Source: Straight out of the Xbox Live Pipeline, a Microsoft-owned Flash-based site.

　　What we heard: Back in August, unconfirmed warnings were issued that Microsoft might charge people money to advance in Q Entertainment's upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title, Lumines Live!. Earlier today, it appeared those reports might have been totally off base, as Microsoft's Xbox Live Pipeline site had a listing for Lumines Live! that indicated the game itself was "FREE."

　　But just as the pitchforks and torches were being put away, GameSpot editors noticed the site also gave Lumines Live! the rarely seen rating of EC for Early Childhood. While a toddler could possibly come of age in the time it takes a game of Lumines to ramp up in difficulty, this sounded a little suspect. It was especially suspicious given that the Entertainment Software Rating Board gave the original Lumines (which unlike the Xbox 360 version does not feature video of Madonna undulating in the background), a more restrictive rating of E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older.

　　An inquiry to Microsoft yielded answers to all our questions.

　　The official story: "The information posted about Lumines Live on XboxLivePipeline.com is inaccurate, and we apologize for any confusion. Lumines will be available later this fall on Xbox Live Arcade, and more details will be shared closer to its launch. However, the title will not be free and the rating is still pending."--A Microsoft spokesperson.

　　Bogus or not bogus?: Bogus. Keep the pitchforks at the ready.