Verdict: Really Fun!
In a Nutshell: A rich and surprising 2D action side-scroller
“In Shadow Complex, gameplay is centered on exploration and fast-paced combat as you gather game-altering power-ups and an arsenal of futuristic weapons to overcome obstacles, thwart legions of enemies, and delve into a mysterious open game world. The original single-player adventure is set in a compelling universe based upon the best-selling novel, Empire, by Orson Scott Card.”
Verdict: it’s a dud
In a Nutshell: A mediocre new take on a classic Windows puzzle game.
“Minesweeper has come a long way since the days of the 9 X 9 grid! In Minesweeper Flags, you can choose to play the classic grid game if you like, but if you’re looking for real action, check out our Flags mode where you must secure the mines instead of avoiding them. Minesweeper Flags also delivers exciting multiplayer action for up to four players, deep stats to track your rankings, ratings and true skill score, fun new achievements and an all-new action packed single player campaign mode. This is Minesweeper Xbox 360 style!”
Verdict: adorable
In a Nutshell: The Maw is a third-person perspective action game about an alien and his side-kick who eats everything possible.
“The pinnacle of alien evolution, Maw is a cowardly fat blob concerned mostly with snacking and lounging. He can, however, absorb the traits of anything he eats, is virtually indestructible, and can grow to unlimited size. If he wasn’t a danger to all life in the universe, he’d make the perfect pet. In this action/adventure game, he’s the best friend of our hero Frank, and only by working together can Maw eat their way to freedom. The Maw was honored with the Audience Choice Award in the 2008 PAX-10 showcase of independent games, and is a finalist at this year’s Independent Games Festival for Technical Excellence.”
Verdict: Arcade-tastic!
In a Nutshell: Schiziod is a “gobble-em-up” classic and needs to be in a stand up machine in your local arcade or convenience store where you and your friend can vie for top co-op place with Slushies at your side.
“Schizoid, the most co-op game ever, is an action game for 1 or 2 players, who must cooperate to protect each other from barrages of glowing enemies.”
Verdict: nice and simple
In a Nutshell: You are a pyrotechnician in this rhythm game.
“Set off an amazing display of fireworks with Boom Boom Rocket. As rockets fly against a spectacular cityscape, time their detonation to the beat of the music to unleash some awesome pyrotechnics. Featuring four game modes including two multiplayer modes, mesmerizing graphics, and a great soundtrack of remixed classics with a contemporary beat, Boom Boom Rocket is the explosive must-have game for Xbox Live Arcade.”
And the winner is . . . . .The MAW!
Verdict: In a word: Exquisite.
In a Nutshell: A 2-D puzzle-platformer that sucks you in and makes you twist your brain around in ways you didn’t think possible.
“Braid is a platform game in a painterly style where you manipulate the flow of time to solve puzzles. Every puzzle in Braid is unique. There is no filler. … Journey into worlds where time behaves strangely; observe, learn from, and then master these worlds.”
