games  anime  |  toys
Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 



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!] 


Continue: More Xbox Live Arcade stories





prev
next 50 comments

80 comments | showing # 1 to 50

Vlambo's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:21
Vlambo
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:21
aborto thefetus
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:23
Wheeliedude
Another shooter?
At least it's free.
Fuzzy's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:25
Fuzzy
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:26
cannedpasta
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:26
The Love Above
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:28
Krayven
Eh. It's not bad.. not very good either.
manasteel88's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:29
manasteel88
@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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:32
brosef
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:33
AgentMOO
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:35
EternalDeathSlayer
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:37
CaffeinePowered
Can't argue with free-99
aborto thefetus's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:38
aborto thefetus
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:41
Fuzzy
@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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:41
AngelsDontBurn
That's lame.
DrSpoq's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:44
DrSpoq
... at least its free :)
winojesus's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:44
winojesus
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:46
ChrisFurniss
this game is pretty dumb. lame move, msft.
winojesus's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:50
winojesus
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:50
kaz
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:53
Guagloves
Free game is free and free is good.
Sharpless's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 14:56
Sharpless
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:03
ScottyG
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:07
GuitarAtomik
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:11
MYL0R
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:18
ajay42
"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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:23
michiyoyoshiku
that and undertow kind of sucks
Upgrayedd's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:29
Upgrayedd
I thought the demo was pretty fun, I'll have to get this.
Cheeburga's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:30
Cheeburga
Woot!
I'd rather have free xbox live though..
kittridge's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:30Image Hosted by ImageShack.us</a><br/>
kittridge
I'm satisfied
skullivan's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:31
skullivan
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:34
BaBaBaBaBirdman
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:37
Darkknight37
Bullshit, gimmie 800 points or Metal Slug 3 for free.

Or, come out with another update with more vid codecs. :)
Churchhills Dog's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:43
Churchhills Dog
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:45
krozall
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:47
Churchhills Dog
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:47
Eques-Ardor
I agree that this isn't enough... I mean... was it too much to ask for Pacman CE?!
kawitchate's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:50
kawitchate
i'm kool wit it. i too was expecting Joust or Frogger or some shit.
atheistium's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 15:55
atheistium
if you read my blog you'd know im angry about it :P
Scientist tz's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 16:05
Scientist tz
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 16:07
c0dek
@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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 16:45
dethrock
Never heard of this game and I never would have played it. I'll definitely take it for free though.
AlucardX24's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 17:06
AlucardX24
I wanted Bomberman Live. Bomberman Fucking Live.
emotaku's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 17:12
emotaku
Fine with me. Neat for those who already bought it I suppose.
SixPounds's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 17:20
SixPounds
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 17:21
Psywolf
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 17:21
DrNutt
I don't think any of you whiny asses deserve more. In the words of William Shatner, "GET A LIFE."
Up2NoGooD's Avatar - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 17:33
Up2NoGooD
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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 17:37
Orionsaint
"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 - Comment posted on 01/18/2008 17:46
Atlas
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.
prev next 50 comments

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 
New on Destructoid.TV play all videos

Loading
Loading Destructoid Videos

    Win this!
    Dive in! meetup+play for a chance to win a PC

    Dtoid Twitter    Got news?   tips@destructoid.com

    Reviews & Previews
    Assassin's Creed 2 review
    Crossfire Remote Pistol review
    Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles review
    Left 4 Dead 2 review
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex review
    more reviews
    Driver
    Avatar
    GT Racing Motor Academy
    Bad Company 2 beta dishes out meaningful experiences
    Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks
    more previews


    - The Dtoid Army is 51047 strong -

    Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

    Call for entries: do the wrong thing
    New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide




     Originals
    Chad Concelmo: The tragic history of the videogame turkey





















    More Destructoid Originals



     Popular now more






















    Team Destructoid   tips@destructoid.com
    Nick Chester
    Editor-in-Chief    		 Niero
    Founder, publisher
    Jim Sterling
    Reviews Editor    		 Hamza Aziz
    Community Manager
    Dale North
    News Editor    		 Rey Gutierrez
    Video editor & director
    Anthony Burch
    Features Editor    		 Colette Bennett
    Tom Fronczak Brad Nicholson
    Ashley Davis Ben Perlee
    Conrad
    Zimmerman    		 Chad Concelmo
    Jonathan Holmes Jonathan Ross
    Brad Rice Jordan Devore
    Will Maddock Matthew Razak
    Dyson Joseph Leray
    Topher Cantler Samit Sarkar
         
      Dexter
    Adam Dork
    Daniel Lingen
    Hollie Bennett
         		Joe Burling
    Mikey
    Stella Wong
    Josh Tolentino




     

     
      get involved

    register or login
    post a blog
    post a forum
    enter a contest
    contribute a news tip
    suggest a feature
    be a guest editor
    		 support

    new member's guide
    login assistance
    tech support
    report abuse
    email our editors
    read our dev blog
    nuclear crisis?
    		 keep in touch

    RSS feed
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Flickr
    Game nights
    Meetup+play online     		seriously

    about Destructoid
    advertising
    terms of use
    privacy policy
    jobs at MM
    buy our crap     		our network

    Tomopop
    Japanator
    Despingation?



    Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
    living the dream since March 16, 2006