http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=194165

Microsoft has listed the next five XBLA games to be released in its "Summer of Arcade" - and it's a pretty fantastic line-up.

Three games we've been waited an age for, Geometry Wars 2, Castle Crashers and Bionic Commando: Rearmed, will all be released on the Xbox 360 download service in just a few weeks' time.

Also among the five-some are artistic platformer Braid and Namco retro sequel Galaga Legions. It's going to be an expensive month...

What's more, Microsoft has also announced that everyone who plays the trials or full versions of these games will be entered into a draw for a weekly and grand prize.

Five weekly winners get 4000 Microsoft points, while the grand winner blags 100,000 of the points, 12 months' Xbox Live Gold and an Xbox 360 Elite. Two runner-ups get the XBL Gold subscription and 10,000 points.

The full line-up is as follows:

July 30: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 - The latest version of the wildly popular retro shooter offers screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available at 800 Microsoft Points.

August 6: Braid - From acclaimed developer Jonathan Blow, Braid is a mind-bending and artistic puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. Braid is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB.

August 13: Bionic Commando: Rearmed - The classic 8-bit side-scroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that put 2D gaming back on the map! Bionic Commando: Rearmed is rated M for Mature by the ESRB

August 20: Galaga Legions - The legend lives on with Galaga Legions, a reimagining of the classic arcade shooter. Featuring table-turning game dynamics and updated graphics, the game was created by the team behind the bestselling PAC-MAN Championship Edition from Namco Bandai Games. Galaga Legions is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

August 27: Castle Crashers - Award-winning studio The Behemoth brings red hot arcade adventure to Xbox LIVE Arcade with Castle Crashers, featuring hand-drawn characters and an array of weapons to choose from as you defend your kingdom and save the princess. Castle Crashers is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

3 must buys there for me...plus winning cool stuff is always great.

Good to know MS cares about xbox live...

Can't wait for Bionic Commando!

I'll be getting every single one of those :(

Wow. Awesome.

Some might argue, but this is by far, the best month in the history of digital downloads. No other system can boast this kind of depth & quality for their lineup on a console.

I think that actually publishing the timeframe of the games will build up anticipation for each title, and help them all sell better.

First week predictions:

Geometry Wars 2: 25,000
Braid: 20,000
Bionic Command Rearmed: 22,000
Galga Legions: 14,500
Castle Crashers: 40,000

I think CC, Braid and Geo Wars will easily hit 100,000/$1,000,000 in their first month on the market, with CC having a good shot at 250,000.

My god! I'm totally commited to 4 out of 5 of those games and have a possibility of Bionic Commando if reviews are positive. Looks like I'm shelling out for a second card just for these 5 titles. This is why XBLA is the best downloadable service. Just look at the quality....and the quantity! Castle Crashers is approaching and I expect many to buy it on here so we can do 4 player co-op.

Geometry that good?

Looks like my Gamer Points are going to run out!!

@konnichiwa - Yea GW is really good.

It's a very solid game. It got great reviews, and it's $5.

However, Geo Wars 2 is $10 which is a bit more...Still worth it since it's adding in 2 players.

They're going to have to add a lot to GW to get me to buy it again, and I've played Bionic Commando to death - HD graphics don't thrill me. This Braid game sounds interesting, though.