I've been so busy over the past few weeks (and still am) that I've been severely neglecting the Indie Lair and now have to catch up with GamePro, which is still promoting selected Xbox LIVE Indie Games on the german dashboard in a bi-weekly video series called IndieWatch. With episode six they slightly changed the presentation, inserting the GamePro logo on the startup picture on the Inside Xbox channel and shortening the title to "#06" (instead of "Folge 06", which is german for "episode"). Due to time constraints, I will quote marketplace descriptions for most titles but will also state my personal opinion in a few words - a few more when I think the title deserves it. I usually have played at least the trials of the featured games (if not stated otherwise) and will give recommendations based on my experiences. You can also find the video at the end of the article. So let's take a look at the line-up of episode 06!radiangames JoyJoy
Experience the fluid and intensely satisfying action of radiangames JoyJoy, the happy twin-stick shooter. This is the first game in the radiangames series. radiangames JoyJoy was the #1 US-ranked game in the 2010 Dream.Build.Play competition.
My opinion:
JoyJoy will give you what its title is promising because experiencing the game is pure joy in every aspect. Great, colorful graphics with an unusual color palette and stunning effects set this game apart from all the glowing neon visuals of Geometry Wars imitators. Gameplay also differs in that you can switch between several weapons, are able to charge your shots and collect upgrades for your ship and weapons. Every few waves you will have to fight a boss, but even if one of them should kick your ass, the game will never make you feel bad about it as it always keeps telling you how awesome you are, even if you suck at it. There are several difficulty settings and modifiers to adjust the game to your skill level and with unlimited continues everybody will be able to enjoy blasting through all of the waves and bosses. The game used to cost 80 MSP, but since radiangames started the Bizarro Sale on June 28th, the prices of all of their games have been raised to 400 MSP, which is still a fair price for any of them.
Shoot 1UP
Marketplace description:
Why play shoot 'em ups one ship at a time? Launch them all at once! Unleash an entire armada of ships in Shoot 1UP! - * 1UPs INSTANTLY ENTER THE ACTION! * Command over 30 ships at the SAME TIME! * Arrange ships to charge the devastating PLASMA AUGER! * 2 Player coop play for over 60 SIMULTANEOUS player ship INSANITY! * 6 BIZARRE levels! * Manic Shooting for NORMAL GAMERS! My opinion:
This shoot'em up by Mommy's Best Games lets you control a phalanx of up to 30 ships at the same time. Using their combined firepower by arranging the formation of the fleet is a lot of fun and a unique gameplay twist you won't find anywhere else. MBG's unique visual style of hand-drawn graphics impresses just as much as in their action platformers Weapon Of Choice and Explosionade, and if you ever wanted to fight giant, robotic boobs firing at you, Shoot 1UP is your weapon of choice! At 80 MSP, this game is a must buy for fans of colorful, insane action and shmups in general.
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| So wrong - yet so right! |
Powa Volley Classic
Marketplace description:
Powa Volley Classic is a 2D volley game. It features two different fields with special gameplay elements. Train alone against the computer or with the training mini game, and prepare to face up to four players on local or online matches.
My opinion:
At 80 MSP, this is a solid variation of the Pong formula by french developer Kydos. I found the trial rather boring, but I guess it could be fun with multiple players. Presentation is pretty basic and far from the high level Kydos has established in their follow-up games like Soul or Lumi. Give it a try if you have some friends around to check out the multiplayer.
Avatar Snake
Marketplace description:
Snake Game, with Avatars!
My opinion:
I don't know just what has gotten into the GamePro editor to include this game in the video when there are so many better titles on XBLIG. It's disappointing to see them waste precious promotion space for Avatar shovelware. But everyone to his taste, and maybe he actually had fun with Avatar Snake. At least, it's only 80 MSP.