Microsoft
The last House Party on Xbox Live was such a success that Microsoft has decided to bring it back this year again starting Feb. 15. Each week, a new title will be released for four consecutive weeks, bringing must have releases straight to your console. This year’s line-up is packed with highly anticipated titles each and every week. Likewise, Xbox Live for Windows Live is getting some love with their Must Have Games feature. These titles will also be coming out roughly on a weekly schedule starting in February.
Warp
Warp is EA's highly anticipated puzzle-based stealth action title. As the little orange alien Zero, you must plan your escape after being imprisoned by the evil Commander in his underwater hideout. Using all your alien abilities, you must find your way to freedom as quickly and quietly as you can. Warp is set to be the first release for Xbox Live House Party on Feb. 15
Alan Wake's American Nightmare
Alan Wake (2010) was an instant hit, and many of its fans demanded a sequel. This year, they're finally getting what they asked for with Alan Wake's American Nightmare. Although it may not be the full featured release fans expected, this arcade title will dish out a whole lot more of The Darkness. With a new storyline, new location, and new game mode, this will definitely quench the thirst diehard fans have been feeling! Alan Wake's American Nightmare is set to be the second release for Xbox Live House Party on Feb. 22
Nexuiz
Nexuiz may be new to Xbox Live Arcade, but it's actually a classic to any PC gamer. This title is a fast paced arena first person shooter ready to dominate Xbox Live. Nexuiz takes place in an alternative universe where to alien races have been battling for years. Technically, they're in the middle of a truce, but it's so weak, they still agree to fight each other - but solely in a gladiator-like arena battles. Just like how the rules of the truce don't apply, in this game the rules of battle and the laws of physics don't always apply either. Feel free to bend them in any way you can to get any advantage you need. Nexuiz is set to be the third release for Xbox Live House Party on Feb. 29
I Am Alive
I Am Alive has been in the works for quite a while and in the time it's undergone a complete overhaul. Set one year after a cataclysmic event that wiped out almost everyone on the entire globe, I Am Alive is the typical story of one guy desperately hanging onto a thread of hope that his family might still be alive. What makes this adventure so interesting is that he's not your typical hero. The main character isn't portrayed as an over-the-top, super-powered action movie star but rather as the average Joe just trying to survive. You'll be forced to keep track of your stamina level and make sure you don't burn yourself out while venturing through the ruins, so make sure to come up for air every so often. I Am Alive is set to be the fourth release for Xbox Live House Party on Mar. 7
BulletAsylum
BulletAsylum is an upcoming arcade style shooter that seems to be a tribute to the classics with a modern twist. With an almost endless arsenal of firepower and eye-popping graphics reminiscent of Bizarre Creation's Geometry Wars (2003), these developers are hoping to set Xbox Live for Windows Phone on fire with this title; and later, the PC as well. BulletAsylum is set to be the first release for Must Have Hits sometime in early February.
Chickens Can't Fly
Chickens Can't Fly is the zany sequel to Amused Sloth's Chickens Can Dream (2011) where anything and everything goes... as long as it involves chickens. You're challenged to join forces with the world's top scientist to figure out just what chickens can and can't do! Players will steer a falling chicken down a trench past all kinds of deadly traps and obstacles. It's somewhat like the ever-popular Doodle Jump only in reverse and with chickens! Chickens Can't Fly is set to be the second release for Must Have Hits sometime in February.
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is an adaptation of the 2010 console release under the same name. Featuring two separate campaigns - one cop, one racer - set on 24 different tracks; players will be able to choose from any of the 20 high-performance vehicles in the game. Anyone who's played the original release will know exactly what to expect, however, it'll just be in a more compact design for phones. Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is set to be the third release for Must Have Hits sometime in late February.
Splinter Cell: Conviction
Splinter Cell: Conviction will also be an adaptation of a 2010 blockbuster released under the same name. The only downside to Splinter Cell: Conviction is that unlike Need For Speed's mobile game, SC:C will be taken out of the hands of its original developers. The game is still supposed to be a true-to-the-original port for Windows Phones, so hopefully these developers will do the game justice. Splinter Cell: Conviction is set to be the fourth release in Must Have Hits and will likely release in March.
Toy Soldiers: Boot Camp
Toy Soldiers: Boot Camp is the third installment in the Toy Soldiers series that have been hit sellers on the Xbox Live Arcade. This follow-up to Toy Soldiers and Toy Soldiers: Cold War is hopping to build on the already solid tower defense and shooting gallery mixed game play its predecessors have established. Toy Soldiers: Boot Camp will be the fifth and final release for Must Have Hits and will likely release in mid-March.