Good News!!! "Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat (Xbox 360)" + "Battle of the Week: Round 3"

I recently broke the news to you that I was added to the list to receive a review copy of 'Phantom Breaker'. The good news doesn't stop there though. I was also added to the list to receive 'Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat' for the Xbox 360! If you have no clue as to what this game is it's basically a compilation of the the two 'Deadliest Warrior' games that are available in the XBLA marketplace. In addition to these two arcade games being in the retail version there's also some extra content that wasn't originally made available in the XBLA versions. I fell a little behind in reviews, so I wasn't able to deliver this news to you or the "Battle of the Week" media alerts that '345 Games' had been sending me. This week I'm able to deliver "Round 3" of the "Battle of the Week" series. I hope you enjoy the screenshots as well as the interesting article that the developer has shared with me.

Phantom Breaker (Xbox 360): "Screenshots Continued!!!"

Recently I gave you (my readers) a sneak peek at the box art, and some screenshots associated with the upcoming Xbox 360 fighter 'Phantom Breaker'. Since I have some other screenshots I have yet to share I thought I'd do so now. I hope you enjoy this eye candy as much as I have, and perhaps it may persuade you to further research the game!

Lemmy Lizard vs The Mecha Eggs (XBLIG): "Hardcore Platforming Featuring Lemmy the Lizard"

By now most of you have seen 'Lemmy Lizard vs The Mecha-Eggs' sitting untouched amidst my other 'Future Reviews'. There was a good reason for this. I'm a reviewer who usually likes to get reviews squared away as soon as possible, but the developer of this game requested that I hold off until a patch was released. The request didn't bother me at all since I think it's great that an XBLIG developer thinks enough about their customers that they are willing to issue a patch/update. This lets me know that this developer (Wytchlight) wants to deliver a playable, and fully functioning title. I'm not 100% sure what the update covered, but it was 41.20 MB in size. This tells me that the update must have been significant considering the already small size of the game. With the update finally installed I set out to see what 'Lemmy Lizard vs The Mecha-Eggs' was all about, and in doing so I found a game vastly more involved that my first impressions led me to believe.

Fred's Fridays Ep.5: "Beware the Convicted!"

"Television just got all kinds of twisted! Meet the new 'Three Stooges'!"

'The Convicted' - According to game developer Adam Anderson these latest characters are part of a really nasty gang. The gang in the above picture is composed of two criminals, and a lunatic. You will find that this particular gang will be the sole gang of 'Dawn of the Fred', but that there will be other gangs within 'Night of the Fred'. What makes these gangs so dangerous (besides their origins - prison & the insane asylum) is the fact that they keep 'Exiled Zombies' as pets! It's probably best that you avoid these misfits of the apocalypse at all costs!

Wrecked: Revenge Revisited (XBLA): "4 Player Racing Combat"

I would normally use this introductory paragraph to tell you about how I managed to get the game in question for review, or something along those lines. This time I'm going to do things a little differently though. To begin with I'd like to thank '505 games' for allowing me to do a review on 'Wrecked: Revenge Revisited'. Thank you so much! This is the first time I believe that I've contacted '505 Games' about a review request, and I was definitely glad to see that they were willing to give me a chance. I know I've mentioned this before, but the success of a reviewer greatly depends on those who support him/her. Whether you're reviewing DVDs, or video games the same rule always applies. If you don't have a decent following of supporters, or developers/publishers that are willing to give you a shot at proving yourself then you will ultimately fail. That's why I'm thankful for gaming companies like '505 Games' who are willing to give smaller review sites such as my own a chance. Now that I have all of that squared away I will present to you my review of 'Wrecked: Revenge Revisited'!

Good News!!! "Phantom Breaker"

Some of you are already aware of my attempt to start reviewing Xbox 360 disc based games. I have recently sent out a handful of inquiries to various retail developers in hopes of securing a retail game for review. In my recent attempts with Capcom (RE: ORC & SFxT) I was either too late requesting, or they didn't bother getting back to me about my requesr. That is the reality of reviewing though. Not every developer (especially more well known Devs) is going to give every reviewer a shot at proving their worth. Being a blogspot reviewer doesn't help much either, but that's a different thing all together. Even with the disappointment from Capcom I still pursued my dream of reviewing a disc based game, and I'm glad to say that '7sixty (@7sixtygames)' has given me a fair shot at doing just that. '7sixty', and '5pb' have teamed together to bring us an anime fighting game called 'Phantom Breaker'. This game was originally released in Japan, but we are quite lucky that it will be ported over to the US/UK. In celebration of '7sixty' putting me on the list for a review of 'Phantom Breaker' I will share with you some screenshots, and box art of the game as well as my thoughts on it.

Spectrangle360 (XBLIG): "Classic Board Game Goodness"

Most of you have noticed by now that there has been a sort of dry spell on my blog. This is merely due to the fact that I'm caught up on my reviews, and as such I've been enjoying some much needed R&R. As good as rest, and relaxation is I find that I'm constantly in need of a reviewing fix. Reviews are sort of like an addiction for me in that sense. I was definitely glad that the developer behind 'Iron Reaver Games' was persistent in getting me to review their game. I was a little hesitant at first to be honest. This was mainly, because of my concern over the simplicity of 'Spectrangle360'. As a reviewer I tend to stray more towards the titles that require a lot of writing/typing. I love to give a lot of details in my reviews, and that's where my concern came into play. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to give many details about 'Spectrangle360', but I accepted the challenge regardless. I will do my best to give the game a proper review though, and without further adieu ... ladies, and gentlemen I present to you my review of 'Spectrangle360'!

Sine Mora (XBLA) Contest Winner!!!

I won't lie. I was a bit disappointed by how many of my readers chose to enter this contest. I thought the contest was a brilliant idea. With that being said I'm still thankful for those who chose to enter. The prize was pretty awesome this time around. As I mentioned in the original contest article the winner of the contest would get a code for the truly amazing shmup titled 'Sine Mora' (9.0 ign). The developer (Digital Reality) sponsored this very cool contest, and gave me the code to giveaway. My thanks goes to 'Digital Reality' for allowing me to do this contest. Not every developer out there is kind enough to do so. Now it's time to get down to business. I had only 6 official entries in the contest, and only one won the code ...

BRAND (XBLIG): "Update Details"

Last year I reviewed a unique XBLIG title called 'BRAND'. It was a game by 'Nine Dots Studio' that had it's own sort of mythology, and objective missions involving the making of a worthy sword. If you want to go back, and check out my review on it feel free to do so. You can search for the link to the blog via the search option that's available towards the top of the home page. The point of this article though, is that 'Nine Dots Studio' has issued an update for 'BRAND' that fixes a lot of the bugs, and glitches that the game had. I will leave you the list of fixes that the developer sent me through a recent email ...

Fred's Fridays Ep.4: "Encounters of the Worst Kind!!!"

"Pyramid Head ain't got @#$% on me!"

'Exiled Zombie' - Adam Anderson (@StickyDPadGames) says this particular zombie will be outside the survival maps, in between you and a merchant that's in the upcoming games. From the way Adam describes him he will deal some serious damage to Fred if he notices him. The only way to avoid this monstrosity will be to hide in houses. It's best to not make a sound if you're anywhere near this fellow!

The above picture is of an in-game character ('Exiled Zombie') for @StickyDPadGame's upcoming 'Dawn of the Fred' & 'Night of the Fred' indie games that will be released this year. I hope you enjoy the 'Silent Hill' related caption as well as the following piece of Fred's story that picks up where Fred was left off two episodes back ...

The Houchi Play (XBLIG): "Hysterical Anime Hijinks!"

I have learned many things in my time as an Xbox 360 reviewer. In this business you definitely have to know how to properly contact developers, and publishers in the appropriate manner. Last year I decided to take a leap of faith, and attempt to contact a Japanese developer about reviewing their game. This developer was none other than 'Kohei Gallery'. What I did to request my review copy of their game 'Moe Mekuri 2' eairlier last year was use the google translate service. It was a shot in the dark, but one I was willing to try if it meant I could get that amazing looking game for review. Ultimately it worked, and my request was answered by the kind developer behind 'Kohei Gallery'. It is 2012, and once again I saw a Japanese game that I just had to get for review. It was by 'Kohei Gallery' as well. I used the same contact method I did before, and that's why I'm proud to say I can now deliver to you my second 'Kohei Gallery' game review, 'The Houchi Play'!

Sine Mora (XBLA): "Code Contest FTW!!! (CLOSED)"

I have to honestly say that there has been in an increase in the amount of good game releases this year. I have got to review some pretty cool games so far, and there are definitely more on the way ...  Recently I was allowed (by Digital Reality & Grasshopper Manufacture) to review an extremely impressive shmup (shoot 'em up) called 'Sine Mora'. It offered the gamer a detailed story like I have never seen in an XBLA game. It also featured some breathtaking visuals, a soundtrack from Akira Yamaoka, and even boss designs by Mahira Maeda. It included all the things that make a game memorable, and all the things that make a game fun/challenging to play. After talking it over with Digital Reality's PR representative I was able to secure an extra code to this amazing game, and the first thing I thought of was how can I make this into a contest for my readers? In the past my contests/giveaways have been very easy. I didn't want that to be the case with this contest though. I wanted to be able to give it to someone who would truly appreciate it, someone who was willing to go the extra mile just to get the code. I'm glad to say I've found a way to do just that, and the following paragraph/s will give you details on how you can enter this extremely cool contest.

Craftimals: Build to the Sun (XBLIG): "A Creative & Simple Building Experience"

I was recently contacted by 'Roppy Chop Studios' about doing a review on their latest XBLIG creation 'Craftimals: Build to the Sun'. I do realize it's been quite a while since the game was released, but the chaos that is my life has put me behind in my reviews. I'm a man of my word though, and I promised the developer I would review their game once I got caught up. The terrific news is that today is that day! With all of that aside I went into this game not really having a clue what it was about. All I new is that it had something to do with building blocks, and square animals. I was educated fairly quickly when I started up the game though, and ultimately realized the vision that the developer had for this particular indie game. It was brilliant to say the least, simple but brilliant.

Sine Mora (XBLA): "A Masterful Tale of Genocide & Revenge Told Through Shmup Style Gameplay"

Sometimes I really get excited for a game, and will send my request in early for it. As a reviewer I realize that the demand for review codes is rising as more sites are created around games from the Xbox LIVE marketplace. I jumped at the chance to send in my request the moment I watched the first trailer of 'Sine Mora'. As time passed by I kept a close watch for details about the game, because I knew this game was going to be something special. In one of the articles I read about 'Sine Mora' prior to the game's release I found out that two very awesome, and talented artists would be contributing to the game. The game's musical score was created by the extremely talented 'Akira Yamaoka (Shadows of the Damned & Silent Hill series). I also found out that the boss battles within the game were created by an equally talented anime artist, 'Mahiro Maeda (Final Fantasy Unlimited, The Animatrix sequence "The Second Renaissance Parts I & II", and the animated sequence from Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill Vol.1"). Sine Mora's story unfolds in a grand fashion that is beyond what most shmups try to express. I would say that it even exceeds most of it's competition within the shmup (shoot'em up) genre.

Fred's Friday's Ep.3!!!: "An Interview With the Developer"

Have I got at treat for you, my lovely readers! This time around me, and the developer (Adam A./@StickyDPadGames) of 'the upcoming XBLIG titles 'Dawn of the Fred', and 'Night of the Fred' decided to treat you guys & gals to a 1-on-1 interview. I think I managed to come up with some fairly good questions that may interest you, and Adam definitely gave some really good answers. Without further adieu I present to you the interview (that rhymes ^.^) ...

Robofish (XBLIG): "High Quality Shmup Gaming!"

If you have been following me on Twitter these past few weeks you have likely seen me have my meltdowns about the decline of the gaming industry, and the decline of the quality of video games in general. I have voiced my opinions many times on these matters, and I'm about at my breaking point. I was literally about to give up hope on video games until I got 'Robofish' for review. I'm not saying this to endorse 'Sparkrift (the developer)', or anything like that. I mention it simply, because I found a glimmer of hope in Sparkrift's game. I have finally found a developer who knows how to treat their customers right. I have played 'Robofish' for a good while at this point, and I can tell you that this indie game is top quality on many levels. The game is a dream come true in some regards. I don't want to go overboard with the praise though, so I shall continue on with my review.

Shoot Many Robots (XBLA): "It's Rated 'M' For A Reason ..."

I don't think I've ever seen a game quite like "Shoot Many Robots". This 4 player co-op run-n-gun RPG (as described in the press release) is brought to us by 'Demiurge Studios (Borderlands, Brothers In Arms, Mass Effect)', and Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed, I AM ALIVE ...)'. Both game studios/pubishers have helped develop some pretty impressive games in the past. This game (Shoot Many Robots) in particular features an art style that most 'Borderlands' fans will recognize. While it's similar to 'Borderlands' in some minor ways it definitely stands on it's own. In my career as a gamer I've rarely seen any game developer/publisher push the envelope of the 'M' rating like 'Demiurge Studios/Ubisoft' has. When you start up the game you'll immediately notice the larger than life ESRB rating on the screen. It lets you know that you are about to experience a "Mature" game, and let me tell you this couldn't be more accurate. The fact that the ESRB notice includes warnings about sexual content, strong language, and the use of alcohol should make this fact perfectly clear. I ended up spending a good amount of time playing the game, and noticed a lot of "things" that I'll discuss in the paragraphs that follow. Prepare yourselves, cause this could get ugly ...

Street Fighter x Tekken (Xbox 360): "An Official Review"

I realize that a lot of my friends, and followers got an ear full from the ranting I did about "Street Fighter x Tekken". I sincerely apologize for that unprofessional banter, but I still stick by what I said in the previous review/rant. With that being said I would like to take the time, and breakdown the details of the game for you. In the following paragraphs I will go over the various modes that are available in "SFxT" as well as features of the game. This will be followed by graphics, and audio descriptions as well as details on the controller functionality. I hope that you can forgive me for the unorthodox path I took with my previous rants of "SFxT", and that this review will help you in your decision as to whether the game is worth buying or not. Without further adieu Ladies & Gents, I present to you my review of "Street Fighter x Tekken".

Bit Digger (XBLIG): "Voxel Based World Building On A Miniature Scale"

I've been doing XBLIG reviews for a while now. In the process of completing the 100+ reviews I've done here on my blog I have encountered quite a few 'MineCraft' clones. With that being said, I think that 'Scrabosoft (the developer) did an excellent job in simplifying the complexity of the voxel mining/building genre with their release of "Bit Digger". While "Bit Digger" is not as "in your face" as 'MineCraft (MC)', or any other MC clones it still offers highly creative building options. You will find plenty of different blocks with which you can construct whatever your heart desires. The miniature terrain on which this creative world unfolds could easily be compared to that of the terrain of strategy based RPGs such as 'Final Fantasy Tactics'. In fact that's the first thing that came to my mind when I saw the available terrain. As I did my playthrough of 'Bit Digger' I found the simple nature of it to be a relaxing departure from the hectic, and annoying games I usually find myself playing. I can honestly say that 'Bit Digger' may be small in appearance, but what it offers the gamer is much more grand in scale.

Fred's Fridays Ep.2: "Characters Revealed!!!"

"Four Felonious Fredites ..."

                                                           
Well it seems Fred has run into some rather suspicious looking characters since the last time we saw him. While wandering aimlessly through the white noise that is "OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno" he stumbled upon these rather animated persons of interest. The rough looking dude with the unshaven face beat the bejeezus out of poor Fred with a styrofoam wiffle ball bat leaving him dazed, and confused (but physically alright). Shortly after that a muscle bound guy used Fred for his weight lifting routine at the very spot where the unshaven dude had left him. A lovely young lady stood by and watched as the oddly horrific scene unfolded, and comforted Fred as he wobbled about from the traumatizing event. Some poor kid who was watching from a distance weeped, because the unshaven dude had stolen his yo-yo after fleeing from the scene of the incident that Fred had found himself in. Unfortunately all four characters including the innocent lady, and weeping boy were apprehended by the digital department of justice (D.D.J.). They were placed in a police line-up which Fred had to point out the culprits from. As dazed as Fred is it's hard to tell who he will pick from the line-up. One thing is for sure though, next Friday will be very interesting ...


'Dawn of the Fred' is scheduled for a Summer 2012 release, and 'Night of the Fred' is scheduled for an October 2012 release on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace (XBLIG)!!!

Feel free to stop by stickydpad for insight on the developers, and their work. You can also follow my indie friend via Twitter stickydpadgames if you haven't done so already!

Street Fighter x Tekken (Xbox 360): "A Greedy Money Making Fighter By The Capcom Corporation"

As a friend, or follower you have likely seen my ranting, and raving on Twitter about "Street Fighter x Tekken". I will honestly say that there are a few things that really p*** me off in the world of gaming, but none have been as severe as this. I have practically raged over the loss of my $60 to Capcom for this crappy fighting game. What Capcom has basically done is release a game that looks as if it was still in the BETA state of testing. This is beyond ridiculous. To further add salt to the wound Capcom has basically created the game as a bare bones title. A lot of the content that you would think should be readily available within the game such as additional colors, and combos are likely to be released as future DLC. This info comes from some pretty reliable sources, and from my own personal in-game experience. I have yet to find a way to unlock the colors, and can find nothing about it online. I am seriously beyond mad about what Capcom has done.

An OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno Exclusive: "FREDS FRIDAYS Are Here!!!"

Well folks, I have some interesting news to tell you ... It seems Fred has traversed the gaming afterlife, and has landed here at "OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno (Not to be confused with Dante Alighieri's "Dante's Inferno")". After 7 weeks of sticking it out at his recent homestead of vvgtv Fred has decided to wander the barren streets of the unknown here at this very blog. This newest online journey will chronicle his quest in a somewhat unorthodox manner. You will likely read odd things concerning Fred, and his antics in the weeks to come. These tidbits of information will be released in a haphazard style with no rhyme, or reason. One Friday you may get a screenshot of the game with some off-the-wall dialogue as to what is taking place in that particular scenario. You may even find some Q & A sessions with the developer of the indie game "Night of the Fred". Whatever you find you can be 100% sure it will be "interesting". Without further adieu ladies & gents, let the games begin!!!


'Dawn of the Fred' is scheduled for a Summer 2012 release, and 'Night of the Fred' is scheduled for an October 2012 release on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace (XBLIG)!!!


Feel free to stop by stickydpad for insight on the developers, and their work. You can also follow my indie friend via Twitter stickydpadgames if you haven't done so already!

Angry Fish: Deep Sea (XBLIG): "The Kittehs Have Taken To The Sea & The Angry Fish Are In Pursuit ... Again!"

Last year I got the chance to review FrozenSoft's XBLIG release of "Angry Fish". It was a fun, but flawed game (gravity/physic issues, lag ...) that scored some rather good ratings. After I did my playthrough, and review of "Angry Fish" I thought I'd be through with the series, but behold the developer released a sequel to the game! I was honestly reluctant to review it considering I didn't see much of a difference other than the visual locales, and the kitties with aqua suits. I figured my review of such a game would be kind of redundant in nature seeing that there wasn't much new to talk about. Regardless of this concern I decided to tackle the review. What I found was a new plot, different locales, new visuals, and possibly new obstacles/features ...