XBLA: The September Wrapup: What You May Have Missed Out On XBLA?
Before,, I've tried to do review wrap-ups on every single game that gets released. Unfortunately, this takes quite a lot of time -- time I don't have -- and I'm already far behind on all of them. I wouldn't have thought I'd be complaining about 3 games a week, but here we are.
So instead I'll do this -- repost games that I believe should not be missed, or were reviewed very well, on a per-month basis. There's plenty to go around, and with 3 games per day, and more than that if you put all 3 systems together, this will hopefully get you to go back and give some of these games a go, even if they're not the newest on the block.
Shred Nebula (800 Microsoft Points)
Shred Nebula combines the best elements of arcade space-shooter action with free-roaming exploration and multiplayer excitement. Pilot the experimental R.I.P. Rocket through the galaxy in search of the Lost Expeditions … no ship has ever returned from the vastness of interstellar space!This top-down, fast-paced ship-combat game features three loaded modes of play—Adventure, Score Attack, and Multiplayer. Play co-op with your friends, or go head-to-head in a deathmatch dogfight. No one knows what lies in the center of the galaxy. Will you be the first to discover the secrets of the gravitational region known as The Shred and make it home alive?
"Stick to the four or better multiplayer mayhem, and you’ll find Shred Nebula offers you more than enough bang for your ten space bucks."
"Both the unwieldy control scheme and the bafflingly forgiving nature of the game count against it, which is a shame because for the most part it's a thoroughly satisfying and meaty shooter, blessed with some stunning backdrops and a blistering frame-rate."
Check out the official Xbox.com splash page here.
Check out some screenshots of Shred Nebula here.
Gin Rummy (400 Microsoft Points)
Enjoy challenging variations of the classic card game Gin Rummy. Strategically select the right cards to complete sets of combinations, minimizing the risk of getting caught with a poor hand. "Knock" out your opponent with high scores and bonus points, and enjoy video chat with players from around the world for endless hours of casual card game fun.
"The card game may be old, but it’s far from obsolete, providing a perfect counter from the faster-paced, high-concentrate titles."
"It's a solid adaptation of a fun card game, and at 400 Microsoft Points it's priced just right."
Check out the official Xbox.com splash page here.
Samurai Shodown II (800 Microsoft Points)
Choose from 16 glorious samurai warriors and prepare for an epic battle in an infamous 2D sword-fighting game. But be careful not to make the wrong move; in this game every move is crucial to the outcome of the challenge.
Players also have the opportunity to battle samurais from all over the world to become lord of the sword!
"A great nostalgic release for Xbox Live Arcade. Diehard fans will appreciate the ability to take the game online and do battle against the masses, while others will just enjoy the ability to play a classic fighter on the 360, despite the terrible d-pad."
"Samurai Shodown is a great series, and as far as I'm concerned, SS2 is the best installment of the bunch. Between that and the game's online support, I'm well satisfied with this release. If you have fond memories of '90s arcades, I'd guess that you'll be satisfied, as well."
Click here for the Xbox.com splash page
Click here for screenshots of Samurai Shodown II
Duke Nukem 3D (800 Microsoft Points)
Duke Nukem, the politically incorrect action hero and ultimate alien ass kicker, defends Earth and its babes from alien invasion in Duke Nukem 3D. This is the award winning game that helped define the FPS genre, introducing unparalleled interactivity, and a main character that spoke. Take the fight to the aliens across 39 levels featuring Hollywood, Los Angeles, a moon base, and alien spacecraft. Innovative items like the Jetpack, HoloDuke, Shrink Ray, or Pipe Bombs allow you to fight the aliens in any style you want. Defeat the aliens, so Duke can get back to some R&R with a stogie, a warm belly, and a bottle of Jack.
After 12 years, Duke still kicks ass. He may not be as good looking as he used to be but he continues to prove that the adage - its not the graphics that make a game great, its the gameplay - will always be true.
Xbox360.ign.com said:
Yet another classic release that makes a wonderful conversion onto Xbox Live Arcade. Some might be put off by its convoluted, old school level design and predictably unattractive appearance but there’s no doubt that it’s one of the fathers of the most popular genre in our industry.
Check out a ton of screenshots here.
Click here for the Xbox.com splash page.
My personal favorites this month were Shred Nebula and Duke Nukem 3D. Despite the odd control scheme, I got the hang of Shred Nebula pretty quickly. It's certainly different to that of a Geometry Wars, but I think that's what is really needed right now.
Unfortunately a lot of people simply saw it as "another shooter", despite the differences it has with everything else on the platform - thrusting control scheme, a campaign mode, and online multiplayer that's actually a lot of fun.
I was a huge fan of Duke Nukem 3D back when it was first released, and it's still a fantastic game now -- going through every level, trying to find those secret places, and beating The Queen at the end of it all. The online modes are really great too - online and cooperative are excellent additions for Xbox Live Arcade.
