Texas Hold 'Em Free on XBLA
But only for a couple days. Other Xbox Live Arcade details inside too.
Scientists, engineers and layabouts have long searched in vain for a way to accomplish the seemingly impossible - getting something for nothing. Now Microsoft is giving you a chance to do just that, but there's a catch.
The latest game to be installed in the Xbox Live Arcade is Texas Hold 'Em, a multiplayer poker game build around Xbox Live. It's out on Wednesday, 23 August. Ordinarily you'll have to pay 800 Microsoft Points for the game (that's about £5), but for the first 48 hours, you'll be able to download the full version for free.
If you miss this window, you'll still be able to get the trial version without charge, but if you want to sit at the table with the big players, you'll need to pony up for the full game.
If cards aren't your thing, the Xbox Live Arcade could still have something for you.
Coming the Wednesday after Texas Hold 'Em, on 30 August, is Konami's classic temporal shooter Time Pilot, which will be followed by another Konami shoot-'em-up, Scramble, on 6 September. Both of these will cost 400 Microsoft Points.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games