I’m really starting to get really fond of the Xbox Live Arcade section.
It all started with, let’s be honest now, small crappy games, often ported from simpler platforms and/or revamps of old cult games such as PacMan, and has since the launch slowly transformed into a section where one can buy hours and hours of quality entertainment for a very reasonable cost.
I don’t know exactly when this transformation started, but the past couple of months I’ve seen tons of nice games being released.
Trials HD is a full-featured, physics-based motorcycle racing game with over 50 mind-boggling tracks in two unique game modes. Race Mode emphasizes balance, skill, and control as you tackle indoor obstacle tracks. Skill Mode features extreme stunt tracks in which explosions, crashes, and injuries cannot be avoided. A level editor enables players to create, share and download an unlimited number of free tracks. The game features stunning full HD graphics, rider customization, unlockable bikes, global rankings, all new in-game friend scores, and many other fun features.
- Tons of tracks: Over 50 versatile tracks will test your racing and stunt riding skills.
- Level sharing: The level editor allows you to create your own levels and share them with other racers.
- Customization: Unlock new bikes as you ride, and make your rider your own.
- Leaderboards: Trials HD features a new type of in-game friend scores and global rankings
I’m getting so frustrated with this game I can only play it at tops 30 minutes at a time, but I keep returning to it several times a week to hopefully get past the frustration bit that I couldn’t last time!
The next Arcade addiction that I stumbled across is Shadow Complex. Downloaded “just because†as I heard lolip0p, Major Nelson and e talk about it on Nelsons podcast a while ago. Seems I might not regret it – I probably should pay more attention to the game titles these guys’n’girl enjoy.
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.
- Original game: This completely original game features full 3-D side-scrolling action. The incredible next-gen graphics and robust physics combine with an open, evolving world design mixed with an awesome, compelling action-thriller story.
- Power-ups: Seek out 17 unique game altering power-ups, with more than 100 additional items and modifiers to discover and use.
- Bad guys: Fight against a large variety of enemies and experience massive, jaw-dropping boss battles.
- Pick up and play: The super-tight controls are simple and intuitive but also allow advanced players additional depth and precision.
- Noted scriptwriter: Shadow Complex features a script written by Peter David, one of the most popular comic book writers of all time. It’s the first game to be set in Chair’s Empire universe and based upon the best-selling novel by Orson Scott Card.
