Free Download of 'Texas Hold'em' Headlines New XBOX Live Arcade Games

Microsoft is allowing Xbox Live Silver and Gold members to download (and own) 'Texas Hold'em' within the first 48 hours after launch. The game is set to launch on Wednesday, August 23 at 0800 GMT (1am Pacific). After the first 48 hours 'Texas Hold 'em' for Xbox Live Arcade will be available for 800 Microsoft Points. I don't want to do the math myself but 500 points costs around $6.

This game has some nifty features that are designed to simulate the risk-reward of real poker gameplay. The down side of all faux gambling is that there is the lack of a real risk and that endless supply of chips makes it easy for the lamers to go all in every hand. An innovative new feature called Persistent Bankroll helps keep gamers honest and discourage opponents from betting too recklessly by tying your virtual bankroll to your Xbox Live Gamertag and keeps a running tally of your chip count. If you lose all of your chips in a poker game, you'll have to play lower stakes buy-in games to make back your stack and earn your way to the big tables. What that 'buy-in' entails is still not clear.

'Texas Hold 'em' for Xbox Live Arcade will accommodate up to eight gamers with three different modes of gameplay (Standard Games, Scenarios and Tournaments). High definition graphics should make spending countless hours easier on the eye. If you are looking for recognition you can expect to have your achievements saved in your gamer profile and look to get on the extensive online leaderboards and statistics.

In addition to the exciting release of 'Texas Hold 'em' on August 23, gamers can also look forward to new game titles and premium downloadable game content on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays from August 16 to September 6, including:

• 'Cloning Clyde Picture Pack', the action adventure/puzzle game created by Wahoo Studios/NinjaBee (developer of the popular 'Outpost Kaloki X' for Xbox Live Arcade), will have 4 new gamer picture packs available on Xbox Live Marketplace on Wednesday, August 16, allowing gamers to check out more unique pictures of Clyde. Each gamer picture pack: 100 Microsoft Points (each).
• 'Time Pilot', the futuristic fighter pilot classic from Konami, lets gamers fight through different eras like never before. High-definition graphics and enhanced gameplay designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade makes this version even better than the original from 1982. Gamers can download 'Time Pilot' on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday, August 30. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.
• 'Scramble', the classic side-scrolling 'shoot-'em up' coin-op title from Konami takes off on Xbox Live Arcade. The 1981 classic, widely considered the first 'multi-level shooter,' launches on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday September 6. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.

All games can be demoed for free which I highly recommend doing as some games are not always as fun as you remember them. Happy gaming.