Microsoft plans to kick off their Must-Have Games on Windows Phone program on May 25. Like similar promotions on Xbox 360, this program highlights a high-quality game release each week. Must-Have Games, which will run through June 29, includes an impressive lineup of titles such as Angry Birds, Doodle Jump, Plants vs. Zombies, and much more.
The program was originally announced in late February and was supposed to begin on April 6. Unfortunately, it was delayed indefinitely. Then, at MIX 2011, Microsoft announced that Angry Birds–which was originally planned as the highlight of the promotion–would be released on May 25. Most people assumed this meant that the Must-Have Games program would start sometime in late April or early May. Sadly, that was not to be.
Thankfully, the wait is finally over. Microsoft has officially announced the release dates for the titles in the Must-Game Games program, which can be found below. And, as expected, Angry Birds caps off the promotion. This information comes courtesy of the Windows Phone Blog.
May 25: Hydro Thunder Go
Hydro Thunder Go is a remake of the highly acclaimed classic arcade racer. Blast through 9 ferocious courses with the powerboat of your choice and compete against 10 devious opponents. In addition to visually stunning environments and insane track layouts, the ever-changing water conditions keep the races varied and interesting — everything from fluidly billowing waves to clear, still water, visualized with reflection and refraction effects.
Price: $4.99
June 1: Doodle Jump
Jump, jump, jump to the top, top, top with Doodle Jump, the runaway hit for Windows Phone! Guide the Doodler on a springy journey up the never-ending sheet of graph paper to see how far you can climb. Leap from platform to platform, finding your way higher and higher using brilliant contraptions such as springs, propeller hats, and jet packs. Avoid broken platforms, menacing black holes, UFOs, and baddies. Blast them with your nose balls!
Price: $2.99
June 8: geoDefense
Obliterate a horde of vibrant, vector-styled enemies in this fast-paced tower defense game. Devastate creeps with blasters, lasers, and missiles, and watch their energy debris swirl through the gravity wells of your vortex towers. Demonstrate your pixel-blasting skill to all your friends on Xbox LIVE leaderboards, and earn Achievements as you hone advanced defense strategies.
Price: $2.99
June 15: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 – Episode I
Featuring enhanced gameplay elements, including the classic Sonic Spin Dash and the versatile Homing Attack, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 picks up right where Sonic and Knuckles left off. Dr. Eggman’s back, and in an effort to finally rid himself of Sonic, he revisits — and improves — the very best of his creations. Get ready for the next chapter in an all-new epic 2-D saga built for old and new fans alike.
Price: $6.99
June 22: Plants vs. Zombies
Each zombie has its own special skills, so think fast and plant faster to combat them all. Be careful how you use your limited supply of greens and seeds — as you battle the fun-dead, obstacles such as a setting sun, creeping fog and a swimming pool add to the challenge. With five game modes to dig into, the fun never dies!
Price: $4.99
June 29: Angry Birds
The survival of the angry birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the green pigs who stole the birds’ eggs. Use the unique destructive powers of the angry birds to lay waste to the pigs’ fortified castles. Angry Birds features hours of gameplay, challenging physics-based castle demolition and lots of replay value. Each of the 195 levels requires logic, skill, and brute force to crush the enemy.
Price: $2.99
Sources: Windows Phone Blog, Must-Have Games
