Here is this weeks Xbox indie games round up covering the latest releases and updates. This week also sees the return of the indie game trial impressions. Due to the sheer number of releases over the past few months (over 30 releases just last week!) it was near impossible to continue the old format of writing a short impression of every game released based on playing the trial version. So I am trying some new ideas and I would really appreciate your feedback.
This week I have played all the releases and have put them in to three rough categories, the ‘Must Play’ category is the best, down to ‘Others’ being the worst. Trial impressions will be added for the Must Play category, with the remaining games simply having the games description shown. Depending on the number of releases each week I may include impressions for the second category so I will see how that goes. Please give some feedback on the new format as we want to promote indie games as best as we can.
Don’t forget that trailers for the new releases can be found on page 2.
Must plays
Magnetic Wars
This is a twin stick shooter with some strategic elements. Your ship must survive against the waves of enemies which come in many varieties as well as spawning and attack patterns. You can defeat them by shooting them or using your magnet to repel their bullets. The graphics and music look and sound great and there are plenty of levels to complete along with some bosses. A bargain at 80 :MSPoints:! More information can be found here and a trailer on page 2.
Jewel Dervish
Jewel is a match 3 style puzzle game in which you must match 3 or more gems to remove them from the board. This game is a little different in that the board is on an axis so if you hit a gem on the side it may rotate the ‘board’ clockwise or anticlockwise. It is useful if you have hard to reach gems on the opposite side and it makes for a nice new idea in the match 3 genre. Graphics are OK, presentation is a little basic, but the game plays well which is important. Jewel Dervish costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
radiangames Inferno
If a game has ‘radiangames’ in the title you should just skip the reviews and buy it 🙂 radiangames Inferno is a mix between Gauntlet and a twin stick shooter. Each level is a maze like design and you must shoot your way through the various enemies to find the exit, along the way picking up keys to unlock doors and money to spend at the shop for upgrades to your craft. Just buy the game right now! radiangames Inferno costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
Treasure Treasure: FFEE
Treasure Treasure: FFEE is a nod to the classic Gameboy Mono in design with monochrome style HD graphics and accompanying music, it looks quite authentic. It is a platform style game in which you can play either as two player co-op or single player but switch between the two characters at any time. You need to work together to explore the levels and find treasure. We will have a full review for the game later in the week but it is worth the 80 :MSPoints:, so check it out. More information can be found here.
Worth checking out
Avatar Orbitroid – Try this frantic space shooter with eight action packed levels! Fight against tons of enemy waves to progress in levels. Destroy the Planetoid that contains the bonuses and at last, destroy the core! Avatar Orbitroid costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
Bloop! – Brave barrages of colored ‘Bloops’ and treacherous flying pebbles to defeat your friends in this exciting action-puzzle game. Match Bloops on the opposing ‘rock’ and conquer your opponent’s den. Experience match three mechanics combined with classic combat gameplay in a head to head experience that’s familiar – yet unlike anything you’ve played before. Find out more at: http://bloopgame.com/. Bloop! costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here and a trailer on page 2.
Ninja VS. Zombie – This game is an action game with the puzzle element. The player operates a ninja and defeats a zombie and avoid a trap and advance. The trial version is 6 stages. The product version is 25 stages. Ninja VS. Zombie costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
StormGate – The town of StormGate is under siege, from the onslaught of its enemies, who seek to destroy it. You are put in charge to manage the town of StormGate as you build defences to slow down the approaching hordes and construct buildings to help improve the town’s infrastructure. StormGate costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
Others
Device Hero – How fast is your storage device? Has it aged well or has it become encumbered over time? Get informed with Device Hero. Go online with the full version to access global high scores and taunt your friends with the brag feature. Device Hero costs 240 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
“Fish Squid Time Machine is scary and loud. Also the controller often vibrates. I hear that’s called rumbling. There is a donkey. I’m not sure why. I have heard that you control the fish squid, but this is not readily apparent.” – Lan , doesn’t play games, age 30. FSTM interbreeds the Fishie Fishie and SYNSO series, for www.indiekombat.com. Each button controls a different player. FSTM <3 U. Fish Squid Time Machine costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here and a trailer on page 2.
Human Invasion – Defend your alien home world against 10 incoming waves of heavily armed human invaders. Human Invasion costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
NoEnd – Try to leave Hell avoiding the traps which are bound to make you lose lives! Playing with another gamer in co-op mode, you will be able to win lives, which will make your task easier … But will you succeed? More than 30 levels, 2 multiplayer modes and 2 single modes”! NoEnd costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here and a trailer on page 2.
Snake Death – In a world overrun by mongooses, one snake must battle through nine dangerous pixilated levels to survive. This 1-bit game was originally developed for the TI-83 and developed for XNA in under 60 minutes. Snake Death costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
Tap Training – How fast can you tap? Featuring 1 button and 2 button alternating modes, train your trigger fingers to compete with the best. Tap Training costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here.
Trapped – Oh boy! You are trapped in a cave. Can you survive? Trapped costs 80 :MSPoints:, more information can be found here and a trailer on page 2.
Updated Titles
Titles that have received a software update or price change are Mind’s Eye of Jupiter – 02, MonkeyAirBoard, Pioneer, Aphelion, Ice Crush 10.000 B.C., Breeze, Overscan Sniper HD, Firecracker HD and Colony Defense.
