Wing Commander for XBLA

Wing Commander Arena is coming to Xbox 360 Live Arcade this summer, Electronic Arts has confirmed, following yesterday's ESRB outing of the game.

The Gaia Industries-developed 3D space combat title will sport a 16-player online multiplayer mode, and is being described as "an arcade-style experience" - whatever that means these days.

"Players can propel their customized ship through space, fire torpedoes and unleash deadly gravity bombs as they try to climb the leader board. Online players will compete for frag count, high score and duelling stats," the fact sheet revealed.

Encouragingly, Chip Lange, EA Vice President claimed: "The design for Wing Commander will appeal to both long-time fans of the franchise and immediately engage anyone who wants the melee style action of an arcade shooter." Those who fancy "longer more immersive game" style will be well catered for, so don't fret.

The game will include four gameplay modes: single player, multi-team, multiplayer free for all and multiplayer duel, and will be available with eight multiplayer maps that cover the various modes.

Set across nine environments, we can also expect: "Two Races with 18 ships for light fighters, medium fighter, bombers. Cloaking devices, energy sucking torpedoes, mines, homing missiles, energy weapons and a myriad of other guns, weapons and devices." Lots of shooting, basically.

Readers in the know will note that this is EA's second foray into the world of Xbox Live Arcade - the other being Bizarre Creation's hugely anticipated Boom Boom Rocket, which is on track for release this Spring, and a title we hope to bring you a more details on shortly.