I may not have had a chance to experience the wonders of the Dreamcast during my childhood (I am now!), but I certainly was the proud owner of a Sega Genesis. And of course, I had many a Sonic the Hedgehog release. I never could master them completely, but the characters, the colors, and the pure speed kept me coming back. Mmm, sweet speed. To this day, that’s still my favorite thing about the original series of classic Sonic games. They feel “right.” Sure, sometimes finding the right way to go without jumping into a pit of spikes is infuriating, but so is a one-hit kill as a small Mario.
All posts in Xbox Live Arcade
Review: Sonic 4: Episode 1
On October 18, 2010
In iPhone/iPod Touch, Review, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade
With Comments Off on Review: Sonic 4: Episode 1
Permalink
Permalink
Review: Space Invaders Infinity Gene
On September 23, 2010
In Review, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade
With Comments Off on Review: Space Invaders Infinity Gene
Permalink
Permalink
Space Invaders Extreme was an interesting departure. . Space Invaders Infinity Gene completely changed the way I looked at the 30+ year-old arcade classic. I thought a simple injection of color and thumping techno were notable additions to the Space Invader scene, but Infinity Gene’s unique approach blew those simple augments out of the water. As the latest in a long line of ports from the iPhone/iPod Touch to XBLA and PSN services, this reimagining never ceases to keep things fresh with a minimalistic approach, existential quotes, and trance/synth tunes to keep you grooving all the way through each evolution of the original manifestation. Despite the fact that it turns what you know about Space Invaders on its head, it’s distinctly familiar and approachable. If this is the future of all arcade classics, then count me in.
Impressions: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
On August 31, 2010
In Impressions, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade
With Comments Off on Impressions: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Permalink
Permalink
Though I grew up in Miss Croft’s heyday, I have to say I was never her biggest fan. Through my affair with the PlayStation, I obtained several of her adventures, tried my best to brave them and see them through to the end, but I ultimately decided they just weren’t for me. As Lara evolved over the years and had her share of disappointments, it was a surprise when Crystal Dynamics announced that her latest adventure would be a completely different departure. Having dropped the Tomb Raider moniker entirely, it was revealed as an isometric action game that would put the spotlight entirely on Lara and a completely different adventure. I knew I’d have to give this differently-designed Croftian adventure to the test, and thus dove into Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.
Continue Reading →
Review: Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball
On August 23, 2010
In Review, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade
With Comments Off on Review: Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball
Permalink
Permalink
One of the latest additions to the Xbox Live Arcade family seeks to finally settle the raging score between some of life’s most entertaining figures, namely ninjas and pirates. Of course, without the bitter rivalry between ninjas and pirates, the popularity of similar creatures of zombies and robots would certainly wane. Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball wants to determine once and for all which faction is worthy of being the coolest, strongest, and all-around greatest, all in some rousing games of dodgeball.
Review: Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
On July 27, 2010
In Review, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade
With Comments Off on Review: Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project
Permalink
Permalink
The future looks grim for Duke. With games that are consistently either delayed year after year or cancelled outright, the franchise seems to be slowly dying. And this breaks my heart. After spending countless sleepless nights with Mr. Nukem under the watchful eye of my father (who muted the speakers and told me I didn’t need to hear) with Duke Nukem and Duke Nukem 3D, I grew up expecting much, much more. Unfortunately, I’ve been relegated to flops like Duke Nukem: Time to Kill, Duke Nukem: Land of the Babes, and the travesty Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project. None of them ever came close to capturing the hilarity or feel of the first classic “3D” shooter. In spite of that, Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project has somehow made its way from its home on the PC way back in 2002 to the Xbox Live Arcade. It didn’t impress me back then, and now I only fear what tomorrow holds for my favorite wise-cracking, gun-toting action hero.