CastleMiner Z (XBLIG): "Horror Survival CastleMiner Style!"

I have watched my nephew play 'Minecraft' religiously this year, and I've always been curious about that type of game. I noticed that the Xbox Live Marketplace has had a few spin-offs of 'Minecraft', but I had never actually got the chance to play or review one. When I saw that 'DigitalDNA (The Developer)' had released a zombie version of the game with FPS gameplay mechanics I knew I had to get it for review. I absolutely love horror survival games, and first person shooters! I was definitely wondering how well these two themes would be incorporated into this game. I was pleasantly surprised with what I found, and even stepped into someone's created world to share the experience. I hope that 'GT: FloatingWinter' didn't mind the intrusion, but I was grateful that they offered me a safe place to stay for when the zombies began to attack in 'Survival' mode. It was a fun experience, and a learning one as well. In the end I'm always glad to try out new things.

CastleMiner Z takes the original XBLIG title, and makes it into a new singleplayer, and co-op gameplay experience. The game features three modes of play (Endurance, Survival, Free Build) that can be experienced online, or offline. In each mode you can build whatever you like as long as you have the materials to craft with. If you are new to the CastleMiner experience as I was it's all about gathering/mining blocks that make up the vast world in which you find yourself. You can do this in many different ways, but the pick axe is the best tool for the job. What makes this version different from the original version is that you can craft weapons for use against the undead denizens that haunt your world. Aside from that you also play as your Xbox Live Avatar which is definitely a unique feature. The core CastleMiner gameplay is still intact in this version of the game, and exists in 'Free Build' mode for all of you who are curious. In 'Free Build' mode you don't have to worry about being attacked by any otherworldly creatures, and can build until you wish to stop.

Gameplay in 'CastleMiner Z' is easy enough to pick up on even if you have never played an FPS, or 'Minecraft' style game. It would be good if 'DigitalDNA' added a help/controls menu in an upcoming update though. Everything in the game is pretty much self explanatory/easy to figure out, but it helps to know how to actually mine for materials (Hold Down Right Trigger). It took me a while to figure out why I wasn't able to mine materials, but once I learned it opened up the game to me. Graphics in 'CastleMiner Z' are rendered much better than that of 'Minecraft'. Even the sky seems to be more realistic. The fact that 'DigitalDNA' opted to use your own personal Xbox avatar as the playable character made the game much more enjoyable, and personal. I found the game also gives you it's own brand of achievements that will pop up from time to time when you've accomplished a certain goal. I did not find a way to access the achievements I earned, but it's a cool concept anyway.

As the developer (DigitalDNA) told me through Twitter, this game is all about the co-op experience. While the singleplayer modes do offer some satisfying gameplay opportunities, it is much better played with someone online. I actually took the time to sample out the online 'Survival' mode during my playthrough. I wanted to see if there was any lagging, and how the game played with more players in the world. I'm sure some of you are curious about this as well. After logging on and joining 'GT: FloatingWinter' in their world I found no noticable lag, and it was quite fun fending of the undead attackers from the simple fort that was built. I did end up dying some as did my online acquaintence, but it was fun. One thing I wasn't sure about was if the game supported the Xbox headset. I know I didn't hear 'GT: FloatingWinter's' voice, but it would have been a nice feature to have since the theme of the game is survival.

In the end I thoroughly enjoyed my 'CastleMiner Z' adventure. I always love to expand my gaming knowledge, and try out the new game genres that are created. DigitalDNA did an excelent job in their creation of 'CastleMiner Z'. Both the online, and offline modes are rock solid when it comes to gameplay. I could see myself getting lost for hours creating my own world (if only I had the time ...). I'm pretty sure DigitalDNA is going to have more updates to the game considering they have a version number posted on the start menu. If they could include a help, and controls menu for gamers who are new to this kind of game it would definitely be helpful. Other than that I think this game is one of the best indie co-op games I have played so far. It's definitely worthy of a purchase.