Tech Shout!

Just sometime back there were rumors in the rounds, regarding an Xbox 360 reincarnation of Wing Commander. And now its publisher and producer - Electronic Arts (EA) has gone ahead and confirmed that the historic sci-fi series is indeed headed for Microsoft’s console. However it will not be a full-priced title, but will be only an XBLA gameling called Wing Commander Arena, which will be co-operatively developed by Gaia Industries. If this name rings a bell, then you’re right, as this is the same studio presently working on Street Trace: NYC (website), also for the Xbox Live Arcade.

Wing Commander Arena is a fast-paced space combat game where players can team up to attack other teams of ships. The game introduces the classic franchise to an arcade-style experience that allows up to 16 players online in battle at once. Players can propel their customized ship through space, fire torpedoes and unleash deadly gravity bombs as they try to climb the leader board. Online players will compete for Frag count, high score and dueling stats.

Wing Commander Arena was first noticed on the ESRB website a few days ago, with a rating of “E” for “fantasy violence”. And now Gamasutra brings official word from Electronic Arts that the game is slated for release this summer on XBLA, with support for 16 players, as mentioned before. They also offer some additional bits of info:

“Arena brings arcade-style multiplayer battles to the Wing Commander universe with player competing in their customizable ships for highest frag count, high score, and dueling stats.

Electronic Arts has revealed that Arena will feature four styles of play, including single player, team based multiplayer, free for all multiplayer, and a multiplayer duel. The game features eight maps covering all of the above game types, which, EA notes, will offer gamers customizable experiences from quick ‘ten minute action’ games, or a ‘longer more immersive game’.”

Chip Lange, EA Vice President said, “We’re really excited to deliver unparalleled multi-player arcade action.” Lange added, “The design for Wing Commander will appeal to both long-time fans of the franchise and immediately engage anyone who wants the melee style action of an arcade shooter.”