Microsoft To Release Free Student Game Aegis Wing Over XBLA

Microsoft announced that this Wednesday it will release Aegis Wing, a new original side scrolling shooter over the Xbox 360's popular Xbox Live Arcade. The game, which will be released in addition to the previously announced Soltrio Solitaire, will be available free of charge to all Xbox Live Silver and Gold members in North America, though only for a limited time. Aegis Wing is described as an old style 2D sci-fi themed shooter “that combines epic space combat with fantastic visuals, and is set to a rich symphonic soundtrack.” According to Microsoft, the game was originally conceived by three students, Scott Brodie, Danny Dyer and Matt Monson, who interned with Microsoft's Live Arcade group during the summer. The students worked together with the developers at Carbonated Games (UNO) to bring their vision from concept to reality. The downloadable title will also support up to four players either locally or over Xbox Live, as they fight and shoot down “waves of nefarious Araxian ships and bosses.” Aegis Wing will also include an interesting feature that will allow players to combine their ships in two, three, or four ship formations in order to gain access to a variety of “super weapons.”