XBLA Mini-Reviews: Arkadian Warriors, GripShift, Undertow

Arkadian Warriors – Arkadian Warriors is a simple action-RPG where two players online or off can hack and slash and cast spells through 19 dungeons. The gameplay and interface and pretty much everything about AW is skewed towards the simpler end of the spectrum, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t enjoyable. It does start to get repetitive after a while, but if you have someone to play co-op with it is worth a look.

Undertow – Undertow takes the thoroughly played-out two stick XBLA shooter controls and gives them a fresh feel and look that makes the game stand out among the crowd of other shooters. Undertow spins a sci-fi yarn about underwater civilizations and war and the concept is pretty interesting. The gameplay is normal two-stick shooter fare, made more interesting by having four classes to choose from, and your objective is to control five points on each map rather than just shoot everything that moves. It is challenging, fun, and looks gorgeous. Undertow is definitely worth the 800 MS points.

GripShift – GripShift makes its way to XBLA after stops on the PlayStation Network and PSP. This kart-style racer offers tons of races, challenge levels, and decent multiplayer play. It is rather simple, however, and still feels (and looks) like a PSP game. For only 800 points ($10), though, you could do worse. Check out the demo.