Worms Ultimate Mayhem (XBLA): "Humorous Turn Based Worm Combat"

Whenever I request a game for review I usually have a good idea what it's about. This time around I found myself in new territory not knowing much about the Worms games. I knew that Worms had been around for a good while, and I even remember seeing a version of it released on the PSN when I had my PS3. I always thought it looked like an interesting game series, so I decided to seek out this latest version for review. I have to say that I've been quite fortunate as a new game reviewer with the support that developers have given me. I was quite excited to hear that 'Team17 Software Ltd.' was willing to not only give me a chance to review their new game, but also to allow me to do an interview with them. It has been a new experience for me, and I hope to do more interviews with my upcoming reviews if my readers like this one. Without further hesitation I present to you my review of Team17's 'Worms Ultimate Mayhem' ...

Trouble Witches Neo! (XBLA): "A Cute Anime Witch Shmup"

Trouble Witches Neo! is actually two games in one, and was developed by 'Bouken/SNK PLAYMORE'. It features the original game (Trouble Witches AC) as well as an 'Arranged 360 Mode (NEO)' with revamped anime character designs. The story of the game follows 8 young maid-witches on a quest to restore peace to their kingdom. They must each face other maid-witches (via boss battles), and claim the fragments of the ring of Draupnir in order to do so. The king has also stated that anyone who captures the one responsible (Amalgam) for the threat that has troubled his kingdom will recieve one wish. Each maid-witch in the game has their own unique look, personality, and story as well as a magical pet that flies alongside them. There are a handful of modes, and even extras to unlock as you play through this anime styled shoot 'em up. I do believe there's a maid-witch that all anime, and shmup fans will definitely be able to call their favorite in this game. If you're looking for a cute, and stylish anime shmup then this might just be the one you've been looking for ...

Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 (XBLA)

When it comes to the trading card game of 'Magic the Gathering (MTG)' I am no stranger. I actually collected, and played MTG years back with a friend. What always held my interest was the artwork on each, and every card. The art really brings the game to life, and makes imagining a fantasy duel much easier. Without the artwork I honestly think that MTG would have failed years ago, but thankfully they decided to to include the mini-masterpieces on the cards. 'MTG: duels of the Planeswalkers 2012' keeps true to everything the trading card version stood for, and brings it to digital life in a truly amazing way. The game features very detailed customization options as well as lots of unlockable content (via in-game & xbox live marketplace). Wizards of the Coast/Stainless Games (the developer) even went so far as to include the premium holographic cards that veteran fans of the game will likely recognize. Everything about this game is done in great quality. It even opens with an epic cinematic scene that would put most video games to shame. Throughout the entire game there are artistic images of the paintings that adorn the MTG cards. It's eye candy at it's best with quality gameplay that doesn't dilute the core values that 'Wizards of the Coast' set out to achieve.

Pinball FX2 (XBLA): "Ms. Splosion Man"

The 'Ms. Splosion Man' Pinball FX2 table was a joint effort between Zen Studios, and Twisted Pixel. It is my absolute favorite out of all of the tables in the Pinball FX2 library. I do realize it looks like it's geared more towards the female gamers, but I think it's really fun. The table definitely seems to have way more going on than any of the previous ones. It features a cool music soundtrack, vivid colors, and constant hilarious commentary/actions by Ms. Splosion Man herself. The table's setup is layed out just right so you can achieve some really high scores fairly easily. I currently have a highscore of 134 million points on this table which actually pales in comparison to a friend's score of close to 600 million points. I have played this table numerous times, and always go back for more. I'm hoping to get a highscore of at least 1 billion someday ...

Pinball FX2 (XBLA): "Captain America"

The Captain America Pinball FX2 table is one of the best decorated out of the currently available Marvel Pinball tables. If features a very patriotic theme with the Captain front, and center as the tables primary illustration. Accompanying him on this table are 3D models of Baron Zemo, Red Skull, and the Sleeper. Each of the villains has a unique objective that can be completed to score more points. Red Skull goes fist to fist with Captain America in a sparring bout. Baron Zemo actually has a couple of objectives on this table. One of his objectives involves destroying canisters of 'Adhesive X'. The other involves trying to survive his 'Death Ray' by hitting the cluster of bumpers on the left side of the table. The ramps on this table sport a trench style appearance, and are somewhat difficult to access. I found that changing the view to '2' helps out greatly in hitting the ramps just right though.

Pinball FX2 (XBLA): "Fantastic Four"

I have collected, and read many comic books in my lifetime, but the Fantastic Four series wasn't really one of them. I am quite familiar with the characters involved as well as their backgrounds, but I wasn't quite impressed with their story arc. Not too long ago the Marvel Zombies series came out and involved this famous team of four. It followed their discovery of an alternate earth where all of the superheroes/supervillains were zombies. I know that topic is not really related to this table, but I thought I'd share a little comic book knowledge with you guys. I also mention the Marvel Zombies bit, because it did spark my interest in the Fantastic Four team just for a while. If you have ever read the Fantastic Four comic book series, or even watched the movies then you might just be interested in this brilliantly designed Pinball FX2 table ...

Pinball FX2 (XBLA): "MARVEL Pinball"

Back in the day when I was still a PS3 gamer I owned the Marvel Pinball tables for 'Zen Pinball'. Unfortunately when I changed consoles I lost all of the DLC I had as well as the games I had purchased. I was definitely glad to learn that Zen Studios (the developer) had released the same tables on the Xbox 360. In my recent quest for review material I contacted Zen Studios in hopes for getting some tables for review. They gladly accepted my offer which I was extremely grateful for. I had a reason for my request, and it wasn't to score free tables either. I thought reviewing Pinball FX2 tables would make for a unique type of review, and present a writing challenge as well. If you know me then you realize how much I love a good challenge no matter what it may be. The following Pinball FX2 reviews will hopefully show off my knowledge of all the things I know about pinball as well as the themes they are based on.

Crimson Alliance (XBLA): "An Awesome Arcade Style RPG With Co-op"

Crimson Alliance is the first mainstream XBLA RPG I've had the privilage to review here on OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno. I was definitely excited when I got the response from Certain Affinity about the review code for their game. I've been rather fortunate when it comes to all of the game developers who have contributed review codes to my blog, and I'm thankful that Certain Affinity gave me this opportunity to prove myself as a worthy RPG reviewer. I know some of my new readers may not know it, but I'm a pretty serious RPG gamer. I have completed numerous RPGs on several different consoles including handheld systems. Getting the opportunity to do a playthrough of Crimson Alliance, and give my opinion on it was definitely a great experience.

SkyDrift (XBLA): "Aerial Arcade Combat Racing"

SkyDrift is the second XBLA game that I have requested for review. It was recently released on the Xbox Live Marketplace by Digital Reality, the developer of the game. I'm actually familiar with racing games of all types, and have enjoyed playing many different types in my gaming career. If you've ever played games like 'F-Zero GX (GameCube)', or 'Mario Kart (SNES, GameCube, Wii)' then you'll understand what this game is all about. Aside from the similarities of the previously mentioned titles, this game is unique in that it uses combat planes as the racing vehicles. The game features a campaign, and multiplayer mode with a wide variety of tracks/areas to race in. This high speed aerial combat racer also features various types of gameplay that includes speed runs, and power races with the option of difficulty settings. The maps/tracks in the game are detailed with impressive graphics, and accented with a rocking soundtrack. It's included achievements, and badges add some goals into the mix. It's definitely a racing game that I have enjoyed playing.

BloodRayne: Betrayal (XBLA): "A Game That Will Have You Seeing Red"

Majesco recently released their third installment of the BloodRayne video game series on the Xbox Live Marketplace. This newest game titled 'BloodRayne: Betrayal' is different from the 3D styled games you may have played previously. Majesco's decision to make the game into a 2D platformer definitely appealed to me. I love 2D platformers, and the cel-shaded anime style they chose to go with caught my undivided attention. As far as the story goes, I'm not quite sure if this is a continuation or not since I have never had the opportunity to play the other games in the series. It did seem like there were some story elements that suggested that the plot was connected though. If you've played BloodRayne, or BloodRayne 2 then you'll likely be familiar with what is going on despite the change to 2D gameplay.

Rock of Ages (XBLA): "Epic Boulder Rolling Fun Spanning The Ages"

I consider myself both lucky, and blessed for having the chance to review Atlus's/ACE Team's new game, 'Rock of Ages'. I recently decided to step up my game in the reviewing business, and seek out the approval of XBLA developers. I'm always up for broadening my horizens when it comes to reviewing, and doing just XBLIG titles wasn't satisfying my desire to expand my gaming knowledge further. When I contacted ACE Team about reviewing this game they accepted my request, and were truly friendly about it. Getting to know developers such as that, even if it is only through brief messages makes what I do worth the while. To be 100% honest though, I had no clue what 'Rock of Ages' was truly about when I made the request. I had a vague idea after watching the youtube trailer, but the trailer doesn't do the game justice. It's much better than the short footage you get to see in the video. I'd go so far as to say that ACE Team, and Atlus have created one of the best games I have ever played. It was definitely a privilege to get to play through, and review this game.

Dead Block (XBLA): "A Rock & Roll Zombie Survival Game"

Many of the gamers I've grown up with, and have made friends with have enjoyed some type of zombie game. My own obsession started with the old horror movies from back in the day, and was later rekindled by the introduction of the Resident Evil series. From that point on I have enjoyed many zombie games on many different consoles. Nowadays you can find the inclusion of zombies in about every form of media there is. On July 6, 2011 Digital Reality Ltd., and Candygun Games released a Zombie game that brought back that wholesome zombie goodness that had sparked my interest as a young lad. Their game which is titled 'Dead Block' takes old and new zombie survival elements and combines it to make a video game creation that pays tribute to to all that is zombie. I was extremely excited when they told me I was going to be able to do a review on the full game. Once I got the code from them I didn't hesitate to get started.

XBLA IMPRESSIONS: "Deadliest Warrior Legends"

I'm a history buff, and I absolutely love shows about world history. I'm no stranger to the Deadliest Warrior television show. I love their accurate, and scientific portrayal of the imagined duels between various world warriors. When I owned my PS3 I actually tried out the first Deadliest Warrior game, and I wasn't too impressed. The combat system was a bit lacking, but the concept was very intriguing. A couple of days ago 'Deadliest Warriors Legends' was released as an XBLA title, and I was anxious to see how the developer had improved the game.

XBLA IMPRESSIONS: "Galaga Legions DX"

I'm a fan of both oldschool, and new shmup shooters. In my gaming past I've actually played the old Galaga game, and to be honest I enjoyed the newer shmup titles much more. Recently I heard that NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. was going to be releasing a DX version of Galaga in response to their very popular PAC-MAN Championship Ed. DX. I was very excited about the news. I used to own PAC-MAN C.E. DX for the PS3, and I was very impressed with it. Namco really went the extra mile with that game, and I couldn't wait to see what was instore for Galaga. This morning I was checking the latest XBLA game releases out, and noticed Galaga Legions DX was at the front of the list. I didn't hesitate in downloading the trial version to see what it offered.

XBLA IMPRESSIONS: "Half-Minute Hero SMNC"

I recently decided to try out the XBLA game 'Half-Minute Hero -Super Mega Neo Climax'. The game was developed by 'Marvelous Entertainment Inc./Opus Studio Inc.'. What drew me to this game were the graphics, and the art style. It reminded me a lot of 'The Legend of Zelda: WindWaker'. Some of the characters in the game actually appeared to be inspired by such a game. After I finished downloading the trial I decided to see what it was all about, and if it was worth the 800 msp price tag that was placed on it.

Future XBLA/XBLIG Game Reviews

In the process of contacting developers about their games I was able to secure two codes for titles that are currently in the works, and will be released in the months to come. One of those titles was for an XBLIG, or possible XBLA game called 'The Bridge' by Hypercubegames. It has a unique artistic quality about it as well as some gameplay mechanics I haven't seen in the games of today.

The second game is from an equally impressive space shooter XBLIG title called 'Orbitron: Revolution'. Matthew Leigh of FireBaseIndustries (the developer behind the game) informed me that they are currently working on a release date. Once I get the codes for these two titles I'll be getting those reviews out to you as well.

OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno Blog Launch!!!

Welcome everyone to my official review blog. In the days, weeks and months to come I hope to provide my readers and viewers with with some quality reviews. Most of you that already know me via Twitter, or Youtube already now that I'm a serious gamer. You may also already know that I've been a reviewer for a while now. About 3 years to be exact. I've had the privelage to do reviews for such sites as MovieSet.com (from Canada), realotakugamer.com, and recently xblaratings.com ... I take pride in my reviews, and I'm very passionate about what I do. I will not lie to you if I think a game is bad, and I'll definitely give a game praise if I honestly think it deserves it. My goal here is to give quality reviews for new and old titles, so that gamers, anime, and movie lovers alike will know what to invest their hard earned money in. The economy is squeezing everyone dry, and I feel that services like mine are needed for the future enjoyment of video games, movies, and anime.