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Earlier in the month, Xbox LIVE General Manager Marc Whitten announced that Microsoft would be giving a free XBLA game to make up for the horrible (and currently ongoing) issue with Xbox LIVE. Today we find out that game is Undertow. From next Wednesday to Sunday, Gold and Silver members can download the game for free. And for those of you who already own the game, you will need to contact support and they'll credit you back the 800 Points.

I got mixed feelings on this folks. On one hand, a free game is a free game. On the other hand, the free game is something I would not waste my time trying to download. Especially with the ongoing LIVE issue.

For me, this doesn't make up at all for the LIVE problems. How do you all feel about it?

[Via MajorNelson -- Thanks, Harassment Panda!] 


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80 comments | showing # 1 to 50

Vlambo's Avatar
Vlambo at 01/18/2008 14:21
Would've loved free MS points or at least a choice of games. A Sea shooter really doesn't seem all that interesting.
aborto thefetus's Avatar
aborto thefetus at 01/18/2008 14:21
NO NO NO NO NO FUCK NO! WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME! WHY! ALL THE INTERESTING SHIT IS COMING OUT ON XBL WHEN MY SYSTEM DIED! MICROSOFT YOU BASTARDS!

I WANT FREE STUFF!
Wheeliedude's Avatar
Wheeliedude at 01/18/2008 14:23
Another shooter?
At least it's free.
Fuzzy's Avatar
Fuzzy at 01/18/2008 14:25
Hmmm... I don't really want Undertow, so I'm going to brave the depths of XBL support and try to get 800 points credited anyway.
cannedpasta's Avatar
cannedpasta at 01/18/2008 14:26
Since buying my new 360 a few weeks ago and having to wait 8 hours to recover my account, I have had no problems with Live. So, if I'm getting a free game because of some people having problems with a service, then by all means, I will accept it. Do I think it's the right decision? Well, considering the cost of the game is a little more than 2x the cost for 2 months of Live, I don't think it was a bad decision. People are still coming out ahead here.
The Love Above's Avatar
The Love Above at 01/18/2008 14:26
i think everyone needs to quit crying about XBL being down. Who cares if it was acting weird for a couple of weeks.
Krayven's Avatar
Krayven at 01/18/2008 14:28
Eh. It's not bad.. not very good either.
manasteel88's Avatar
manasteel88 at 01/18/2008 14:29
@the love above

the people who pay for it to be online 24/7...meaning everyone.

anyway i was hoping they would give a new release away for free that way they dont have to go through the crediting bs...but whatever...free is free.
brosef's Avatar
brosef at 01/18/2008 14:32
It's no Metal Slug, so I'm disappointed. That and I've never even heard of this game. Whatever, I'm over it.

Now, to get my PC and 360 networked....
AgentMOO's Avatar
AgentMOO at 01/18/2008 14:33
Hey it's a game I wouldnt have played, glad to get it for free.


And if anyone's wondering why we aren't getting status updates on XBL, its because some fucking bastards are suing MS for their 2 bucks. With the issues being involved in an ongoing case they can't disclose those details.

Goddamnit, we need some "stop suing everybody" panda up in here
EternalDeathSlayer's Avatar
EternalDeathSlayer at 01/18/2008 14:35
I've heard this was a good game, but it really doesn't matter to me, as I had no Live problems of any sort.

So I'll take the free game and be happy.
CaffeinePowered's Avatar
CaffeinePowered at 01/18/2008 14:37
Can't argue with free-99
aborto thefetus's Avatar
aborto thefetus at 01/18/2008 14:38
Godamn it, I wanted this game! and I want it for free!

please tell me I can reserve this for download or something off of xbox.com please.....
Fuzzy's Avatar
Fuzzy at 01/18/2008 14:41
@aborto
Try calling XBL support, tell them your issue, and maybe they can help. Either that or email Major Nelson directly. Either one should have about the same level of success.
AngelsDontBurn's Avatar
AngelsDontBurn at 01/18/2008 14:41
That's lame.
DrSpoq's Avatar
DrSpoq at 01/18/2008 14:44
... at least its free :)
winojesus's Avatar
winojesus at 01/18/2008 14:44
i always wondered what a two stick, robrotron style shooter would be like on xbox live.
I can't wait to get this and not ever play the fuckin thing.
ChrisFurniss's Avatar
ChrisFurniss at 01/18/2008 14:46
this game is pretty dumb. lame move, msft.
winojesus's Avatar
winojesus at 01/18/2008 14:50
i always wondered what a two stick, robrotron style shooter would be like on xbox live.
I can't wait to get this and not ever play the fuckin thing.
kaz's Avatar
kaz at 01/18/2008 14:50
Well free is free I guess....I did download the demo and was nearly bored to tears, maybe I can call and pretend I bought it. Should go well enough until they look at my purchase history.
Guagloves's Avatar
Guagloves at 01/18/2008 14:53
Free game is free and free is good.
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 01/18/2008 14:56
I think they should just visit each subscriber and kick them in the face, instead.

Free is good, yes. But not when users deserve more.
ScottyG's Avatar
ScottyG at 01/18/2008 15:03
The game I suppose could've been a better choice, but what's impressing me is that if you already downloaded it you'll get credited back the points. Very cool. :)
GuitarAtomik's Avatar
GuitarAtomik at 01/18/2008 15:07
Well...It could have been Joust. At least Undertow is a decent game with a full single player campaign.

I'd prefer the points though so I could choose.
MYL0R's Avatar
MYL0R at 01/18/2008 15:11
free is free, so even if it's crappy, I'll get it and play it(I've even played Carcassone a few times and learned to enjoy that somewhat)

I'm only upset that my video went out on my 360. So unless I can get to a friends 360 on those days to dl the game with my memory card, then I'm missing out on crappy free content.
ajay42's Avatar
ajay42 at 01/18/2008 15:18
"its because some jewy fucking bastards are suing MS for their 2 bucks. "

seriously? do they ban around here? cause, i kinda hope so.
michiyoyoshiku's Avatar
michiyoyoshiku at 01/18/2008 15:23
that and undertow kind of sucks
Upgrayedd's Avatar
Upgrayedd at 01/18/2008 15:29
I thought the demo was pretty fun, I'll have to get this.
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 01/18/2008 15:30
Woot!
I'd rather have free xbox live though..
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us</a><br/>
kittridge at 01/18/2008 15:30
I'm satisfied
skullivan's Avatar
skullivan at 01/18/2008 15:31
Undertow was one of the highest rated XBLA games of last year. I'm honestly surprised they're giving away such a good game instead of Asteroids Deluxe or something.

I'm psyched because:

A. I wanted Undertow but never did because:
B. I knew none of my friends would get it.
C. I haven't had any Xbox Live issues at all.

Now I get it for free as will everyone I know all because some people somewhere had some trouble with Live. No complaints here.
BaBaBaBaBirdman's Avatar
BaBaBaBaBirdman at 01/18/2008 15:34
I downloaded the demo for this a while back and I didn't understand what the hell was going on. But, hey, if it's free I'll take it and I'll like it.
Darkknight37's Avatar
Darkknight37 at 01/18/2008 15:37
Bullshit, gimmie 800 points or Metal Slug 3 for free.

Or, come out with another update with more vid codecs. :)
Churchhills Dog's Avatar
Churchhills Dog at 01/18/2008 15:43
screw the game, give me a couple of months of gold service which makes more sense. Suppose people don't like this game?
krozall's Avatar
krozall at 01/18/2008 15:45
They should give all Gold users who have an active paid gold account for the month of December 800 gamer points to do with what they want, personally Undertow is a great game. Although if live isn't working 100% then it's pointless cause this game is great for its online multiplayer action. Kinda ironic.


Live is broke, so where giving you this free game you can play online with friend.
Churchhills Dog's Avatar
Churchhills Dog at 01/18/2008 15:47
i think everyone needs to quit crying about XBL being down. Who cares if it was acting weird for a couple of weeks.

gee....I dunno, because they, like, paid cash money for fucking service that is supposed to work?

Not everyone has mom & dad paying the bills, ya know?
Eques-Ardor's Avatar
Eques-Ardor at 01/18/2008 15:47
I agree that this isn't enough... I mean... was it too much to ask for Pacman CE?!
kawitchate's Avatar
kawitchate at 01/18/2008 15:50
i'm kool wit it. i too was expecting Joust or Frogger or some shit.
atheistium's Avatar
atheistium at 01/18/2008 15:55
if you read my blog you'd know im angry about it :P
Scientist tz's Avatar
Scientist tz at 01/18/2008 16:05
Does that mean I can call Xbox support and get them to credit me 800 points for Carcassone from the time that they gave that away for free?
c0dek's Avatar
c0dek at 01/18/2008 16:07
@manasteel88

If you think you're paying for it to be "up 24/7" then you are pretty much stupid. READ THE TERMS OF SERVICE.

If you give me 5 bucks a month to not punch you in the face, you don't get to whine when I kick you in the balls, especially when I took the time to point out to you that I make no guarantees in respect to not kicking you in the balls. Your desire to not be kicked in the balls does not mean you will not be kicked in the balls.
dethrock's Avatar
dethrock at 01/18/2008 16:45
Never heard of this game and I never would have played it. I'll definitely take it for free though.
AlucardX24's Avatar
AlucardX24 at 01/18/2008 17:06
I wanted Bomberman Live. Bomberman Fucking Live.
emotaku's Avatar
emotaku at 01/18/2008 17:12
Fine with me. Neat for those who already bought it I suppose.
SixPounds's Avatar
SixPounds at 01/18/2008 17:20
I KNEW M$ would lame out and give away a shitty live game. I really think every gold member should be given an extended month. I mean what the hell do we pay $50 a year for? If we cant have a free month then let the members choose what game they want. Stoopid M$
Psywolf's Avatar
Psywolf at 01/18/2008 17:21
i have had no problems at all

well one time it took 5 mins to log in but other than that no problems

so free game is awsome
I hope its ok

if there going to give it away for free
it probly isn't that good
DrNutt's Avatar
DrNutt at 01/18/2008 17:21
I don't think any of you whiny asses deserve more. In the words of William Shatner, "GET A LIFE."
Up2NoGooD's Avatar
Up2NoGooD at 01/18/2008 17:33
i wanted goldeneye!!1

but seriously,undertow? haha..oooh man. thanks ms! this really makes up for every game of halo 3 and COD4 ending in a disconnected message over christmas!

if there was ever a time for an epic face palm collage.. this is that time.
Orionsaint's Avatar
Orionsaint at 01/18/2008 17:37
"From next Wednesday to Sunday, Gold and Silver members can download the game for free."

Having not bought Undertow and given it's for a limited time. I sure hope MS sends me an Xbox360 by then or i'll miss my oppurtunity
Atlas's Avatar
Atlas at 01/18/2008 17:46
The demo sucked balls, no matter what good reviews I read I still don't like it. However, it is fucking free and I downloaded YARIS people, so why wouldn't I download this freebie for a few extra achievement points?

Im a consumerist whore, plain and simple.
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