411 Games Top 5 08.06.09: Week 23 - Top Downloadable Games

Posted by Todd Vote on 08.06.2009

This week the games staff ranks our favorite downloadable games. Everything from Ninja Turtles, to Street Fighter II, all the way down to Geometry Wars. Come on in and see if you spot any of your favorites.

That time again kids, Week 23 of the 411 Games Top 5 starts now. Last week we tried to offer a little insight into what makes us all gamers. I'm not sure if it was a lack of interest in the topic, or the fact that I pulled a boner, and because of it the column went up a day late. Either way, there wasn't much feedback in the way of what makes you guys play games. Not much at all apparently...










Alright, I can admit it. I'm started to struggle for ideas in this column. So this weeks topic comes to us courtesy of Armando Rodriguez once again. So thanks Armando, and a little thanks to Adam Larck as well, who highlighted his top 10 Xbox Live Arcade games last week in the 10th Hour.

Since the current generation of consoles have launched, a big emphasis has been placed on online gaming. Hell it seems at times that a game on the Xbox 360 won't even get a second look unless it has some sort of online component. Well it's more than just the disc games that we buy, the online has also brought us DLC to continue the adventures in our favorite games, and of course digitally downloaded games. Some of the best games in recent memory have come via a digital download service. Classics have been revived, re-imagined, and in some cases completely overhauled for release to a new audience. Some franchises, such as Mega Man, have finally gotten a full blown sequel due to the download services. Bionic Commando was completely reworked to be brought to the Xbox Live Arcade, or to the PSN.

Of course, one more thing that all of these downloadable games have reminded us of, is the power of the puzzle games and the platform games. There have been some great games from each genre that have graced our consoles, and it serves as a constant reminder of just how fun these types of games can be. make no mistake about it digitally downloaded games are here to stay.

One last thing before we get started, I'm messing with the layout of the column a bit, trying to make it a bit easier on the eyes. There aren't any major changes, just a few things that I am hoping will, as I said, make it a bit easier to read, let me know if you even noticed the differences, and if so, are they working?

Thanks again Armando, and Adam for the excellent suggestion topic wise, and let's get this bitch crackin', shall we? Up first, Adam Larck, who I mentioned above writes the 10th Hour.

Adam Larck(Writer's note: I do not have a PS3 and do not buy games on the Wii, except for one I got for free, and my list will reflect this.)
Toddo I know this probably goes without saying, but Adams note more than likely applies to all of us writers. It can't very well be a favorite of ours if we haven't played it.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Penny Arcade Ep. 1 - Penny Arcade's first foray into gaming is a fun RPG, something that's seldom seen in DLC games.

Castle Crashers - The four player fun here is something that needs to be experienced, and PS3 owners will get to do that soon.

Space Invaders Extreme - I liked the update to the original Space Invader formula, and the multiplayer is worth a look.



5. The Maw - One of the two games from Broken Pixel on my list, The Maw offers a lot of fun while devouring everything in sight. While the game is short, there is a lot of fun that can be had while playing. I especially liked devouring the rhino-type creature and running through the level.

4. Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 - One of my favorite fighting games of all time released on the Xbox LIVE last week … of course it's going to be on my list. I've been doing a lot of single player mode, and trying to learn combos again to get online and try my skills. I especially liked getting the 200 hit combo achievement against my friend one night. Really reminded me why I liked this game.

3. World of Goo - The only Wii game that I have is a fun puzzle game that requires a lot of thought to get across the level. I still haven't beaten the game yet, as I'm stuck on some puzzles. Building the highest building ever is also a blast, as you start thinking of new ways to building the highest tower possible with a limited number of goos.

2. Splosion Man - The other Broken Pixel game here, it's also one of the newest original games on my list. The platforming and puzzle mode really blends well with this game. Add in a unique multiplayer mode with levels that require teamwork, and Splosion Man is a great pickup for Xbox 360 owners. Plus, seeing scientists explode into meat is funny to see.
Splosion Man owns your face! If you haven't at least tried the demo yet, I urge you to do so. It's the most addictive puzzle platformer I've played since Portal.

1. Marble Blast Ultra - The top game on my Xbox LIVE Arcade list a few weeks ago is the top game on this list as well. I don't have too much more to say about this game that I haven't said before. I just want to reiterate that this game is still a blast to play, even though it was one of the first Arcade games I bought. Just rolling around trying to get the top times is a great time waster for me between games or waiting to go somewhere.
I haven't played this one yet, how close is it to Marble Madness?

Thanks Adam. Seriously... All of you go download Splosion Man... I'll wait.... Okay, you back now? Did you download it? Good. Next up for us is the man who brings you the games version of Fact or Fiction each week, Mr. Drew "F*ck Mortal Kombat" Robbins.

Drew RobbinsDisclaimer: I have never played Braid, so it will not appear on this list...please don't hurt me!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Fat Princess (PSN) - This game actually just game out a few days ago, so I've decided it is a bit too soon to include it on a "favorites" of anything list. However, it deserves a mention, because when I can actually get into a game, it's a blast. Mix one-part Warcraft, a half-cup of Team Fortress 2, and more cake than you can shake a stick at, and you come out with Fat Princess. If that doesn't sell you on the game, then I don't know what will.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (PSN/XBLA) - The game came out at a perfect time in my opinion, a handful of months separated from Street Fighter IV, which was the point where I had started to become pretty hyped for the return of Street Fighter. This game served as an appetizer for me, giving me something familiar but with a new tint to it to tide me over until the next game. I'll still occasionally play it, just because having a Street Fighter game right there on the XMB is so convenient.

5. Castle Crashers (XBLA) - Castle Crashers was the original downloadable game that made me want to purchase a Microsoft points card, but it seemingly disappeared for quite some time, and by the time it came out my 360 was out the door due to technical issues. Luckily, some of my friends purchased it and I got to go hands on with this beautiful beat-em-up for myself. This captured the same fun multiplayer experience of the Ninja Turtles games, something which few beat-em-ups have ever done for me..



4. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 (XBLA) - Though it was too soon to put Fat Princess on this list, something such as this which has been around for the past nine years fits perfectly. I'm fine with the more withdrawn style of Street Fighter, but when it comes to playing a fighting game with some friends, the wacky over-the-top antics of Marvel vs. Capcom are much more to my liking. Also, I can play as the Hulk and the Juggernaut. It wins for that reason alone.
I can't wait till I can pick this one up. I only briefly played it upon it's initial release.

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Arcade (XBLA) - Castle Crashers may have recaptured the magic, but to me no beat-em-up will ever touch this masterpiece. Four players, the four greatest turtles of all time, and one really pissed off guy that controls a legion of mindless fighters. The music was great, the stages were memorable, and the game itself is timeless.
I agree with everything you said here. Turtles rule.

2. Banjo-Tooie (XBLA) - You can bet that I was more than a little excited when the bear and bird were announced as coming to Xbox. Of course, we've went over how my Xbox is toast, so I missed out on downloading my favorite 3D platformers and taking them for a spin. Tooie was my favorite of the two, as it just seemed grander than the original. You could also turn Kazooie into a dragon, what more could you want? The game's only real problem was choppy frame rate, and while I can't say from experience, I'm sure that being ported over to the Xbox and playing straight off of the HDD helped the experience.

1. Super Metroid (VC) - It seems like this game keeps topping my lists when I contribute to the top 5, and there is a pretty good reason for it. Perfection is something that no game has or will ever attain, but Super Metroid comes damn close. From beginning to end you knew you were playing something special. My first experience with the game was actually with its downloadable port to the Virtual Console, where it can be purchased for $8. You'd have to be crazy not to take that insane deal.

Next up we have the man who is not afraid to get his hands dirty in The Good Bad and the Ugly News Report each and every Monday, right here at 411mania. He is also the man who originally suggested this weeks topic, Armando Rodriguez.

Armando RodriguezDisclaimer* I have not played Braid or Wipeout HD (although I REALLY REALLY want to!) so don't hurt Drew! Don't worry Drew, Mark will hook you up with some ShamWow for your tears!

Honorable Mentions:

Bionic Commando Rearmed: When a downloadable game is better than the so-called PREMIUM priced 3D sequel, you know that you have problems. Plus, after a year of waiting we finally got the trophy patch this week! Of course, the trophy list is insanely hard (I think it has to be in the Top 3 Most Difficult PSN titles to get 100% on) and I will never even get one, but we got that patch!

Mortal Kombat II (PSN, XBLA): Just showing Toddo some love!
Thanks man, but you don't have to do this anymore... There are no points.

5. Plants vs Zombies (PC) This quirky and funny tower defense game is one of the best downloadable games I have played this year. The game's story mode offers decent challenge and the cast of wacky zombies are hilarious. The puzzle mode is very intriguing as well and this is the type of game anyone can pick up and play.

4. Namco Museum Essentials(PSN) Featuring six classic games, Essentials has become like digital crack to me. I can't live without my Galaga! Also in the collection is Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Xevious, Dragon Spirit and Xevious Resurrection, a remake of Xevious with better graphics.

3. Super Street Fighter II HD Remix (PSN, XBLA) This is probably one of the best HD updates ever. The game play was rebalanced, the graphics look amazing and the sound is just insane. I even carry the new tunes in my iPod.

2. PixelJunk Monsters (PSN) I own both, the original and the Encore expansion. The game is challenging, fun and addictive. I like it also because the trophies feel right, challenging but not impossible. This is probably the best tower defense game ever made.



1. Battlefield 1943 (PSN, XBLA): Yes, it came out a few weeks ago. But in those few weeks I have logged over 25 hours of game time, killed 700 or so bitches and have been promoted to Second Lieutenant Gold. I just absolutely love this game and the amount of depth it has. Each of the 3 maps can be won by employing a multitude of different strategies, so there is never a sure fire way to win.
Am I the only one who kicks himself for plopping down $15 for this game? I hated it!

Armando wins. Fatality. Next is the resident retro guy here at 411mania. Lee Price brings you Retronomicon each week, where he reviews a different classic title. This week is Streets of Rage 3, so be sure to check it out.

Lee Price
Honorable Mentions:

Gunstar Heroes (Wii): Those who checked out the Top 5 Shooters will know that this is one of my favorite games. Just buy it, it's well worth it.
It's on my list of games to check out... Does that count?



5. Geometry Wars (360) I picked this up when I first got my 360 after hearing everybody and their dog raving about it. I didn't really get the fuss at first but I soon realized that was because I was awful at the game. Once I started getting some good combos going and wasn't dying every five seconds I was addicted. All the pretty colours and the intense game play just drew me in. I love it.

4. Streets of Rage 3 (Wii) I have not been able to find an affordable copy of this in the UK. Hell I'm pretty sure I've only seen about 3 copies at all and one of those is owned by a friend. When I found this on the Wii Virtual Console I was in ecstasy. I still want the original cart, but at least I can play this awesome game now.

3. Marvel vs Capcom 2 (360) This is right up there for me as one of the best 2D beat em-ups of all time. Just a huge amount of characters available, combined with frenetic combat and the awesome prospect of fighting Ryu as Spiderman means that I love Capcom more and more with each day. Never did own this on my Dreamcast so this is the next best place to get it.

2. Super Street Fighter II HD Remix (PS3, 360) I just adore how this game looks. I can't help it, it just looks so beautiful. That coupled with the fact that its Street Fighter II, but in HD and with the little game play tweaks required to fully balance the game make this a must have. I love it.
Fuckin Street Fighter...

1. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition (360): Hands down the Monkey Island series are my favorite point and click games. The humour is just above and beyond the vast majority I've played, with only the insanity of Sam & Max and the acerbic wit of Broken Sword to contend with it. And now I can play it in glorious HD, with the original voice cast. A no brainer if there ever was one.

Thanks Lee, I guess that leaves me. If you want more Toddo(why would you?), be sure to check out this weeks Four Player Co-op. This week's edition is moderated by Rod Oracheski, and he has done some awesome things to the format; things that I hope JDL decides to adopt permanently.

Todd Vote5. Comix Zone: I'll be honest, I owe my ability to beat this game to the re-release on Xbox Live. I couldn't beat it when I was a youngster, but the added save feature made it finally possible. Add that this is a great game, and it easily makes number 5.

4. TMNT: The Arcade Game: What can I say that Drew didn't say above? It's a really great beat-em up and it's amazing how well this one has held up over time.

3. Heavy Weapon: Side-scrolling chaos. Those words best describe heavy Weapon. Unleash nukes to take down all on screen enemies. This title is a definite thrown back to the 8-bit days, with a unique dual stick control scheme, it is easy to shoot in all directions for maximum carnage.

2. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3: Yeah, I know the PSN got the superior game with MKII, but that doesn't stop this one from filling that old bloody 2-D fighting fix I get from time to time. I must be sick... This is two weeks in a row without MK as number one...



1. Splosion Man: I should preface that Splosion Man is my current favorite DL game. I'm sure it will change eventually, but right now I am seriously digging on Splosion Man. Platform-puzzler, where the object is to find your way out of this science lab. You do not have a jump button, instead the game offers you the chance to 'splode up to 3 times at once. You use this combined with fairly simple puzzle mechanics, and it makes for a hilariously fun experience. Seriously, go buy this game.


Bonus Video

For your viewing pleasure, we have a bit of game play from TMNT: The Arcade Game



There you have it. Week 23 is in the books. You know the deal now. What are your favorite downloadable games? Maybe it's a little known cell phone app. Perhaps something from Steam... Whatever it is let us know about it in the comments section. We'll see you back next week when we tackle our favorite movie games. Take care

Reader's we need your help
Do you have any ideas you want to see used in the Top 5? If you do, please leave it in the comment. What kind of lists do you guys want to see us tackle in the future?