It's a big summer for Xbox Live Arcade games this year, as Microsoft announced the “Summer of Arcade” today, the launch of five blockbuster Xbox Live Arcade games over five weeks, accompanied by the chance for players ti win great prizes, including 100,000 Microsoft Points, Xbox Live Gold subscriptions, and even an Xbox 360 Elite.

Starting this Wednesday, July 30^th, at 9:00 a.m. GMT, with the launch of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 , the “Summer of Arcade” will be running until August 27 ^th . Players can enter the “Summer of Arcade” Sweepstakes by logging in and playing either the trial or full version of the featured game of that week.

Prizes available to be won are as follows:

Grand Prize (x1) – 100,000 Microsoft Points, 12 month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription and an Xbox 360 Elite console

Runner-Up Prizes (x2) – 10,000 Microsoft points and a free 12 Month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription

Weekly Prizes (x5) – 4000 Microsoft points

The full lineup and launch schedule for each game is:

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.

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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 and up by the ESRB.

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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.

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August 20: Galaga Legions – The legend lives on with Galaga Legions , a re-imagining 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.

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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.

All of these games will be available worldwide, with the exception of Bionic Commando: Rearmed , which will not be available in Korea.

The “Summer of Arcade” sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the 50 United States or District of Columbia 17+. No purchase necessary. Skill testing question required for Canadian residents. Game ends September 2, 2008. For details including free, alternate method of entry, see Official Rules at www.xbox.com/summerofarcade.