GRcade's Recommended XBLIG pg 1 updated 27/09

OK, tried a few more games.

Ninja Guardian - 240 points

Geddit? Anyway this is odd as it appears to be a clone of another Indie game, Machiavelli's Ascent. Except where that game was notable for it's simplistic but inexplicably addictive nature Ninja Guardian tries to spice things up by introducing some sort of move set, enemies, levels and other gamey trappings. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the chilled out feel of M.A. has been lost along the way and this just seems to get frustrating rather than compelling.

The 'painted on parchment' effect is rather pretty though, and at about the same price as Machiavelli's Ascent it's arguable that you get more game for your money. But maybe not more fun.

Verdict: Trial

That's you in the middle third, jumping up things.

Shining Blood - 400 points

I always get a pang of anticipation when I see a new Japanese Indie shooter appear on the service. Like I'm going to stumble across some Kenta Cho-esque bullet hell masterpiece. That hasn't really worked out well for me so far.

Shining Blood has an amusingly nonsensical Google Translated game description which, among other things, puts you " in the world of light and red and black" and asks you to "Please break down a large enemy". OK then. The game itself is just as indecipherable. It's set in some sort of 3d Tron type world, with you controlling a tank thing and having to shoot little electric scorpions. Well that's the gist of what I got from my time with it.

It's a bit like watching some obscure anime in Japanese with no subtitles and not being sure whether it's awesome and you're not getting it or whether it's really just a load of old shite. Except I'm pretty sure this is a load of old shite.

Verdict: Avoid

WTF?

Halfbrick Rocket Racing - 240 points

This could be quite a good game, but it just doesn't feel finished. You control a little rocket pod with the trigger buttons for the left and right rockets and race round a track Supersprint style. The presentation is quite nice, with an attractive cel-shaded look, and it runs smoothly enough. Unfortunately while the game offers up to four local players, there is no A.I. option and no online play. So unless you have a like-minded buddy or three with you then you're stuck with time trialling the tracks on your own, which isn't really much fun.

There is a feedback option on the main menu where the developer is taking suggestions, so perhaps this will be updated in the future. Hopefully so, because it does show significant promise. My suggestion; finish making it.

Verdict: Avoid (for now)

Yes, but that's pretty much all there is. And I can't vouch for the intensity.

Monkey Joe thanks for this I missed it. I'll update the ratings asap.

I would have to agree with Ninja Guardian although I was leaning more towards avoid as I found it dull despite the nice presentation. I just felt pressing one button got me up the screens.

Halfbrick Racing definitely feels unfinished and lacking something, more than likely the AI opponents as you said, it has crashed on me twice in a brief session this morning too. I would say trial though, some people may have 3 additional people to play with. I had to change the control method too. The end of the demo said available for 200 pts yet is costs 240 pts too.

Avatar Drop - 80 points

This game is currently at 4* on the ratings and I have no idea why. I personally find it dull as dishwater, it may be fun in multiplayer but there is no variety and it soon grows old quickly.

Verdict - Avoid

Groov - 200

Yet another twin stick shooter. The graphics are basic but the music influenced gameplay on this one had me sucked in. 3 game modes, one to start with, you open up the other 2. I like it but it is far from amazing.

Verdict - Trial

Avatar Golf - 400 points

An "update" from the developer of Easy Golf that can be played with friends using your Xbox avatar. Game Blurb below.

"Hit the links as your Avatar in style. Features: Play as your Avatar, create and share courses over Xbox Live, 8 player online matches, unlockable titles, player statistics, course records, weather conditions and much more! With 6 uniquely themed 18-hole courses you'll have a blast playing Avatar Golf. Avatar Golf is for gamers of all ages and skill levels."

I would suggest trialing the game, especially if you have Easy Golf, to see if this is your kind of thing. Loads of options. I have purchased it.

Verdict: Recommended (if you don't have Easy Golf - Trial if you do)

Puzzwords - 80 points was 200

Puzzwords has just dropped to 80 points and I think it is a decent puzzle game for that price. Make words using your 3 letters that can be stacked horizontally or vertically.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdU_D_PfiVA

Verdict: Recommended

BitStream - 400 points

Simple game, lots of options. Possibly best played with friends, not sure if 400 points is a little too steep to recommend at this stage but definitely worth trialing. If it drops to 240 I would buy it.

Verdict: Trial

Tomato Blaster - 80 points

A nice little puzzle game with 40 levels and a level editor.

Verdict: Recommended

Virus War - 200 points

Yet another twin stick shooter. This game initially had some issues that the developer listened to and rectified in the new version and that was when the game was 400 points. The developer put in an easy mode, play the crazy mode and you'll see why. It's a fast paced shooter, well the enemies come flying at you fast. Give it a whirl just remember when the trial ends it's not 400 points it's 200.

Verdict: Trial

Zombies 2.0 - 240 points

Ugly, slow, dull.

Verdict: Avoid

Kuchibi - 240 points

Addictive puzzle game, only just released, my girlfriend is addicted already, so just for the peace I am going to get this game is recommended. Being serious though this is a simple yet addictive game go get it =)

Verdict: Recommended

Anyone here still faffing with Kudo?

Going to buy IMAGWZ later.

Last edited by Rik on Tue Sep 08, 2009 5:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Bricks Forever- 80 Points

Basically Arkanoid in Neon, so worthy of 80 points for anyone.

Verdict: Recommended

Dalagonash wrote:Anyone here still faffing with Kudo?

Going to buy IMAGWZ later.

I found it a bit frustrating that I couldn't do what I wanted to do with it. If there was more of a community around it then it could be awesome. Unfortunately you can only share levels with people on your friends list.

Kuchibi looks cool.

Thanks Rik I have updated the front page. I did have the video for Bricks4ever on the main page but for some reason not listed in the A-Z listing as I recommend it too.

Fitba (240 points)

A decent Indie effort for a footie game. I have only played the game briefly, seems to play well enough, altho it takes a little while to fet used to. The goalies are a bit hit and miss. I have played worse full price games.

Verdict: Trial

Recent games tested

Supercow (400 points)

Beautiful looking platform game. I am not sure yet if the game gets more complex, I am on World 3 but currently it is all very simplistic. Collect coins, jump on enemies heads and find the exit by basically going from the left of the level to the right. The game is polished but feels like it is missing something, possibly urgency or a timer mode I am not 100% sure yet. It seems to be a game that is aimed at children, what I have played so far is very simple. The cut scenes, which you can avoid, are really annoying.

Verdict: Trial

(PC Trailer)

Towers of Cedrick (80 points)

Towers of Hanoi (puzzle game) for the 360 console with a strange, supposed to make you laugh, visual style. If you want one of these games for your 360 you may want to download it, it's just been reduced to 80 points too.

Verdict: Trial

Duologue (240 points)

Another dual stick shooter. This one uses 2 different bullet colours to kill enemies that you switch between. I personally am going to wait for Echoes+ to arrive before I invest in another dual stick shooter I just feel I have been overkilled by them at the minute. Give the game a shot you may like it, it's not bad by any means

Verdict: Trial

A few more 80 point games.

Green Island (80 points)

Japanese puzzle/platform game. Not the best looking game but a fun pick up and play game, the menu is in English.

I actually think people may play through this demo with out paying for it as the game saves your progress but I think if you don't pay 80 points for this fun little game then you're a tight wad.

Verdict: Recommended

Bailout (80 points)

Spectrum style looking and sounding game that gets repetitive very fast. I don't like it at all.

Verdict: Avoid

I Heart Shift (80 points)

Puzzle game that turns into a dual stick shooter. It's under 2MB and I am undecided whether or not I like it.

Verdict: Trial

qupe wrote:Spectrum style looking and sounding game that gets repetitive very fast. I don't like it at all.
e]

Looks more Atari 2600 to me. You better not be dissing the Speccy.

Anyway, Green Island - how well does it progress? I love puzzley platformers, but it felt it might get a bit repetitive from the demo. Johnny Platform is excellent, but it's getting really hard now. Not that I mind, but progress is getting pretty slow. Might give this a shot.

Oh, and has anyone actually bought Supercow? It looks absolutely fantastic, but the demo made the gameplay seem very shallow, does it get harder in the later levels?

mokeyjoe wrote:
qupe wrote:Spectrum style looking and sounding game that gets repetitive very fast. I don't like it at all.
e]

Looks more Atari 2600 to me. You better not be dissing the Speccy.

Would I

Enjoyed my Speccy, Amiga more though.

mokeyjoe wrote:Anyway, Green Island - how well does it progress? I love puzzley platformers, but it felt it might get a bit repetitive from the demo. Johnny Platform is excellent, but it's getting really hard now. Not that I mind, but progress is getting pretty slow. Might give this a shot.

Try it out, you can select the levels you want to do in the demo I think. They get progressively harder with different obstacles/objects to get past/use.

mokeyjoe wrote:Oh, and has anyone actually bought Supercow? It looks absolutely fantastic, but the demo made the gameplay seem very shallow, does it get harder in the later levels?

I own it as I purchased it for when my daughter comes over to stay. I have played through the first 3 worlds and it is very shallow as I mentioned above. Reviews seem to say that it is easy all the way through but good for kids. I would advise skipping the cutscenes too if you buy it

qupe wrote:I own it as I purchased it for when my daughter comes over to stay. I have played through the first 3 worlds and it is very shallow as I mentioned above. Reviews seem to say that it is easy all the way through but good for kids. I would advise skipping the cutscenes too if you buy it

I probably won't buy it in that case. I didn't mind the cut-scenes, for some reason it reminded me of Dangermouse or something.

Last edited by qupe on Wed Dec 09, 2009 6:44 am, edited 1 time in total.

Had a bit of a session online and found a few more rubbish games.

Easter Bunnah (200 points)

Downloaded by mistake and what a mistake. Crap.

Verdict: Avoid

Chick Chick Chicky (400 points)

Pac-man clone that is quite easy. It's not great visually either. The cats (ghosts) don't chase you they roam about like headless chickens. After the 8th level the background changes and it is quite hard to see the seeds you have to collect. Buy the original or Pac-Man C.E Edition do not waste your money on this

Verdict: Avoid

Bust A Wall (80 points)

A decent breakout clone unfortunately overshadowed by Bricks4ever. If I am honest I prefer the the ball movement in this game as it's more fluid but Bricks4ever is better. I didn't notice any powerups either.

Verdict: Trial

Bricks4ever (80 points)

Neon Arkanoid clone with powerups loads of levels and the way the levels play change from time to time. The only thing I am not entirely happy with in this game is the ball movement it isn't as fluid as I feel it should be. However, it's a great little game and a steal at 80 points. Get it.

Verdict: Recommended

Jungle Blocks (80 points)

Basic and and short. Poor.

Verdict: Avoid

Sin surfing (80 points)

I am not too sure about this one. It seems very basic but something pulls me back to have another go.

Verdict: Trial

Arbor Vitae (240 points was 80 points til today)

Repetitive game that I wouldn't recommend at 80 points and now the price has increased.

Verdict: Avoid

I can't post/view videos from work but wanted to put up a small update today, bigger update to follow

Pixel Man (80 points)

Simple, 30 level platform game, I completed it in 30 mins. The flip screen scrolling is annoying, the jumps into nothing and dying are annoying too, could have been so much better. When you jump the sound reminds me of windows sticky keys noise. Despite the faults, it is an experiment, it's just short lived and not implemented too well.

Verdict: Trial

Fishing Girl (80 points)

Cute, miner dig deep style game with fish. There is a flash game version but I like this. You can changed the game to free fishing or time trial (extends when you catch fish). You can upgrade bait/rods etc. Get it, great in short bursts too =)

Verdict: Recommended

A Robot's Conundrum (80 points)

Platform/Puzzle game where you have to get your cargo to a goal on each level. 30 levels in the campaign mode. 15 multiplayer battle levels. Play the campaign with a friend in co-op mode or battle it out in Vs mode. Level Editor. Worth 80 pts easily I think.

Verdict: Recommended

qupe wrote:I can't post/view videos from work but wanted to put up a small update today, bigger update to follow

Pixel Man (80 points)

Simple, 30 level platform game, I completed it in 30 mins. The flip screen scrolling is annoying, the jumps into nothing and dying are annoying too, could have been so much better. When you jump the sound reminds me of windows sticky keys noise. Despite the faults, it is an experiment, it's just short lived and not implemented too well.

Verdict: Trial

Fishing Girl (80 points)

Cute, miner dig deep style game with fish. There is a flash game version but I like this. You can changed the game to free fishing or time trial (extends when you catch fish). You can upgrade bait/rods etc. Get it, great in short bursts too =)

Verdict: Recommended

A Robot's Conundrum (80 points)

Platform/Puzzle game where you have to get your cargo to a goal on each level. 30 levels in the campaign mode. 15 multiplayer battle levels. Play the campaign with a friend in co-op mode or battle it out in Vs mode. Level Editor. Worth 80 pts easily I think.

Verdict: Recommended

Videos for each game

Fishing Girl

Pixel Man

A Robot's Conundrum

Games I hope to cover over the weekend

Karnage (240 points), Philip Muwang's Hexytrench (80 points), Nasty (400 points), Onaroll (240 points), Plows in Hell (240 pts), Pyromanic (240 pts)

Does anyone have any games they recommend? Comments? Mind me doing this still?

I love Avatar Golf :mrgreen:

Keep it up, it helps sort out the rubbish and unearth a few gems.

I'll try some more of them next week.

Oh dear lord this is not my update yet but thought I would quickly get this game in.

Cassie's Corner (80 points)

She asks 40 questions, you can't see how well you did until you pay. That's it. WTF is this service coming too?????

Verdict: Girl (possibly recommended) - Game (Avoid)

Penguin Slip Slide Lite (80 points)

Puzzle game with 150 levels where the main objective is to get your penguin to the exit on each level. Things get progressively harder when you have to eat all the food on a level to open an exit and the levels become bigger. I decided to purchase the Lite edition because I feel 150 levels of this were plenty and that left me with 120 points to play with for something else. It's not bad for 80 points but get's repititive very fast.

Verdict: Trial

Penguin Slip Slide (200 points)

The same puzzle game with over 200 levels. Decide which one you want.

Verdict: Trial

Penga's Peril (80 points)

A sokoban style game. You have to play thorugh all the levels with your limited number of lives, there are 50 levels. My daughter loves it and it does offer a decent challenge and I like it.

(No video found yet for this one)

Verdict: Recommended

Trino (was 400 points now 240 points)

I really like this game. It's a qix style of game where you use triangular shapes to catch/destroy the enemies on the screen. Good arcade fun and a steal I personally feel at this price

Verdict: Recommended

Karnn age (240 points recently reduced from 400 points) or Karn age Lite (200 points)

Smash TV twinstick shooter, not the best looking but a reasonable game. This version has 9 songs wereas the Karnage Lite version (200 points) has 3.

Verdict: Recommended (if you like Smash TV style games - check out the trailer)

- Lite version

Criminals Under Arrest (80 points)

Ugly beat 'em up, people have said that the character you get when you purchase the game has more moves, but I am sure it didn't have a jump button. I didn't like the demo much. But give it a shot, if you purchase it let me know if it gets any better.

(No trailer as yet)

Verdict: Trial

Jake's Room (80 points)

Flight sim shooter, I have no idea how many levels in the game. I played the trial to level 4, but it bored me after a while. You fly about in a room, which I think doesn't change, shooting all the toys. In the first level nothing moves or fires back. The second the planets fire, the 3rd the planets fire and the planes move. 4th the planes move and fire and the planets fire. Basic game really. Not much to recommend I'm afraid.

http://catalog.xna.com/en-GB/GameDetail ... 593&type=2

Verdict: Trial

Astro Taxi (240 points)

Old school style graphics and basic and very repetitive gameplay. Not for me this one.

http://catalog.xna.com/en-GB/GameDetail ... 8d9&type=2

Verdict: Avoid

Sorry All that will have to do for this update

GRcade's Recommended XBLIG pg 1 updated 27/09

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