Support the Radical: Leading Into Holiday '06

The holiday season is always a happy time for gamers. A constant onrush of refined and beautiful product is unleashed upon us each winter as developers push to release their prized titles in the coveted Q4. Despite all the treats lavished upon us though, an unfortunate truth is proved year after year: The smaller titles that can't afford to grab the marketing attention from big-time publishers often get lost in the shuffle.

Don't forget Luke, there's still good in him.

While we haven't lived through the season yet, we're already seeing games that are passing by with too little fanfare as we look past them to the treasures ahead. With that in mind, I've chosen a few games that may fall under the radar, but should still demand the same press and respect more popular franchises take for granted.

LEGO and the Force
I'm not really sure when the 'too cool for school' mentality came into vogue for gamers, but this prejudice against kid's games has simply gone too far. Keep an open mind people! Granted, if you read the previews, check out the screenshots and videos, and the game still doesn't appeal to you, fine. I'm not going to strong-arm you into spending $60. That said, don't dismiss a possible gem just because it's not savagely violent or another sports simulation.

Innovation and originality may not be dying in our
industry, but all too often they're ignored.

LEGO® Star Wars® II: The Original Trilogy is brimming with the charm of not only the LEGO toys, but the classic Star Wars trilogy as well. Its unique take on the beloved sci-fi film franchise translates perfectly to the world of video games, as it combines constant humor-filled action with clever puzzles and light-hearted presentation. It's definitely worth a look, and not just for your kids or your younger siblings.

Besides, can you find a more entertaining contrast than a grown man whose gamercard says the last two games he played are Saints Row and LEGO Star Wars II? Now that's priceless.

Strategically outstanding and true to the genre, Enchanted Arms is a classic.

A Saxophone Can Heal You Too!
The sad fact is that only people who have played Enchanted Arms™ can truly appreciate the above joke, and there's far too few of you! The Elder Scrolls® IV: Oblivion™ is not the only RPG on Xbox 360™ anymore. Enchanted Arms seems to have slipped through the cracks caused by too little marketing and not enough critical praise.

Let me put it to you this way: If you dig on classic, turn-based RPGs like those of the Final Fantasy and Dragon Warrior franchises, Enchanted Arms deserves your attention. It is, in my humble opinion, as refined and enjoyable an example of that fabled genre as you could ask for. What's more, it's the only one of its kind currently on Xbox 360!

Unlimited Test Drive Options
The idea behind Test Drive® Unlimited is enough to earn Support the Radical recognition on its own, but the execution is just as good. Put simply, there is no line between the offline and online experiences.

You should be taking this car for a Test Drive.

Finding and participating in races is determined by only one thing, your choice. As you drive around the game world, there's no need for backtracking through menus, signing into servers, filtering matches, or anything of the kind. Simply find the races you want to compete in and join them, whether it's a race against offline A.I. or a crew of fellow gamers looking for a challenge. Top that off with some excellent racing mechanics and you've got an utterly unique and praise-worthy racing title.

Innovation and originality may not be dying in our industry, but all too often they're ignored. Give each game an equal chance to impress, and chances are you'll find yourself with a surprising library of games, made of equal parts top-tier holiday titles and lesser-known gems like these.

Article by Ryan Treit