I'm underwhelmed...

I reported a little while back that Microsoft was going to offer a free Xbox Live Arcade game in order to assuage the hurt sensitivities of Xbox Live users for the recent woes experienced while using the Xbox Live service. It was my opinion that Microsoft should just give us the points and not a specific title. Well, guess what they did? They decided to give us a specific title. It turns out to be none other than Undertow. An underwhelming game that I suspect might not have lived up to sales expectations. Gee thanks, Microsoft. I played the trial version and wasn't thrilled. Here is the press release:

The free XBOX Live Arcade game promised by Microsoft as compensation for the downtime has been announced. Undertow (normally 800 Microsoft Points) will be available to download from Wednesday 23rd January 2008 till Sunday 28th January 2008 for free.

Developed by Chair Entertainment Group, Undertow is one of the highest-rated and best looking games available on Arcade. Undertow redefines aquatic based shooters through a mix of high-definition graphics, intuitive controls and multiple modes of game play action. The game features a full story driven-single player campaign, on and offline co-op, and multiplayer for 2-16 players over Xbox LIVE for Gold subscribers. Players battle for control of the oceans as one of three selectable races, each with four unique, upgradeable units.

Xbox Live Compensation

Rumors have it that Microsoft is going to be compensating Xbox 360 owners with a free Xbox Live Arcade game for the issues that cropped up with Live over the holidays. That is nice and all, but I would rather they just gave us the points so I can buy whatever I want. What if I already have the game they are offering? This is still just a rumor, but I think they could handle it better than giving us some lame Xbox Live Arcade game no one wants.

Xbox Live coming to India.

I wonder who they will outsource tech support to?

Microsoft India has announced that its Xbox Live service will be available in the country on November 5, with exclusive local content.

Live users will be able to download already-released UTV Bollywood films as well as trailers of 'Hanuman Returns' and content related to the upcoming Harman Baweja film 'Love Story 2050.'

As with Xbox Live services in other countries, there will be Silver and Gold memberships available.

Microsoft also announced a "rent a game" service for which the company has partnered with a film rental company called Seventymm. "Rent a game" will enable Xbox Live users to rent the latest Xbox 360 titles for a fixed number of days.

"We have just celebrated the first anniversary of Xbox 360 in the country this year and it is with a celebratory spirit that we offer our Indian consumers even more entertainment options on Xbox 360." said Robbie Bach, global president of Microsoft's E&D Division.

"This is not only a firm reiteration of our commitment to the Indian market, but also an exciting foray into connecting our Indian consumers to a world of 7 million Xbox LIVE members around the world."