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Marathon and Spyglass on Weds

Live Arcade double-whammy.

Most good things come in pairs, which is why Microsoft is bombarding us with two new Live Arcade games tomorrow.

The first is Marathon: Durandal for 800 points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.30) - an old Bungie game revamped by developer Freeverse. It puts you in the shoes of humanity's sole-survivor, who has to explore an alien planet and uncover its secrets - using his diplomatic friend, a pistol.

All the old images have been redrawn, controls re-mapped for the 360, and Live multiplayer integrated. Pop over to our Marathon: Durandal gamepage for the latest images and trailers.

Spyglass Board Games is the other title on offer for 400 points (GBP 3.40 / EUR 4.65). As the title suggests, the old classics such as chess and checkers (draughts, dammit) are on offer, but with a twist. Using Live Vision integration you can personalise the board, pieces and video effects you see - as well as chatter to you friends while you back them into a strategical corner.

Both games have the usual 12 achievements on offer totalling 200 Gamerpoints if you can get them all. And some will. We'd stake our bus ticket on it.

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