Motorbike Stunt Agent Julie (www.xblaratings.com)

Very rarely do I get so involved in playing a low budget game that I can't stop playing through it. Motorbike Stunt Agent Julie will most likely be one of those diamonds in the rough that gamers will pass up, but I'm here to tell you this game is hot!!! While it looks simple in the screenshots, and gameplay videos this game has so much more to it. I know by this point I'm probably sounding like I'm trying to sell the game for the developer, but I promise you this is not the case. When I first layed eyes on this game I thought to myself this might be mediocre, but I was way wrong.

Motorbike Stunt Agent Julie follows the female motorbike recon agent Julie Cevoir who has retired to a life of circus performing. When the game opens up Julie is contacted by a former colonel of her recon group. He warns her about a current threat by a certain group of people. Without giving any spoilers, the game features a few plot twists, and wacky comic book style storytelling that truly brings the game to life. The characters in the game are not only brought to life through comic book style images, but also with very talented voice actors that you hardly witness in indie games. The one song in the soundtrack that plays as you perform your aerial combat maneuvers was amazing. I still can't get that techno style song out of my head. I could absolutely listen to that song repeat for hours. It's truly that good. Everything about this game is impressive.

Gameplay in Motorbike Stunt Agent Julie might seem overwhelming at first, but the game does a nice job of easing you into the controls that are used throughout the twenty levels. Between each level the game also shows a diagram of the controller/controls as well as some tips that will help you make the most of the game's experience. There are initially two difficulty settings available to choose from in the campaign mode. You have the option of going the 'easy' route, or the 'normal' route. After you complete the campaign 'hard' difficulty will be made available.

I found Motorbike Stunt Agent Julie to be more of a dual thumbstick shmup than anything else. The developer did add tricks into the mix to give the game an original twist. I honestly think 'Mattini Games (the developer)' succeeded in making one of the best, if not the best XBLIG title I have played so far this year. I definitely suggest getting this XBLIG title if you haven't already. It's definitely worth every microsoft point the developer is asking for.

*Note to Developer* On level 20 when/if you die, and continue from the checkpoint the game will act as if you had already beaten the game. You'll also hear the main villian scream in the background. I also noticed that the distance bar/meter goofs up when this happens.

Original Post: www.xblaratings.com