http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/a/aegiswingxboxlivearcade/default.htm

Aegis Wing is a side-scrolling space combat game reminiscent of classic eighties arcade hits. It features alien-busting action, slick graphics, an orchestral soundtrack, and devastating power-ups.

Also included is a unique cooperative mode of play in which up to three additional players can “attach” to the leader’s ship and become independent, 360-degree gun turrets.

This game was originally pitched and developed by a group of students who were interning here at Microsoft last summer. However, the game got put on the shelf after the students returned to school. It stayed on the shelf, collecting pixel dust, until Carbonated Games picked it up and decided to finish what the interns started. At the time Carbonated picked up the game, it only had one level which was half way finished, no level bosses, less than half of the textures needed, half of the enemy ships, no special weapons, and no online connectivity. Chris, my lead at FUSE (the design team for Microsoft Casual Games, in which I work), and myself got asked to help with the branding and UI for the game; I did the logo, achievements, and helped Chris with the UI. After months of working on it, we finally got it through certification, and it will be available for download tomorrow. Better yet, it’s free!