As the majority of you know, the classic first person shooter, Perfect Dark is coming to Xbox Live Arcade this March. Due to licencing issues, Rare's similar, more popular game, Goldeneye 007, will never be released again (most likely). This however, is the next best thing. Microsoft recently confirmed that Perfect Dark will contain maps and weapons from their Nintendo 64 exclusive, Goldeneye.

Maps confirmed to be included in the game are classic recreations of Facility, Temple and Complex. I realize these were included in the original game as unlockables, however some people aren't aware of that. You can expect to relive the Nintendo 64 glory in high definition on March 17, costing you 800 Microsoft points.

MS confirms GoldenEye Maps for Perfect Dark [Videogamer]

Just after the announcement that Perfect Dark will be coming to the Xbox Live Arcade next month comes some more information and possibilities for the game. According to Kenn Lobb, Microsoft Game Studios’s Creative Director and executive producer of Perfect Dark, the game may see DLC based on the audience’s reaction to the game after it releases.

It’s currently all speculation but DLC has been tossed around with the XBLA port and the decision will rest mainly in the “audience” (aka you!). Some potential DLC content could include new maps and even new guns. Lobb also explained that the game will have several different controller layouts available (original, COD-style and Halo-style). I’m assuming that the Halo-style will allow for full screen control of the crosshair while COD and original might not (remember there were no dual joysticks back in the day).

Pefect Dark XBLA Could Get More New Maps, Weapons [Kotaku]

Rare has sent out the news that the remake of Nintento 64 classic Perfect Dark will be playable at the Microsoft X10 press event next week in San Francisco. Originally released 10 years ago, the port to an Xbox LIVE Arcade game was announced last year and this is the first quality news leading up to a release date since then. Safe money would be to expect a late February or March release date of the digitally remastered classic. One new screen shot was sent along with the info and can be seen above.

In an annual report released late yesterday by Forecasting and Analyzing Digital Entertainment, LLC, (FADE) it was reported that Xbox LIVE Arcade had generated $103.4 million in revenue for the 2009 fiscal year, a 34% increase from 2008.  FADE attributes the increase in sales to the strong summer marketing campaign that brought along several top selling titles like Shadow Complex, Trails HD, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2.  Fade also reported that the average revenue per user was down slightly this year coming in at $2.79, which would dictate that the marketplace has grown as a direct result of having a larger customer base.  This also tells me that this market is largely untapped with such a small dollar amount tied to what each LIVE member is spending.

Here is a list of FADE's estimated top revenue generators of 2009:

1. Battlefield1943 - $12.5 million
2. Castle Crashers - $7.3 million
3. Trials HD - $7.1 million
4. Shadow Complex - $6.1 million
5. Hasbro Family Game Night - $4.2 million
6. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 - $4.2 million
7. Magic: The Gathering - $2.8 million
8. Worms 2 - $1.8 million
9. Peggle - $1.8 million
10. Turtles in Time: Reshelled - $1.8 million

The third game from The Behemoth, the developer's who brought us Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid have finally given a name to their third project and it's dubbed 'BattleBlock Theater.' Sporting a single player campaign that can also be completed cooperatively with a friend, you'll find yourself shipwrecked on a mysterious island where you are forced to compete in a deadly theater for the locals. Beyond that, there will be hundreds of characters and weapons to unlock along the way which will coincide with your ability to customize your face and head shape of your character. In terms of other game modes, The Behemoth has been pretty quiet about anything beyond the multiplayer displayed above in the 2 v 2 mode.

Expect more news later on this year and enjoy the new trailer above. BattleBlock Theater is scheduled for a 2010 release on the Xbox LIVE Arcade.

In a game world with increasingly violent and bloody video games arriving at store shelves on a monthly basis, developer Artificial Mind & Movement are keeping the violence and psychopathic tendencies in place, but replacing the blood and guts with stuffing and fabric. Set on the Island of Perfection, you will assume the role Naughty Bear, who will go about exacting revenge by tormenting, torturing, and slaying the stuffed inhabitants who got on his bad side and pushed him over the edge.

Featuring over-the-top cartoon violence, you'll go about unlocking a total of 28 levels on the island as you start your warpath. Ensuring replayability, the island will throw different obstacles, weather, challenges, and characters each time you fire up the game. There will even be several multiplayer modes available at launch which will allow you to measure up your violent tendencies with gamers around the world.

Naughty Bear is scheduled for a release some time in the second quarter of 2010 on the PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade.  Enjoy the first trailer and gallery below.

[View with PicLens]

Sega is bringing yet another Genesis classic to Xbox Live Arcade, and it’s up to fans, the gaming community to decide which one. Between now and August 21, head on over to Sega’s website and cast your vote.

The title with the most votes received will be released on XBLA at a yet-unspecified date. Look for the winner to be announced on August 22. I personally put in a vote for Golden Axe II, but it looks like Earthworm Jim is poised to come out on top, capturing a whopping 47 percent of all votes thus far. No complaints here if it wins, however. Both are quality classics.

Sega Lets Fans Choose Next Genesis XBLA Title - [eXophase.com]

Publisher CDV has issued a trio of screenshots from Serious Sam HD, the remake of 2001’s destructive over-the-top first-person shooter. Check them out after the break.

On a related note, CDV let us know of a contest inviting fans to submit their own witty one-liners for possible inclusion in the game. For those feeling ballsy enough, simply send a tweet over to Devolver Digital with your line. Entries are being accepted from July 15-30. One lucky quipper will earn a coveted spot in the game’s credits. Additionally, John J. Dick, the voice of Sam, is lending his talent to record the winning line.

Serious Sam HD is scheduled to hit Xbox Live Arcade and PC later this summer.

Serious Sam HD Screenshots

New Serious Sam HD Screens, Win Recognition In Serious Tweet Contest - [eXophase.com]

With the original target date having come and gone, Capcom has officially given word on when we can expect to be dueling over Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network with Marvel vs Capcom 2. Releasing at the end of this month on the 29th and with a price point of 1200 Microsoft Points on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and $15 via the PlayStation Store, this will be a "must-buy" for most fighting game fans. So there you have it, start preparing and remembering your best character combination from back in the day; with 56 to choose from, have fun mastering 25% of them.

This week’s round of XBLA releases invite gamers to get their multiplayer on in Worms 2 Armageddon and King of Fighters ‘98.

Both are priced at 800 MS points, with Worms 2 featuring a wealth of upgrades over the original, including additional play modes and four-person multiplayer via Live or local. On the other hand, King of Fighters is a straight port offering upscaled visuals and one-on-one online multiplayer.

XBLA Wednesday: Worms 2 Armageddon, King of Fighters ‘98 - [eXophase.com]