A re-mastered port of A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda, currently available on Steam, was recently announced for XBLA to be published by Aksys. The original game is an action-platformer set in the near-future, casting players in the role of the robot Ares, navigating and shooting his way through a variety of environments that bring to mind memories of Capcom’s Megaman X series. The “EX” in the console version’s title refers to a variety of enhancements made to the game specifically for the new port.
These enhancements are extensive — the game should feel more like a remake than a port by the time everything is said and done. Ares is receiving new upgrades to help him fight completely new enemies in brand new areas. Additionally, the XBLA port adds a second playable character named Taurus, who will be stronger and more tank-y than Ares at the expense of some mobility.
The game will also feature completely redone graphics — both new high-resolution textures added for the EX edition, and all-new animated cutscenes. In addition to the excellent soundtrack by Hyperduck Soundworks, the EX edition will come with a second soundtrack composed by Charlie Parra Del Riego, whose metal stylings will fit the new Taurus character.
The game looks to be following in Spelunky’s footsteps, another PC game that had an excellent conversion to the XBLA platform. More great games on XBLA are always welcome — look forward to more news regarding A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX in the coming months!
