This week, 360 fans get both Crystal Defenders and Peggle. As luck would have it, both games are actually pretty good. Two good games in one week? What have we done to deserve this? Of course, they aren't free -- they're 800 each. Still, they're both worth at least trying. Check out the latest episode of XBLA in Brief and see if either one is for you.

Download the trial version of Crystal Defenders
Download the trial version of Peggle

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If you haven't already read Joystiq's review of Watchmen: The End is Nigh, you really should. If you have read it and you still have the masochistic desire to learn more, allow us to direct you to the latest installment of XBLA in Brief. Unfortunately, the game just isn't all that great. Of course, we expect that from licensed games, and we might even be willing to forgive it, but the $20 price tag makes The End is Nigh difficult to recommend. Don't take our word for it, though. Give the video a watch and see what you think.

Download the trial version of Watchmen: The End is Nigh

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Joystiq Xbox presents to you the fantabulous Halo Wars Limited Edition unboxing video. Gasp as you see the iron-on patch unveiled. Scream as you eye the coveted Mythic Map Pack DLC redemption card. Shriek as you peer at naked Elite flesh in the graphic novel (no, seriously).

If none of that works for you, you could always just watch the video in thoughtful silence. You should definitely watch it, though.

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This week, XBLA in Brief takes a look at Exit 2. In short, it's a lot like the original Exit. In short, Exit 2 isn't especially EXciting, if you get our drift. It's not bad, per se. In fact, some people will probably love it, but we imagine a lot of gamers will be put off by its slow pacing. Check out our thoughts on the trial version in the video above.

Download the trial version of Exit 2

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In a very special edition of Points > Life, we outline the location of each of the three new skulls hidden on the upcoming Mythic Maps for Halo 3: Assembly; Orbital and Sandbox. If you plan on skull hunting when you pick up the maps (via Halo Wars CE or XBLM this Spring) you should remember, the skulls -- and subsequent achievements -- can only be obtained in Halo 3's Forge Mode.

Assembly and Orbital have easy to obtain skulls but Sandbox can be quite a pain in the (Mark VI-plated) butt. The Sandbox Skull is hidden beyond the boundaries of the map so expect the large (Guardian protected) light towers surrounding the area to decimate any player who attempts to leave the area. Fortunately, with the help of a trusty teleporter, we were able to snag yet another Halo 3 Skull. A detailed description of how to grab the Sandbox skull can be found after the break.

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Apart from the fact that it's missing the original theme song -- which was the best ever, FYI -- the XBLA version of Death Tank is the same Death Tank we know and love. Of course, not everyone is familiar with the original Saturn game (which could only be unlocked as a mini-game in Powerslave or Duke Nukem 3D). For fans and newcomers alike, we present the latest XBLA in Brief.

Download the trial version of Death Tank

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This week, XBLA in Brief takes a look at 3 on 3 NHL Arcade and the (sort of) surprise release, Minesweeper Flags. Let's put it this way, one of them is a decent game and the other is a retread of a freeware PC game that you probably already have on your computer right now. Watch and enjoy.

Download the trial version of NHL Arcade
Download the trial version of Minesweeper Flags

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This week on XBLA in Brief, we take a look at R-Type Dimensions, a new compilation of R-Type and R-Type 2 in one fancy Arcade package. You want 2D graphics? You got 'em. Remixed 3D graphics? Those are in there too. Crazy 2D and 3D camera options? Oh yeah. About the only thing it doesn't have is an attractive price: It's 1200 points. Still, hardcore shooter fans should take notice.

Download the trial version of R-Type Dimensions

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After a week on hiatus, XBLA in Brief is back with a brand new episode. This week, we bring you The Maw, a surprisingly enjoyable action adventure title. Feed Maw all the animals he can stomach (hint: a lot) and watch him grow and gain lots of nifty powers. Oh, and did we mention the game is gorgeous? Yeah, well it is. Check out the latest episode and see if it's for you.

Download the trial version of The Maw from Marketplace.

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Let's face it, 2008's XBLA lineup did not go out with a bang. One week later, the first XBLA title brings in the new year with about the same level of excitement. Yes, Interpol brings all the excitement of hidden item searching to Xbox Live Arcade. We're not exactly sure we were really craving it in the first place, but it's here now whether we like it or not. Check out the latest episode of XBLA in Brief to see if spotting random objects is for you.

Download the trial version of Merv Griffrin's Crosswords from Marketplace.

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The last XBLA game we will receive in 2008 is Merv Griffin's Crosswords. We're not exactly sure what to make of that, honestly. Hopefully, you can figure out what to make of it by watching our latest installment of XBLA in Brief. Whatever you think of this week's offering, just remember that an entirely new year of Xbox Live Arcade goodness begins tomorrow. Here's hoping 2009 is even better.

Download the trial version of Merv Griffrin's Crosswords from Marketplace.

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There are lots and lots of puzzle games on Xbox Live Arcade, but this one, Puzzle Arcade, is a real puzzle game. That is to say you actually put together jigsaw puzzles. If you just can't piece that together, check out the latest episode of XBLA in Brief. We'll help you puzzle it out.

Download the trial version of Puzzle Arcade from Marketplace.

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This week on XBLA in Brief, we take Dash of Destruction for a spin. As you've no doubt heard by now, Dash of Destruction is available for free on Xbox Live Arcade. The reason: it's a sponsored game that was primarily created to help sell Doritos. No seriously, you can see the word Doritos right there on the title screen. So, how does Dash of Destruction stack up to that other free advertising game on XBLA? Watch the latest episode to find out.

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Points>Life (Points Greater Than Life) has returned and with it comes a request made in the comments of our recent Prince of Persia launch coverage, the achievement "Sword Master." This achievement asks players to nail the 14-hit combo in Ubisoft's Prince of Persia and it may seem way more complex than it should. Firstly, the achievement should be done early in the game. We recommend attempting the attack in your first encounter with the Concubine because later in the game enemies will block your attacks, ending your combo.

The specific combo players should use for this combo may seem complex but it's pretty simple, the trick to to watch the onscreen animations for visual cues to input each button combo. Also, make sure to draw the Concubine to the center of the area during the fight because knocking her to the edge will break the combo. If you mess up during the attempt make sure to keep eyes on your enemy's health, the combo will take off 1/3 of her total damage.

Prince of Persia 14-hit Combo

(then any one of the following to finish the combo)
or or

[Thanks to X360A.org for the Xbox button icons and tips]

We've got ourselves a twofer this week. On the one hand we have a new version of the formerly DS exclusive (and well received) puzzle game Meteos Wars. On the other, we have a new multi-directional shooter by the name of PowerUp Forever. Find out if either one is for you by watching the latest episode of XBLA in Brief above. We also have a brand new feature this week. Below you will find the Xbox Live Marketplace links to the trial versions of each game. So, if you decide you'd like to give one of them a go on your Xbox 360, you can queue it up for download without even leaving your computer. How sweet is that? (Answer: totally flipping sweet).

Download Meteos Wars trial game from Xbox Live Marketplace

Download PowerUp Forever trial game from Xbox Live Marketplace

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