This episode of the Xbox Indie Zone has reviews for Sudo-Quick, Akane the Kunoichi and Hedge Wizard, as well as previews for BlastaRock and Lumberjack.
Reviews
Sudo-Quick – 80 :MSPoints: – Marketplace – Written by Dave C
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Sudo-Quick is a puzzle game based on the popular Sudoku theme. Sudo-Quick has an interesting twist that instead of being free to complete the puzzle as you wish, you must fill in the suggested square against a time limit.
The twist makes speed of the game faster, no relaxing and taking your time to find the correct answer, this is all about speed as you are against the clock and have a number of seconds to input the correct answer. It would of course be impossible to instantly be able to fill in any square on the puzzle straight away so the developers have used a clever way that always makes it possible that only one number is missing. So whether you are playing the easiest or hardest difficulty you only have the time limit to worry about, and not if there are multiple possible numbers.
There are several difficulties available to play; from ‘Chill’ which gives you 9 lives and 60 seconds to fill in the square, ‘Normal’ with 9 lives but 20 seconds to answer and the hardest difficulty ‘1337’ which gives you just 1 life and 6 seconds to fill in the number (good luck with that one). The presentation is done well with big and clear graphics and easy to read numbers, there are several colour themes to choose from as well. Input is handled with a faultless to use 9 way grid where you move your analogue stick in the numbers direction. Music is sadly lacking with one repeating music track that will have you visiting the options screen to disable before long. Sounds effects are minimal but work well enough.
Sudoku fans will find Sudo-Quick a fun alternative to the usually relaxing pace of the game, definitely worth a buy at only 80 :MSPoints: I would say non Sudoku fans should also take a look, it doesn’t need as much thought as the original game in terms of pencilling in possible answers, but it still offers a good challenge at a fast pace.
Akane the Kunoichi – 80 :MSPoints: – Marketplace – Written by Bradley
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Akane the Kunoichi is the latest offering from Haruneko entertainment in which you are the protagonist Akane, a Kunoichi ninja, who must save her master Goro from the minions of the evil Hiriomi. The game itself is a classic NES/Master System inspired platformer drawing much from games such as Ninja Gaiden.
The game is a classic 2D platformer with fairly standard jump puzzles, traps and, an array of enemies. You’ll find the usual choice of extras in the game such as not-so-hidden-items in the form of three Kimonos on each level as well as weapon power-ups and health.
The game controls fairly simply. The left analog stick is used for movement. The ‘A’ button is used for jumping. The ‘X’ button is used to throw your knives, and your special attacks can be selected using the shoulder buttons and executed with the ‘Y’ button. I did find on occasion that when jumping, particularly in a pursuit level, that my character would automatically wall slide causing me problems. Aside from the one problem the controls are fairly solid and will become second nature almost immediately.
Graphically speaking this is not particularly sophisticated game however it’s artistic execution is quite nice relying more on nostalgia than beautifully rendered environments. In regard to nostalgia the opening scene, which sees love interest/master Goro captured, is reminiscent of classic arcade scrolling beat’em ups and the mission start screens have been lifted straight from Sonic. I did notice some issue of blurring around the sprites at times but overall it’s finished to a nice standard. The music in the game is fine and is fitting in most places however it can be a little obnoxious at times. The sound effects are extremely repetitive though and after you have heard Akane’s guttural exhale over and over you’ll begin to feel like you’re attending the Wimbledon Ladies Final.
Overall the game is really quite entertaining and at 80 :MSPoints: its great for at least an evening’s entertainment even if only to be reminded of how games used to be.
Hedge Wizard – 80 :MSPoints: – Marketplace – Written by Josh
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Hedge Wizard is a unique, single-player puzzle-game. You play an old, lazy, greedy wizard who directs peasants from his tower through several stages, with the aim of bringing him gold. Though it sounds simple, each stage has different obstacles you must pass or avoid. These include burning trees, flowing rivers and even zombies. Timing is important. For example, if you take too long a river might block the path you need. If you are too quick, you may find the path blocked by trees which have not yet been burned.
The game is made a great deal simpler with a handy rewind feature that allows players to travel back in time, and undo an error. There are also spells to find around each level, including earthquakes and rainclouds, both of which affect the environment, and can allow players to pass through previously unreachable areas.
There are certain elements of replayability in the game, with repeatable levels and bonus challenges. However, after playing through, the incentives in doing so are not too appealing. The basic graphics and repetitive gameplay don’t provide as much fun as they could have done. With greater level and object variation, Hedge Wizard would have a lot more to offer. That said, if you are a fan of indie puzzle games, 80 :MSPoints: might seem like a bargain.
Previews
BlastaRock – 80 :MSPoints: – Available late August
Based on the classic asteroids model, BlastaRock! is a fast-paced twin-stick shooter. Play through the campaign to unlock more powerful weapons and equipment, then take your ship to battle in survival mode. Featuring 2-player local multiplayer, online scoreboards, and RGS Awardments.
Lumberjack – Homepage – Available August
Tired of all that ecologic BS?! Show who is on top of the food chain in this epic battle of man against nature! Lumberjack is a top view classic style shooter. The game will be released on Xbox Indie Games in August
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