Following last week’s lack of new additions to the Xbox Live Arcade, Microsoft has announced that Q Entertainment will be resurrecting and rereleasing Sega’s popular hit Rez on the service this Wednesday, accompanied by Ubisoft’s Chessmaster Live.

Rez HD sees the player dive into the world’s computer “supernetwork”, which is controlled by an AI gone whacko called Eden, and hack into the system to prevent it from shutting down, thus basically saving the world. Music plays a big role in the game, as it is deeply tied to the gameplay; for example, player actions are usually locked to the rhythm of the music so that attacks against enemies occur on each beat.

Features

• Legendary gaming experience: Old-school vector style graphics, sensory response, and beat synchronization sets the title apart and is perfectly recreated in this port for Xbox LIVE® Arcade in high-definition and 5.1 surround sound.
• The world of Rez: Rez consists of five different levels, each with its own unique visual theme and style, musical track and a boss battle at the end. The game also features several different modes and lots of unlockable elements, giving it plenty of replay value.
• Game modes: Play through the five areas in regular or Score Attack mode. Go to the Beyond mode and try Direct Assault, Lost Mode, the free play Trance Mission, or take on all the bosses consecutively in Boss Rush.
• Feel the rhythm: To further enhance the Rez experience, artists including Coldcut, Adam Freeland, Joujouka, Ken Ishii and Keiichi Sugiyama (SEGA’s Wave Master) contributed tracks to the game.

Chess enthusiasts will get to enjoy a downloadable version of Ubisoft’s Chessmaster series, Chessmaster Live, which will boast five original chess variants and a number of fancy 3D chess sets. Should you avoid getting “outsmarted” by the AI opponent, you’ll have the chance to test out your skills against players over Xbox Live.

Features

• The challenge of chess: Compete against advanced A.I. characters or challenge other Xbox LIVE members to a match.
• New message chess system: Start a game without any time limit, and play the game at your leisure over the course of days or even weeks.
• Chess puzzles and chess variations: Puzzle over a series of classic challenges such as “find the fork” or “mate in one,” and experience new ways of playing chess including Dark Chess, Losing Chess, Extinction Chess, and Progressive Chess.
• Customizable environments: Choose from six 3-D chess sets and three traditional sets, each with their own distinct sound effects, piece and board design.
• Interact with opponents: Video options allow you to see your challenger during the course of the game.

Both games will become available on the XBLA this Wednesday for 800 MSP each.