Xbox Live Arcade – My Top 10 New Titles
by Pidgeo
I am a self confessed Xbox LIVE Arcade zealot! Having played nearly every console since 1986 and factoring in the many trips to the local Timezone arcade, the list of classic arcade and console classics that are available on XBLA that bring back memories of a simpler time is just amazing. Games such as Sonic, Golden Axe, Track and Field, Street Fighter 2and Castlevania: SOTN are just a few examples of these classics.
However one of the things that I personally feel gets a little overlooked compared to the classics is the great range of original titles that have been released. Some based on classics in their specific genre like Uno, other being completely new from the fertile minds of indie developers. In any case there are thousands of hours of excellent gaming to be had at a bargain price.
Here are my top 10 original non-old school Xbox Live titles.
10. UNO
If you don’t know what UNO is I’m shocked and amazed... One of the greatest card games ever made playable over Xbox Live. Enough said.
9. Outpost Kaloki X
I love strategy games, especially ones that involve economic management, technology research and facility upgrades. Outpost is a simple example of these games but one that provides a load of challenge to conquer completely. Corny storyline aside, this is a solid and extremely cheap strategy title that provided me with hours of enjoyment
8. GripShift
Developed by Sidhe over in New Zealand, this is one great little racer. The combination of puzzle with racing carnage is a winner in my eyes and there is plenty of challenge involved in getting the gold on each level. If you enjoy puzzle games or racers, this one is worth the points especially to support local developers!!
7. Pac Man Championship Edition
Pac Man is not new. I am aware of this.
A high def version with the first new maps in 20-odd years? That is new.
I feel that it captured the spirit of the original but thrust it well into the 21st century with its original maps and game modes.
6. Geometry Wars Evolved
Most people I suspect will have this absolute gem of a game higher in their lists and the only reason I don’t is that I played the five games below for much longer. The reason? I’m just not that good at Geometry Wars!! An absolute must have game!
5. Band of Bugs
Have you heard of the game Gladius? Well most people haven’t but it was once voted “The Best Game nobody played on the Xbox”. Well I was probably one of three people who spent the 75 hours to finish it!!! Hence why I loved Band of Bugs as its the same kind of turn based combat with classes as Gladius had which made me one happy camper. A hidden turn based strategy gem in my opinion.
4. Arkadian Warriors
Speaking of genres I am a sucker for..... hack ‘n slash RPG-lites!! As the first original RPG-lite on XBLA this was always going to be a game I would finish. It’s not overly deep, certainly not complex but a fun little bargain of a game
3. Carcassone
Board games are awesome. That is just fact. We have had many forum threads on what board games we’d all like to see come to XBLA (Stratego, Necromunda and Hero Quest anyone?).
I thought one of the classics would be the games to take XBLA by storm but a relatively new designer board game from Germany has become a cult classic. A masterpiece of strategic gaming that is a must own if for some reason you missed out when it was free for that short time.
2. Catan
What is it with the Germans and great board games?!?! This has become my favourite board game ever only from playing it on Xbox Live. A superbly balanced game that is easy to learn but incredibly hard to master. Another absolute must own game developed by Brian Reynolds and his team at Big Huge Games
1. Puzzle Quest
“Let’s combine the puzzle addictiveness of Tetris with an RPG and make a classic.”
On first thoughts that is an insane concept but Puzzle Quest has become an instant classic of this gaming generation by doing just that, combining a puzzle game with a surprisingly deep RPG (relatively speaking – World of Warcraft this is not). Probably the longest game to complete on XBLA this is an absolute steal at 1200 points, especially considering it was $50 on the DS.
