Living LIVE 02.07.09: The 8th Edition
Posted by Trace Aber on 02.07.2009
We review R-Type Dimensions, check out the Halo Wars demo, and a whole slew of community games this week in Living LIVE!
It has been a hetic week for me as I have had quite a few exams, along with driving me car over 1,200 miles in just two weeks. Unfortunately, this means the article is going to be cut short a little, but I am going to try to review all of the new games that came out (which, by the way, there are quite a few). The things I am going to have to cut are the movie reviews and top ten games everyone should own for this week, but they will return next week. Besides, let's be honest - most of you are going to be too busy playing the new Halo Wars demo.
My name is Trace Aber, and this is Living LIVE.
Game Marketplace - A weekly look at the arcade game, demos, and add-ons released this week.
R-Type Dimensions (1200MP)
R-Type Dimensions is a combination of two classic arcade shooters, R-Type and R-Type II. Both games are included, in full, in this combination package along with some new features. In addition to the standard 2D mode, players can also choose between the new 3D mode which features fully updated graphics and textures, giving the game an entirely new look. Furthermore, each mode (2D/3D) has two types of camera you can choose, with 3D's "Crazy" camera being the most interesting as it allows you to look at things from a slanted-side view perspective. It is hard to explain, but it makes sense once you see it.
The game also features a new infinite mode, basically giving you infinite lives to complete all 14 levels of both games. You can unlock levels in this mode to play them in classic mode, which uses the standard 3-live system. When you complete a level in infinite mode, you are able to start from that level in classic mode. The gameplay itself is what you come to expect from the R-Type series; fast, frantic action with bullets flying everywhere and every now and then you forget where your ship is. You can play with two players to make the action twice as hectic, and it also includes online play which is a nice, if expected, touch. Despite the game's heavy price tag (which is the main reason I will not be purchasing it yet, but I will be eventually), it is worth it for the fact you get two games, with two different dimensions to play, with two different camera angles (that do alter gameplay a bit) per dimension, then you get a classic and infinite mode on top of that. There is a lot of replay value in this game. Recommendation: Highly suggest picking this up as it is one of the best titles to be released in a while.
Community Games
A Game of Tennis (200MP)
A Game of Tennis is not tennis as you would normally think of it, but instead pong. Well, ok, pong was meant to be tennis I suppose, but I expected actual tennis. The game features two modes of play, classic and advanced. Advanced does not seem to offer many changes to classic except the ball seems to speed up faster. The main "twist" is apparently that in advanced mode you are supposed to score as many points as possible before you opponent reaches the set score. Why I suppose this could be good for leaderboards, outside of that (and I know quite a few people who could care less about leaderboards) I do not see the point in having this feature. Recommendation: The problem with old remakes such as this is that you can find countless free ones online...and to be honest, the trial version gives you more than enough pong to keep you satisifed. Avoid buying it.
BlockBUSTER (400MP)
The description of this game states that it is a "tribute to the great legacies of gaming," and "inspired by the old classics from the 70s." It does not, however, state which legacy or game it is paying tribute to. Despite the omission, it is obvious the game is paying homage to the classic Breakout from 1976, but adds a third dimension to the game. The look and feel of the game is very confusing at first as you try to adjust your way around the playing field, which you can thankfully view from every perspective you will need to. As you destroy the blocks, they explode and the thumping rock music in the background continues to pulsate, no matter how long you listen to it and ask the Gods why it has not switched beats. The game features over 20 levels and three difficulties, so there is some replay value. But, like stated above with A Game of Tennis, you can find plenty of Breakout clones online for free, though I do not know of a 3D one such as this. The only reason I can recommend buying this is due to the large number of power ups you can get, which range from making you go slower to being able to control the bombs. This can change the gameplay up a little bit, but when it comes down to it - you are destroying bricks with balls. Recommendation: I say try it out only because it really tries to do something different with the genre, which I can always appreciate when done right. Give it a shot.
Miner Dig Deep (200MP)
Miner Dig Deep looks to be our quirky, "cute" (as said by my girlfriend) game of the week. You are a miner in a small village who goes underground, collects resources, and sells the resources you find for money. Then, with the money you make, you can go and buy items such as , ladders elevators, grab hooks, better axes and lamps, etc etc. The music is calming and the graphics remind me of a flash game with a smoother finish. The area in which you can mine seems large, with the resources you find getting more and more valuable as you go. Going deeper means more risks, however, as you can be hit by falling boulders and lose everything you have found. You can also collect blueprints to new and improved items, which adds another element into the gameplay. Everything in the game is measured in depth, which makes sense as you are digging underground in all. While only playing the trial gives you a small look into the game, this one appears to be a winner with good pick up and play gameplay and a cheap price tag. Recommendation: If you are looking for a new type of puzzle game for cheap, this is the game for you.
A Wizard's Odyssey (400MP)
Odyssey is an action/adventure game that focuses heavily on the elements (earth, water, wind, fire) as you attempt to save the land from an evil wizard. The game features a basic create-a-character (choose sex, color) and graphics similar to Runescape. If you enjoy your typical hack and slash (although in this one each button on the controller represents a different element), you will find something to enjoy about this game. You can team up with three other players via local or XBox LIVE. The game also features combo spells that allow for some really interesting attacks. The controls are fluid and responsive, though aiming can be a bit tricky at times. The camera angle is also a little iffy, though you will not experience any game-breaking angles or anything of the such.
Everybody dance in the acid rain!
The game does offer some elements of strategy as well with features such as being able to become invulnerable to spells of a certain element, with the trade off being that you cannot attack. Each element works differently against enemies, so you will have to learn and figure out witch element is best to use during combat. Recommendation: The game will not blow anyone's mind away in the slightest, but it will take it back to the days of early 3D action games...and that will always get a recommendation from me.
reTension (200MP)
reTension is a different type of memory/match game. It is different in the fact that you have to match things up not because they are exactly the same, but instead related in trvial ways. One round has you picking up cards that say, "Where is President Bush's ranch" and the correct choice would be "Crawford, Texas." The game also features the classic matching game in four different difficulties, with the game sometimes resetting on you. There is not a lot to say about the game but it is fun and forces you to think on your feet quickly, despite the calming music playing in the background (which seems to be a huge trend in community games). Recommendation: A good game for a small get-together or if you just want to learn some trivia. It is cheap at only 200MP, so get it.
Penga's Peril (200MP)
Based off the supposedly popular "Freaky Creatures" series (which I have never heard of, by the way), comes Penga's Peril. Taking play in an isometric view, you play the role of Penga, who just wants to jump into what appears to be a hole surrounded by lava. Why you would ever want to do this I will never know, but the game is decent fun. You have to avoid obstacles, used teleports, and dodge enemies to get to your goal. Featuring 50 levels, Penga's Peril will keep you entertained for a decent chunk of time. And the fact the music is way more intense than it ever should be scores the game some bonus points for me. Recommendation: It is not a bad game, but it is not really a good game either. It is very middling and not worth the money, I feel. Avoid.
Brain Deluxe (800MP)
Featuring gameplay similar to Penga's Peril (pushing things on a grid to reach a goal), Brain Deluxe tends to take itself more seriously than it should. The music is very serious, the layout is very serious, and the game just does not seem to have a sense of humor. To be fair, however, there is also quite a bit more obstacles than in Peril. Instead of simply walking to the platform, in Brain you have to rings to open the door before you can grab the item you need, but not all doors just need one key. Some need four or more, the doors need colors, you have to use a crane, and, well, the puzzles can get quite challenging. Thankfully you can undo up to five moves, but at some points you just have to restart the level. The game also features five "zones," which equate to difficulties, giving the game over 160 levels. Recommendation: This is a nice variety on the puzzle genre, and presents some new challenges not seen in other puzzle games. Definitely check it out, though the 800MP makes it hard to recommend when it is just a community game.
Game Demos
Halo Wars Demo
Taking place 20 years before the original Halo, Halo Wars is the first RTS game in the series featuring species and vehicles we have seen before and some new ones. The main focus of the game is the "circle menu", which takes up the entire screen and is used when creating units and buildings. Using system link of LIVE you can have up to six players battling it out, or you can co-op with a friend. The game looks beautiful and plays really smooth without any noticeable problem. Ensemble has done a really good job of making everything flow aimlessly. But, look, there is nothing in this paragraph that I could possibly say that would make you not want to play this game. So just go download it. Recommendation: If you own a Xbox 360, you probably like Halo. I personally think it is overrated, but the masses are what matter. Download it.
Game Add-Ons
Lips
"Fallin" by Alicia Keys (180MP)
"In My Play" by Coldplay (180MP)
"Building a Mystery" by Sarah McLachlan (180MP)
Rock Band
"Precious" by The Pretenders (160MP)
"Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benetar (160MP)
"Break My Heart" by Nikko (80MP)
"Don't Tell Me" by Nikko (80MP)
"Jailbreak (Live)" by Thin Lizzy (160MP)
"The Boys Are Back in Town (Live)" by Thin Lizzy (160MP)
"Cowboy Song (Live)" by Thin Lizzy (160MP)
Thin Lizzy Pack 01 (440MP)
LIVE Activity for week of January 26th
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (based on UU's)
1 CoD: World at War
2 Halo 3
3 Call of Duty 4
4 Gears of War 2
5 Left 4 Dead
6 GTA IV
7 Fallout 3
8 FIFA 09
9 Guitar Hero World Tour
10 Madden NFL 09
Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions purchased)
1 The Maw
2 Castle Crashers
3 Worms
4 Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
5 UNO
6 A Kingdom for Keflings
7 Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
8 Braid
9 Banjo-Kazooie
10 Bomberman Live
Original Xbox Top Live Titles (based on UU's)
1 Halo 2
2 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
3 Counter-Strike
4 Fable
5 Conker: Live Reloaded
6 Street Fighter Anniv.
7 Splinter Cell Chaos
8 Star Wars: Battlefront
9 Call of Duty 3
10 Doom 3
Top Community Games (Full Versions)
1 RC-AirSim
2 Rumble Massage
3 Ocean Scenes
4 CarneyVale Showtime
5 Simply HangMan
6 Golden Royal Blackjack
7 Air Legends
8 Groov
9 Johnny Platform's Biscuit Romp
10 Weapon of Choice
Why is Ocean Scenes number 3? And why are they promoting Fireplace again? DAMN YOU MICROSOFT!
Video Marketplace
Title (HD, STD)
Penny Dreadful (360MP, 240MP)
Stirs of Echoes 2: The Homecoming (N/A, 240MP)
100 Women (360MP, 240MP)
Snap Dragon (N/A, 240MP)
HYPE! (N/A, 240MP) (I know I said I wouldn't be doing a movie review this week, but you will want to check this movie out if you are into grunge at all.)
Are You Scared? (N/A, 240MP)
Cutting Class (N/A, 240MP)
American Teen (480MP, 320MP)
Repo! The Genetic Opera (480MP, 320MP)
Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (N/A, 320MP)
Righteous Kill (480MP, 320MP)
Events
Monday: Music Monday - Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3
Tuesday: Family Game Night - Ticket to Ride
Wednesday: GamerchiX Ladies Night - Call of Duty: World at War
Thursday: Co-Op Night - Left 4 Dead
Friday: Game With Fame - Snow Patrol (Pro Evolution Soccer 2009)
Saturday: Valentine's Day All Night - Left 4 Dead
Sunday: Community Playdate - Gamervision.com (Left 4 Dead)
A lot of Left 4 Dead this week, wouldn't you say?
Closing
Sadly, we come to the end of yet another issue of Living LIVE. I apologize once again for the short article, but with school and constant driving (two things that I will actually continue to do the moment after I submit this article), I cannot really add much more. Hopefully everyone enjoys the games this week and, as always, any questions or comments would be welcomed.
Oh, and for those wishing to play on LIVE with me, my gamertag is Calypso320. I mostly play Left 4 Dead, so if you have that I would be more than glad to play with, or against, you.
