Xbox Live Arcade Reviews
A great feature of the Xbox 360 is that you can download games to play on your system. These games cost money, though, so we offer our opinions on whether or not they are worth buying.
Mega Man 9 Review
Capcom loves us. They must. What other company would shrug off the shackles of the "bigger, prettier, more complex" next-gen mantra and instead make a 100% old school 8-bit-style game instead? Mega Man 9 is Capcom's love letter to its fans. And that is pretty darn cool. Oh, and the game itself is pure, unfiltered Mega Man goodness too. The difficulty level might catch you off guard, but Mega Man 9 is a deeply rewarding old school experience that is worth checking out.
Capcom loves us. They must. What other company would shrug off the shackles of the "bigger, prettier, more complex" next-gen mantra and instead make a 100% old school 8-bit-style game instead? Mega Man 9 is Capcom's love letter to its fans. And that is pretty darn cool. Oh, and the game itself is pure, unfiltered Mega Man goodness too. The difficulty level might catch you off guard, but Mega Man 9 is a deeply rewarding old school experience that is worth checking out.
Carcassonne Review (XBLA)
Another classic European board game takes a stab at Xbox Live Arcade glory this week, and Carcassonne, like Catan before it, is an amazingly fun game that works perfectly on the XBLA. Carcassonne actually bests Catan in a few key ways, such as having a faster paced game and local multiplayer, to make it stand as easily the best of the two. Whether you already love the game or have never played it before, Carcassonne is absolutely worth checking out.
Another classic European board game takes a stab at Xbox Live Arcade glory this week, and Carcassonne, like Catan before it, is an amazingly fun game that works perfectly on the XBLA. Carcassonne actually bests Catan in a few key ways, such as having a faster paced game and local multiplayer, to make it stand as easily the best of the two. Whether you already love the game or have never played it before, Carcassonne is absolutely worth checking out.
Prince of Persia Classic Review (XBLA)
There is a fine line between a game being challenging or being too hard to be fun, and the original Prince of Persia crossed that line and ran another 50 meters just to prove a point. PoP Classic on the Xbox Live Arcade is still a difficult game, but introduces modern conveniences such as checkpoints and visual aids to help you through the game. You still die a lot, but at least you can beat it now. Find out all about it in our full review.
There is a fine line between a game being challenging or being too hard to be fun, and the original Prince of Persia crossed that line and ran another 50 meters just to prove a point. PoP Classic on the Xbox Live Arcade is still a difficult game, but introduces modern conveniences such as checkpoints and visual aids to help you through the game. You still die a lot, but at least you can beat it now. Find out all about it in our full review.
Pac-Man CE Review (XBLA)
Microsoft and Namco shocked the videogame world by announcing Pac-Man Championship Edition exclusively for Xbox Live Arcade, the first real update to Pac-Man in over 25 years. New graphics, new stages, and a new gameplay mechanic that continuously reseeds the map with dots and power pellets, Pac-Man CE is a fresh take on an old classic that is surprisingly good. Find out all about it in our full review.
Microsoft and Namco shocked the videogame world by announcing Pac-Man Championship Edition exclusively for Xbox Live Arcade, the first real update to Pac-Man in over 25 years. New graphics, new stages, and a new gameplay mechanic that continuously reseeds the map with dots and power pellets, Pac-Man CE is a fresh take on an old classic that is surprisingly good. Find out all about it in our full review.
Mad Tracks Review (XBLA)
Mad Tracks brings vehicular combat to the Xbox Live Arcade and offers up a decent list of modes, fun gameplay, and above average presentation. There is certainly fun to be had here, but it is somewhat short lived and after you run through everything a couple of times there isn't much to bring you back. Find out the full story in our full review.
Mad Tracks brings vehicular combat to the Xbox Live Arcade and offers up a decent list of modes, fun gameplay, and above average presentation. There is certainly fun to be had here, but it is somewhat short lived and after you run through everything a couple of times there isn't much to bring you back. Find out the full story in our full review.
Catan (XBLA)
Settlers of Catan is a popular strategy board game strategy that comes to the Xbox Live Arcade titled simply, Catan. In Catan, you must gather resources, build settlements and cities, and try to outwit your opponents with superior management and strategy. It sounds complex, but after a few games you get the hang of it and will likely end up hopelessly addicted. Catan is a great addition to the Xbox Live Arcade, and is well worth the 800 MS point pricetag.
Settlers of Catan is a popular strategy board game strategy that comes to the Xbox Live Arcade titled simply, Catan. In Catan, you must gather resources, build settlements and cities, and try to outwit your opponents with superior management and strategy. It sounds complex, but after a few games you get the hang of it and will likely end up hopelessly addicted. Catan is a great addition to the Xbox Live Arcade, and is well worth the 800 MS point pricetag.
3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures Review (XBLA)
Videogame golf is fun. Real life minigolf is fun. So it is reasonable to assume that videogame minigolf would be fun. Unfortunately, that isn't the case here. 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures for the Xbox Live Arcade suffers from bland course design, lack of camera control, and unpredictable physics that only serve to frustrate rather than entertain. To see the full extent of the damage, read our full review.
Videogame golf is fun. Real life minigolf is fun. So it is reasonable to assume that videogame minigolf would be fun. Unfortunately, that isn't the case here. 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures for the Xbox Live Arcade suffers from bland course design, lack of camera control, and unpredictable physics that only serve to frustrate rather than entertain. To see the full extent of the damage, read our full review.
Boom Boom Rocket
Boom Boom Rocket is a music/rhythm game where you have to detonate fireworks in time to the music. It plays very similarly to Dance Dance Revolution (minus the dance pad, of course) but adds in a few new twists to keep the game feeling fresh. It doesn't have much in the way of features, which makes the 800 point price tag a bit hard to swallow, but for fans of the genre Boom Boom Rocket is worth checking out.
Boom Boom Rocket is a music/rhythm game where you have to detonate fireworks in time to the music. It plays very similarly to Dance Dance Revolution (minus the dance pad, of course) but adds in a few new twists to keep the game feeling fresh. It doesn't have much in the way of features, which makes the 800 point price tag a bit hard to swallow, but for fans of the genre Boom Boom Rocket is worth checking out.
Castlevania: Symphony of the NIght (XBLA)
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the greatest games ever made, and even though it is ten years old, it is still very impressive. It features amazingly satisfying action/exploration gameplay, tons of secrets, and one of the best soundtracks ever to grace a videogame. This is a fantastic oldschool game that hardcore gamers will really appreciate. Castlevania: SOTN is highly recommended.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the greatest games ever made, and even though it is ten years old, it is still very impressive. It features amazingly satisfying action/exploration gameplay, tons of secrets, and one of the best soundtracks ever to grace a videogame. This is a fantastic oldschool game that hardcore gamers will really appreciate. Castlevania: SOTN is highly recommended.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Arcade Review
Back in the late 80's and early 90's, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were the hottest thing in America. At least, if you were a little boy. Toys, TV shows, movies, and videogames featuring the turtles were all the rage, and this week's XBLA release highlights one of the games with, arguably, the most nostalgia attached to it. TMNT the arcade game was a co-op brawler that let you choose from the four heroes and take on the foot clan. Back then, it was magical. Now? Not so much.
Back in the late 80's and early 90's, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were the hottest thing in America. At least, if you were a little boy. Toys, TV shows, movies, and videogames featuring the turtles were all the rage, and this week's XBLA release highlights one of the games with, arguably, the most nostalgia attached to it. TMNT the arcade game was a co-op brawler that let you choose from the four heroes and take on the foot clan. Back then, it was magical. Now? Not so much.
Worms (XBLA) Review
Worms is a turn-based strategy game where you pit teams of worms against each other in all out warfare. Bombs. Guns. Sheep. Anything is fair game. This unique and funny take on turn-based combat has proven to be a cult hit on the PC over the years, and now it makes an appearance on the Xbox Live Arcade. It is a bit bare bones compared to some of the other versions of the game out there, but it is still amazingly fun and worth the 800 points.
Worms is a turn-based strategy game where you pit teams of worms against each other in all out warfare. Bombs. Guns. Sheep. Anything is fair game. This unique and funny take on turn-based combat has proven to be a cult hit on the PC over the years, and now it makes an appearance on the Xbox Live Arcade. It is a bit bare bones compared to some of the other versions of the game out there, but it is still amazingly fun and worth the 800 points.
Alien Hominid HD Review (XBLA)
Alien Hominid HD is a quirky little arcade-style shooter that is fast, frantic, and very fun to play. Think of Contra or Metal Slug and that should give you a good idea of what the game plays like. The graphics are gorgeous, and it provides the perfect mix of challenge and fun to keep you coming back for more. This XBLA game is definitely worth the 800 point investment.
Alien Hominid HD is a quirky little arcade-style shooter that is fast, frantic, and very fun to play. Think of Contra or Metal Slug and that should give you a good idea of what the game plays like. The graphics are gorgeous, and it provides the perfect mix of challenge and fun to keep you coming back for more. This XBLA game is definitely worth the 800 point investment.
RoboBlitz Review (XBLA)
RoboBlitz marks the debut of the Unreal Engine 3 in the Xbox Live Arcade, and the result is undeniably impressive from a graphics and physics standpoint. This game looks really, really good. It is just too bad the gameplay underneath isn't really all that fun.
RoboBlitz marks the debut of the Unreal Engine 3 in the Xbox Live Arcade, and the result is undeniably impressive from a graphics and physics standpoint. This game looks really, really good. It is just too bad the gameplay underneath isn't really all that fun.
Small Arms Review (XBLA)
Small Arms is an original title developed for the Xbox Live Arcade that tries to mimic Nintendo's Super Smash Bros series. The main differences here are that there is a much greaters focus on weapons, and that the characters featured here aren't even in the same stratosphere as Smash Bros' lineup. This is an important thing to note because nostalgia and fanboy/nerdieness accounts for a good amount of Smash Bros' appeal. Small Arms just doesn't have that and the restult is kind of boring.
Small Arms is an original title developed for the Xbox Live Arcade that tries to mimic Nintendo's Super Smash Bros series. The main differences here are that there is a much greaters focus on weapons, and that the characters featured here aren't even in the same stratosphere as Smash Bros' lineup. This is an important thing to note because nostalgia and fanboy/nerdieness accounts for a good amount of Smash Bros' appeal. Small Arms just doesn't have that and the restult is kind of boring.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 Review
Back in the mid 1990's, the debate among fighting game fans was Street Fighter vs. Mortal Kombat. Now that both series have made their debut on the Xbox Live Arcade, which one is the dominant force on Xbox 360? Mortal Kombat. No contest. Find out what makes Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 on the XBLA so good right here in our review.
Back in the mid 1990's, the debate among fighting game fans was Street Fighter vs. Mortal Kombat. Now that both series have made their debut on the Xbox Live Arcade, which one is the dominant force on Xbox 360? Mortal Kombat. No contest. Find out what makes Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 on the XBLA so good right here in our review.
Lumines Live! Review
One of the best PSP games has made the jump to the Xbox Live Arcade, but has the wait been worth it? And, more importantly, what is the deal with all of the extra downloadable modes that cost extra? We cover all of this and more in our review.
One of the best PSP games has made the jump to the Xbox Live Arcade, but has the wait been worth it? And, more importantly, what is the deal with all of the extra downloadable modes that cost extra? We cover all of this and more in our review.
Doom Review
The surprise announcement of Doom coming to the Xbox Live Arcade was a highlight of Microsoft's X06 show, but how does this classic game play on the Xbox 360? Pretty darn well, it turns out. Read our full review for all of the details.
The surprise announcement of Doom coming to the Xbox Live Arcade was a highlight of Microsoft's X06 show, but how does this classic game play on the Xbox 360? Pretty darn well, it turns out. Read our full review for all of the details.
XBLA Review
The long awaited Xbox Live Arcade version of Texas Hold 'em is available now but it is worth your 800 points? Find out in our full review.
The long awaited Xbox Live Arcade version of Texas Hold 'em is available now but it is worth your 800 points? Find out in our full review.
Street Fighter II
When Street Fighter II was announced for the Xbox Live Arcade, it was a joyous day for Xbox 360 fight fans. Hype and nostalgia can only take you so far, however, and now that we have plunked down our 800 Marketplace points for Street Fighter II, it is hard not to be let down by it. I know this game single handedly launched the "Tournament Fighter" genre, but there are better fighters out there now including better versions of SFII. This isn't the game you were looking for. Move along.
When Street Fighter II was announced for the Xbox Live Arcade, it was a joyous day for Xbox 360 fight fans. Hype and nostalgia can only take you so far, however, and now that we have plunked down our 800 Marketplace points for Street Fighter II, it is hard not to be let down by it. I know this game single handedly launched the "Tournament Fighter" genre, but there are better fighters out there now including better versions of SFII. This isn't the game you were looking for. Move along.
Review
Namco's classic space shooter Galaga has hit the Xbox Live Arcade and we take a look at whether this 25 year old arcade legend is worth spending your hard earned marketplace points on right here in our review.
Namco's classic space shooter Galaga has hit the Xbox Live Arcade and we take a look at whether this 25 year old arcade legend is worth spending your hard earned marketplace points on right here in our review.
Uno Review (XBLA)
Uno has made its long awaited debut on the Xbox Live Arcade and the wait has been worth it. It is amazing how so simple of a game can be so fun and addictive. Do yourself a favor and spend the 400 points for Uno.
Uno has made its long awaited debut on the Xbox Live Arcade and the wait has been worth it. It is amazing how so simple of a game can be so fun and addictive. Do yourself a favor and spend the 400 points for Uno.
Smash TV Review
Yet another arcade classic released in the Xbox Live Arcade. Smash TV takes the Robotron-style gameplay and adds more blood, guts, and toasters. Worth checking out.
Yet another arcade classic released in the Xbox Live Arcade. Smash TV takes the Robotron-style gameplay and adds more blood, guts, and toasters. Worth checking out.
Hardwood Backgammon Review
Hardwood Backgammon is a perfect videogame version of backgammon and is highly recommended for fans of the classic board game.
Hardwood Backgammon is a perfect videogame version of backgammon and is highly recommended for fans of the classic board game.
Crystal Quest Review
Crystal Quest tries very hard to be the next Geometry Wars but it ultimately turns out to be pretty boring.
Crystal Quest tries very hard to be the next Geometry Wars but it ultimately turns out to be pretty boring.
Marble Blast Ultra Review
The best way to describe Marble Blast Ultra is that it is Super Monkey Ball without the monkeys. It is a bit easier than SMB but is still a very fun game overall.
The best way to describe Marble Blast Ultra is that it is Super Monkey Ball without the monkeys. It is a bit easier than SMB but is still a very fun game overall.
Robotron 2084 Review
Robotron 2084 is an absolute classic, but in the years since its original release it has been surpassed by far better games.
Robotron 2084 is an absolute classic, but in the years since its original release it has been surpassed by far better games.
Geometry Wars Retro Evolved Review
Geometry Wars Retro Evolved is a simple yet addictive shooter that is one of the best games available in the Xbox Live Arcade.
Geometry Wars Retro Evolved is a simple yet addictive shooter that is one of the best games available in the Xbox Live Arcade.