This Wednesday marks the release of two new Xbox Live Arcade games on the service - Battlestar Galactica and Exit. Here’s the deal:

“Battlestar Galactica,” developed by Australian-based Auran Games, involves intense space battles as players choose to side with either the Humans or Cylon forces. Piloting iconic ships from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider, players lead a squadron through fast-action multiplayer space combat or can play through the intense single-player campaign based on memorable episodes from the TV series, including the riveting first episode of the continuing series, “33,” and the 2007 Emmy Award-winning episode, “Exodus.” “Battlestar Galactica” features both single and multi-player modes for up to eight players, skill-based matchmaking and leaderboards.

A uniquely stylish and addictive puzzle game, “Exit” will have players using their decision-making skills and quick wit to escape numerous obstacles while rescuing people from more emergencies in over 220 levels. Developed by Taito, “Exit” stars Mr. ESC, the escape artist who goes wherever he’s needed to get people out of the worst predicaments you’ve ever seen. When it comes to escape, nothing’s impossible for Mr. ESC.

The games will be available for 800 Microsoft points each.

Last week saw a pre-Tokyo Game Show briefing from Microsoft, where the company revealed several new Japanese titles in development. These games are set to hit Xbox Live Arcade in the coming months.

First up is Rez, a trippy on-rails-shooter from Tetsuya Mizuguchi who is personally involved in the development of this downloadable title. Q Entertainment bills the game as a “direct port” of the original enhanced by high-resolution assets and 5.1 sound. The game is set for release during Q1 2008.

Another shooter - Ikaruga - will be available soon. This vertically-scrolling 2D shooter will feature the standard two-player cooperative mode of the original. It has been listed as “available soon,” so no release date yet.

Other games announced were Every Extend Extra Extreme, Exelica, Omega Five and EXIT, which was originally a PSP puzzle-scroller.