The Xbox Live House Party Rages On
Posted March 9, 2011 by Keadin
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With only one more week to go, the Xbox Live House Party is coming to a close soon. With so many great Xbox Live Arcade games releasing, it can be hard to choose, but thankfully yours truly has taken to them all. Let’s have a look at what this party’s got to offer!
Hard Corps: Uprising
It’s been a long time since I’ve played
Contra, but Konami’s anime-infused shoot-em-up brings back all the right memories. While not technically a reboot or spinoff of the classic, Hard Corps: Uprising hits a lot of the same notes. It’s challenging and requires precision motions, but that’s part of the fun; there’s a reason the title sounds so much like ‘Hardcore Uprising’.
What separates this one from most run-and-gun games is the Rising Mode that allows players to earn credits to improve their characters as they play the game. Unlocking weapon upgrades, extra health, and even extra lives will slowly erode the difficulty for those who put the time in to it. The addition finally makes this genre more accessible to less capable players as credits stack, even after you die.
Overall, Hard Corps: Uprising is worth a look if you’re in the mood for a challenge and don’t back down easy. It’s a fun revival of a genre we don’t see too much of anymore and with co-op it’s even better.
Bejeweled Blitz LIVE
Bejeweled has been around a long time now. Since its first release in 2001 the game has been played several hundred million times in its various iterations. We’ve seen Bejeweled 2 on Xbox Live Arcade before, but Bejeweled Blitz Live breathes new life in to the game with friend-centric leaderboards and a few new game modes.
Packing both the classic and twist variations of the basic Bejeweled experience, players will have 30 seconds at a time to rack up as many points as they can to earn their rank on the leaderboards. Like most people, games that feature leaderboards as the ultimate reward usually turn me off. However, because Bejeweled Blitz Live wipes them at the end of every week, everyone is given an equal chance to reclaim the top spot.
It’s frantic and crazy, but still very strategic. Bejeweled Blitz Live is one of those games that really capitalizes on the urge to crush your friends, and it gets really addictive because of it.
Torchlight
I haven’t played a dungeon crawler as addictive as Torchlight in a long time. When it released on the PC it instantly grabbed my attention and refused to let go and now perfected for the Xbox Live Arcade, this is the perfect time to jump in and catch loot-grabbing fever.
As you guide your hero through the deadly caverns below the town of Torchlight you’ll fight hordes of monsters, collect and upgrade cool weapons, and you’ll do it all with the help of your faithful pet. One part pack-animal and one part warrior-beast your pet is an awesome companion to have through the whole adventure. It’ll even go to town and sell excess loot for you so you don’t need to stop adventuring!
If you’re looking for a game to sink in to and really explore, Torchlight is for you. It’s not often we see this type of action-rpg released, but the Xbox Live Arcade version is a knock-out experience.
Beyond Good & Evil HD
Like many people, I missed Beyond Good & Evil when it came out for the original Xbox back in 2003. Then I had to suffer hearing about how great it was from all my friends for the next 8 years. Now Ubisoft has put out a remastered HD version for the Xbox Live Arcade and there’s no excuse to miss this classic.
With an incredibly unique world full of interesting characters, there is nothing quite like Beyond Good & Evil. Starring photo-journalist Jade (no, not that Jade) and her lovable porky uncle Pey’j, the game tells an incredibly story that shouldn’t be missed. It was very forward-thinking when it originally came out and with an HD remastering it more than holds up for a modern audience.
Don’t miss the best opportunity to play Beyond Good & Evil HD. This game is a treasured classic and a must-play for anyone who loves great story and compelling characters.
Full House Poker
Although it won’t be out for another week, I got the opportunity to explore Full House Poker a little early. This Xbox Live Primetime game invites players and their friends to the table for a Xbox Live-wide poker tournament. Featuring scheduled live events this game will allow thousands of Xbox Live Gold Members to compete for fame and glory.
What makes Full House Poker extra unique is it uses your Xbox Live Avatar in-game. Whether you’ve dressed them up in some ultra-stylish threads or like a golden Master Chief you’ll be on display for everyone to see. Every tell, taunt and reaction will be animated through your avatar giving you a full range of expression for your online encounters.
Even if you’re not the best poker player, Full House Poker will get you in to the game with tiered tables that play at your level. It’s a great opportunity to kick back with some friends and enjoy a game of cards.