Minecraft XBLA, Fable Heroes release dates and more announced as part of Microsoft's Arcade Next promotion

Microsoft announced it is grouping a handful of its most anticipated Xbox Live Arcade games for a new “Arcade Next” spring promotion.

The event will see a new XBLA game released from Microsoft Studios every wednesday from April 18 to May 9. The first game out of the gate will be RedLynx's Trials Evolution (1200 Microsoft Points), followed by Climax's Bloodforge on April 25 (1200 MSPs). Rounding out the promo will be Lionhead Studios' Fable Heroes (800 MSPs) and Mojang's little known DIY block title, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition on May 9 (1600 MSPs).

Minecraft is by far the most expensive title in the “Arcade Next” lineup at $20, but that should in no way stop hordes of non-PC fans from getting a hold of the port. As for the promo's other headliner, Fable Heroes, $10 seems like a good deal for a fairly high profile spin-off. Read our impressions of Lionhead Studios' XBLA exclusive in GR's article, Fable Heroes preview - first look at the Albion themed beat 'em up.

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Microsoft also reminded fans that April marks the expansion of XBLA's achievement scoring system (read: Xbox Live Arcade games are about the double your Gamerscore). Starting next month, the limit on XBLA achievement scores will be upped to 400, which will include up to 30 unlockable achievements.