The Latest Games on Xbox Live Arcade

While we have been covering the action of the Xbox Live® Arcade service the last few months, we have seen quite a few new additions, both in the Arcade and on store shelves. Even with the all the great titles to hit retailers in the last few weeks, I can go to my friends list and almost guarantee that there will be a few of my friends playing the games from Xbox Live Arcade.

I enjoy playing a few games late at night to relax. Over the last few weeks we saw three brand new games become available for download: Feeding Frenzy™, Astropop™ , and Jewel Quest™. Just like the past games we covered, these also entertain, teach, and help relieve stress. Each game is 800 Microsoft® Points and has a free downloadable demo, so let's look at the details.

Are You the Biggest Fish in the Sea?
Feeding Frenzy offers you the chance to go through 40 levels in the deep blue sea while trying to eat as many fish as you can—and trying to avoid the bigger fish that want to eat you. Along the way you get points from starfish and special bubbles that trigger an eating frenzy. The game is broken down into levels and offers real facts on fish and sea life during the level changes. It is a non-violent game with great graphics and the challenges of trying to snag pearls and avoid jellyfish and other enemies.

If it's smaller, eat it.

Feeding Frenzy is a game that really entertains and is perfect for every gamer in the house. After the main game, there is also a time trail mode and the chance to go back and beat your score. Like manygames, this one looks easy but in fact has plenty of surprises. Build up the meter and hit the right button to trigger your ability to suck in schools of fish for big points. Snag enough pearls, and you'll unlock a special achievement.

Xbox Live Arcade has three more great games
that offer a change of pace from the killer
Xbox 360 titles released in the last month.

I downloaded the demo hesitantly, but soon found out that the action is fun and the levels and game progression is smart. It all comes down to who's bigger, faster, and hungrier—just like in the real world. The in-game factoids are a great idea for this type of game, and add to the overall package. It's not for everyone, but most will enjoy it.

Blocks-o-Drop Until You Pop!
Astropop is part puzzle, part arcade game with a crazy storyline. The game play is a little like the classic Klax games, minus the space-age special weapons. Choose one of the four space pilots and try and make it through the 32 levels and bonus rounds while matching up blocks of the same color in rows to make combos and cause chain reactions for a bigger score.

At first, only two of the pilots can be selected. Each one has a special weapon that can be used to clear the game area only at certain times. It's a fast-paced game where key timing and fast reflexes are really needed. Can you find the secret to unlock the other two pilots and defeat the evil enemy?

Match up the blocks for big combos.

Astropop is a very colorful game, and while very challenging, puzzle fans will love it while some younger gamers may just have fun watching their brother or sister play. It offers funny animations and a wacky story line. While it is suitable for any age, it may be a bit too difficult for really younger gamers. (I say this knowing many younger gamers will certainly clean my clock in the game.) Great music and graphics makes Astropop stand out.

Ready for a Challenge?
Jewel Quest is perhaps the most challenging of the three games. You are an archeologist of sorts, matching up three jewels, icons, or statues and then clearing that row and the entire playing grid before the timer runs out. Jewel Quest is geared toward those who love a real challenge in the way the game works. You need to be one step ahead of the next three or four tiles and look at the whole board to be successful.

Clear the grid and get the treasure.

While very challenging, the game offers tips and even gives you the opportunity to trade in one life to move on to the next level. With 180 boards awaiting you, do you have the skills to clear each one? The music and graphics help set the mood of being in a deep mine or other treasure filled room. Just like in the movies, the gods that protect the treasures are gathered on each grid.

It will remind you of Hexic® HD and Bejeweled 2® but this one has a twist. You have a timer and need to mark each space on the grid by matching three or more icons up, down or in a straight row. Later in the game the grid changes to some rather hard configurations.

Intense game play with music to match makes Jewel Quest a highly addictive game that will push your mind to the limit. Just when it looks hopeless, you may make the right move that unleashes a killer chain reaction, clearing several rows, but it still takes nerves of steel in the higher levels. Some arcade players are calling it the best puzzle game so far—that is saying a lot, considering the other puzzle games in Xbox Live Arcade.

More from Xbox Solution
Xbox Live Arcade has three more great games that challenge you as well as offer a change of pace from the killer Xbox 360™ titles released in the last month. With the free trial versions, there is no reason not to try them out, and they're only 800 points if you like the game. Xbox Live Arcade is great for relieving stress and many of the games will push anyone's skills to the limit. Be sure to check our archived articles, and check back with us next time as we look at another great feature of Xbox 360.

Article by Rich Reed, Xbox Solution