Posts Tagged ‘live arcade’

Top 5 Games of 2008: #5 – Braid

January 14th, 2009

For a long time, Xbox Live Arcade was looking to become the place for crappy remakes of old arcade games. Of course, there were a few exceptions here and there: Geometry Wars, Cloning Clyde and the Prince of Persia remake come to mind. Fortunately for us, that is no longer the case. Developers started to realize the potential of the medium and there have been a handful of what I would consider to be triple-A downloadable games.

Braid is not only one of those games, but one of the best examples of what one person (or two) can accomplish now that an outlet for this type of experience exists. A game like Braid could not have been a possibility two years ago. If, by chance, a publisher did decide to publish the game, it would be cost-prohibitive to put it on store shelves. Instead it would have to be turned into something completely different just to fit into what is expected from a retail title.

I won’t get into details of the story or game mechanics in Braid as there are plenty of places to find that information. Besides, if you’re reading this (thank you, by the way) you’ve probably already heard of the game by now and have some idea of what it entails. Instead I’ll explain why I selected it for my top 5.

Braid is, essentially, a puzzle game. Yes, there are platforming mechanics, so timing and skills with the controls play a big part. But when it comes down to it, each level in Braid is a finely tuned puzzle with each platform, enemy and spike pit placed in a specific location for a reason. The trick to the game is mastering the time control that is unique in each world. Braid does a fantastic job of teaching you each mechanic and then tuning the difficulty in each level so that you have the mental tools required to solve each puzzle. That being said, you will need to think long and hard about many of the puzzles you will encounter. I have to admit that I did give up on (I believe) three levels and had to go to the YouTubes for assistance. (Hey, I’m no genius, I’m just a regular guy, give me a break.) But when you’ve struggling with a level for an hour, ready to give up and it finally clicks in your mind what you need to do, and you then execute it perfectly, the feeling of satisfaction you get is extremely rewarding. The thoughts of, “this level isn’t possible,” which you were inevitably thinking wash away and you understand how carefully crafted the Braid experience is.

In a time when 2D platformers are extremely rare, Braid is still one of my all-time favorites and can be named among the greats from gaming past. Add to it the excellent art style, graphics and soundtrack and you have not only the best example of what an XBLA game can be, but an experience that rivals full retail titles that cost four-times as much.

DRM Tool Now Available

June 30th, 2008

This news broke last week, so I’m a little late. But it’s important news, so I’ll post it anyway.

The Content License Transfer Tool (aka DRM Tool) is now available for use. This tool will allow you to consolidate licenses to a single console. What exactly does this mean? Well, a lot of sites reporting on this don’t seem to have a full understanding of what this is and exactly how it works. Even the official FAQ doesn’t make everything entirely clear, so I’ll do my best to what this is and why we have it. Hit the jump for the best explanation I can come up with.

» Read more: DRM Tool Now Available

Castle Crashers Playthrough Video

February 26th, 2008

I’ve been really excited about this game for a long time. The art style is great as are the hand drawn graphics. Four player co-op is going to be a blast. I simply cannot wait for this game.

Link: Castle Crashers GDC 2008: Cartoon Carnage Walkthrough [Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

XBLA Wednesday: Triggerheart Exelica

February 25th, 2008

triggerheartexelica_screenshot1.jpg

This week’s XBLA release is Triggerheart Exelica, which is apparently a remake of a classic Japanese arcade game. Never heard of it myself, but I’m sure someone out there has been waiting for this game. From the media release:

“Triggerheart Exelica” on Xbox LIVE Arcade is an upgraded version of the original Japanese arcade game and allows players to take down or trap and toss enemies by controlling humanoid weapons systems known as Triggerhearts. Players will enjoy the smallest and newest model of Triggerhearts, which feature the perfect blend of artificial intelligence and an imposing arsenal. They are the ultimate weapon against the mysterious enemy ships of the Ver’mith! “Triggerheart Exelica” also features five stages of enhanced graphics, BGM sound tracks, three difficulty levels and a “Variable Boss Attack System,” which adjusts the difficulty level to match player’s skills.

Link: Triggerheart Exelica Coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade This Wednesday

MS: Create Original Games and Share them Online

February 20th, 2008

In their GDC keynote earlier today, Microsoft announced that users will soon have the ability to play, rate and share community-created games over Xbox LIVE. Along with the announcement came the news that seven original XNA 2.0 games will be immediately available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Hit the link for the full press release.

Update: Major Nelson has just announced the availability of the XNA Creators Club Game Launcher from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The app will allow you to download an launch games from the XNA Creators Club.

Link: Xbox 360 Becomes First Video Game Console Ever to Invite the World to Create Original Games and Share Online With Millions

XBLA Wednesday: N+

February 18th, 2008

n.gifLong anticipated N+ is finally coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wendesday for 800 points. Metanet Software has announced via their website that they have received approval from Microsoft and can now officially confirm the game’s release date.

Also available are some gamerpic packs, which Metanet is quick to point out will not be free, much to their admitted frustration.

Link: N+ on XBLA this Wednesday (the 20th)!! YES!!!!!!! [Via Kotaku]