Now that I’m back in school and living the poor and destitute life of a college student, I have very little time or money for gaming. However, thanks to the bite-sized digital delights available through the likes of Xbox LIVE Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and WiiWare, I have managed to maintain a shaky, yet enduring grasp on my sanity. The games are small enough that I don’t feel terrible when I neglect them for weeks at a time, and I can generally purchase them with the spare change found beneath the cushions of my couch. This is why one of the most exciting announcements to come out of E3 2010 so far for me was the return of Microsoft’s Summer of Arcade for the Xbox 360.
Scheduled for later this summer, Summer of Arcade 2010 will once again present gamers with a collection of five highly-anticipated Xbox LIVE Arcade titles over a period of five weeks. Summer of Arcade promotions of the past have brought us titles such as Castle Crashers, Geometry Wars 2, Braid, and Shadow Complex. What does Microsoft have in store for us this summer? Here’s the list:
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light showcases a new isometric cooperative adventure that aims to deliver instant, intense action and bite-sized puzzles which will fit perfectly into the coveted Summer of Arcade lineup.
Hydro Thunder Hurricane
Featuring all-new, over-the-top themed environments, rocket-powered speedboats, gorgeous visuals, and amazing dynamic water physics, Hydro Thunder Hurricane is the adrenaline dripping sequel fans have been waiting for.
Monday Night Combat
Monday Night Combat for Xbox LIVE Arcade is a class-based, third-person shooter, and the most popular lethal sport of the future! It blends intense combat, finishing moves, and gameshow-like challenges and rewards to produce an action experience unlike any other.
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair
In the vein of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and the brilliantly-crafted Nintendo DS Castlevania titles, Castlevania: Harmony of Despair is a 2D, side-scrolling, multiplayer action-adventure for Xbox LIVE Arcade. Featuring a cast of characters from previous Castlevania titles, players can choose their favourite heroes and co-operate to defeat the forces of darkness.
LIMBO
An innovative and stylish side-scrolling adventure from independent developer PlayDead, LIMBO challenges gamers to explore and experiment in order to overcome the dangers of a mysterious and perilous environment. Gamers will be lost in the dark visuals and enchanting atmosphere of LIMBO.
Check out the Summer of Arcade 2010 trailer below.
Richard Mitchell is a video game addict living in Toronto. He has been gaming for more than two decades, and despite multiple interventions, continues to game today. He has an Xbox 360, a PS3, a Wii, a Nintendo DS, a gaming PC, and a life, and does his best to juggle them all. 
Don’t complain. I got it just as bad and I’ve been updating….
oh yeah. never. ><