Gaming News Round-Up: January 19th, 2005

Today's round-up includes news of an interesting new addition to the somewhat underpromoted Xbox Live Arcade, as well as an intriguing new license of Genesis technology for classic Sensible Software games. - Mutant Storm, an award-winning action shooter from PomPom Software in the U.K., is one of the titles available through Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade system. The game can be downloaded to the hard drive once bought, making the Arcade an online distribution system for the independent game. "We are very excited that this deal gives millions of Xbox Live Players the opportunity to try out one of our titles at a budget price. We can't wait for the reaction!" said Michael Michael of PomPom. - Radica Games has entered into a license agreement with Sega Toys and Codemasters to produce a standalone games unit called the Arcade Legends Sega Mega Drive Sensible Soccer Plus. Like the recent Jakks TV games, the unit will plug directly into the TV through the composite video jacks. 3 classic UK-developed games will be featured in the set: Sensible Soccer, Cannon Fodder, and Mega-Lo-Mania. In addition, the unit will come with two controllers for multiplayer modes. The Mega Drive Sensible Soccer Plus is expected to be released in Europe this fall.