Forget the previous mention of Boogie Bunnies possibly being the next title to hit the Xbox Live Arcade in North America, as Microsoft has announced that Metal Slug 3 will be the title that kicks off 2008 on the Xbox Live Arcade.

Marco, Tarma, Eri, and Fio, the four veterans of the elite Sparrows Unit now come to Xbox LIVE® in METAL SLUG 3™! The popular action shooting series is in all of its original arcade glory, with gorgeous graphics and all the run-and-gun action you can handle. There is no time for indecision. General Morden is on the warpath and you must prevent him from creating the New World Order. Stop the Rebel Army!

Features:

-Multiple routes: Different routes through the stages allow for extended replayability.
-Different metal slugs: Various slugs are available for help in battle. Handle all the different slugs to learn their capabilities and complete the mission.
-Individual enemies: Different enemies appear depending on which route the player takes, and each enemy has its own unique characteristics.
-Classic arcade graphics: The classic graphics are faithfully reproduced for your gaming enjoyment.

The game will retail for 800 Microsoft Points.