this week.
Angry that you can't download the trial version of Catan? Too frightened to pony up 800 Microsoft Points for a game you haven't played? If so, why not get Catan for free? Our friends at Uncle Gamer scored a copy and they're giving it away to one lucky winner. What do you have to do? Simple, just answer one little question: what's your favorite board game? If you'd like your shot at a free copy of Catan, head over to Uncle Gamer and give it a go.
Keep in mind, leaving a comment here will win you absolutely nothing (except love and affection from us, of course).
As many of our commenters pointed out, the trial version of Catan has disappeared from Xbox Live Arcade. Major Nelson informs us that the trial version was pulled because of a "technical" issue. The Live team is currently working on a fix for the trial version and will put it back on Live as soon as possible. If you've already managed to download the trial version it should work fine (in other words, you don't have to delete it).
Of course, if you like taking risks, the full version is still available for 800 points.
We're at a loss for words. Xbox Live Arcade has set an unprecedented streak. For weeks upon weeks, we have had no gaps in our gaming goodness. Furthermore, we have even received multiple games during the same week. Now this week we'll be getting both Catan and the Centipede/Millipede combo. We only have one question: what the hell are we supposed to complain about? Xbox Live Arcade was our go-to source for dissatisfaction and now it seems to be humming along ... smoothly. Catan can be had for 800 points, while Centipede and Millipede will set you back a mere 400.
For the last two weeks in a row, Microsoft has put out two Xbox Live Arcade titles each Wednesday. This week, however, they're changing it up by giving is three titles! Well, two and a half, really, but still, it's pretty badass. We got some retro love with Centipede and its sequel Millipede, packed together for 400 Microsoft Points, complete with "Evolved" versions of both. On the newer side of things, Catan, for 800 MS points, will also be available. We know a lot of readers have been looking forward to Catan coming Arcade, and now the wait is almost over, with two more sleeps to go. So, which off these three two are you going to play Wednesday?
Board game lovers rejoice! Catan has received a new release month! Even better, that month is in fact next month. Yes, Catan is now scheduled to drop onto Xbox Live Arcade in May. The official Catan web page has been updated with the new month as well as a breakdown of the features and achievements for the game. The website also contains wallpapers, buddy icons, and even MP3 downloads of the game's soundtrack. Eager Catan fans should definitely check it out. While we would love an official release date, we take comfort in the fact that Catan is a maximum of 38 days away.
In Joystiq's Off the Grid feature, Scott Jon Siegel recently interviewed Brian Reynolds of Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games, as 360 Fanboy readers know, is the developer of the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title, Catan. The interview focuses on the challenges of bringing the classic board game to Xbox Live Arcade (and the process of computerizing it in general). Reynolds speaks about creating challenging AI and streamlining the interface so that players aren't drowning in information. The last tidbit, probably the one most of you will be looking for, is that Big Huge Games recently sent what they hope to be the final build of Catan to Microsoft. Assuming it makes it through the Dreaded Certification Process®, we could be playing Catan in mid-to-late March. Hit the "read" link for the full interview (including lots of development photos).
Ken Rolston, the lead designer behind both Morrowind and Oblivion, has come out of retirement. Having announced his retirement last May, Rolston has been pulled back into the industry by Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games, as 360 Fanboy readers will know, is currently developing the Xbox Live Arcade title, Catan. Rolston said of the decision, "A chance to work on a Big Huge Game with Big Huge Games? Who could resist?" He added, "I had planned to retire and rest on my laurels after Oblivion, but Tim and his army of visionary charmers came along with a strikingly original and cunning concept for a console RPG...so now I'm back in the harness and chomping at the bit!"
We won't delve into Big Huge Games' practice of putting harnesses on their designers, but the announcement is sure to excite western RPG fans everywhere. Platform designations for the upcoming game have not yet been announced (though it is noted as a console RPG), but considering Big Huge Games has been busy familiarizing themselves with the 360, we're optimistic.
Big Huge Games has announced that Catan, the Live Arcade version of the classic board game, will be arriving on Xbox Live Arcade in the 1st quarter of this year. While this was somewhat expected, given Microsoft's recently announced lineup of Arcade games, it's still a good sign that the game should show up soon. Also confirmed is that Catan will support three to four players over Xbox Live and that AI opponents will be available. The designer of the original board game and the Arcade version, Klaus Teuber, has been working closely with Brian Reynolds to create challenging opponents. Teuber even admits that he has lost several game to the CPU.
If you can't get your fill of Catan, be sure to visit the game's official website, where you'll find screenshots and strategies for the upcoming game.
Microsoft announced ten new games for Xbox Live Arcade today. Calling them new isn't exactly correct, as most of them have been confirmed or at least rumored. Still we were given a list, and we will distribute it.
3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures -- coming from Sierra Online and Wanako (Should we just assume multiplayer will be broken then?)
Alien Hominid HD
Band of Bugs -- Tactical strategy game from NinjaBee? Yes, please.
Paperboy (Man, that cert process must take a long time.)
Root Beer Tapper
Worms
Xboxyde scored images from several of these titles, which you can view by clicking the "read" link. We're particularly interested in Band of Bugs, but these are all potentially great titles. No release dates have been given, though the press release says they should be available in "the coming weeks." We can't wait.
X360A has come up with the achievements on 4 (count 'em 4) huge upcoming Live Arcade games. Achievements have been revealed for Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Alien HominidHD, Catan, and yes, Worms. We can only assume Catan is the shortened title for Settlers of Catan. Catan's achievements are fairly basic, of the "get X many points" variety. The SOTN achievements have a spoiler in them, so read at your own risk. The Worms achievements are centered around online play and will more than likely be unlocked by regular play. The Alien Hominid HD achievements range from funny to difficult. Some of them are downright evil (beat the final boss without using a continue -- 30 pts). So evil that you have to pronounce it "E-ville."
Hopefully this is a sign of these games releasing soon. We'll certainly welcome the fresh blood. Then again, how the hell will we pay for them all?
Connectivity, friends, fun, racial epithets: unfortunately, all of these things are trademarks of 
Remember how back in February we told you about Ken Rolston, lead designer for both Morrowind and 
Friday's Penny Arcade pertained to last week's XBLA release 
Ken Rolston, the lead designer behind both Morrowind and 
