Microsoft is turning its weekly Xbox Live update into an impromptu dance party with a pair of downloadable rhythm games. Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has revealed a slate of launches, including Konami's Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3 and the musically minded puzzle game Chime.
The North America-only online release of Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3 is leading the Games on Demand charge. Launched in October of 2008, the third Xbox 360 installment in the long-grooving dance series features a tutorial mode for those new to the series, Party and Quest modes, and more than 70 songs to keep a gamer's feet moving. Unfortunately, digital distribution can't deliver peripherals, so gamers will need to bring their own dance mat to the party. DDR Universe 3 is available for $29.99.
Gamers outside of North America and Asia will be getting a different Games on Demand addition in Electronic Arts' first-person shooter Medal of Honor: Airborne. Originally released to positive reviews in 2007, the game's main attraction was the way players would parachute into each level. Instead of spawning at a set point, players could maneuver their landing to start just about anywhere in a level, though dropping in too far from the designated safe zones could be especially hazardous.
Wrapping up the week's new Marketplace diversions is Chime, and this Wednesday's Xbox Live Arcade debut. Developed by Zoe Mode (Crush, Rock Revolution), Chime sees players arrange oddly shaped blocks on a playfield to form quadrilaterals and reshaping background music by the likes of Moby and Philip Glass as they go. The game also has a charitable component, as at least 60 percent of its 400 Microsoft point ($5) asking price will go to the OneBigGame charity initiative, which works with organizations like Save the Children and Starlight Children's Foundation.
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