Racedrome City (XBLIG): "Quality Online & Offline Racing FTW!!!"

In the XBLIG marketplace you'll find many aspiring game developers as well as some game developers that produce near XBLA content. Rendercode Games just so happens to be one of the better developers who are known for consistently good game releases. In the past I've reviewed a variety of sports, and racing related games that were developed by them, and enjoyed each playthrough equally. I was always impressed by the rendering, and the overall professional look/feel of the games. In their latest release, Racedrome City the developer continues their trend of quality with possibly one of the best racing games to grace the XBLIG marketplace. With new features, and next-gen graphics this affordable racer might just be what you've been looking for ...

STRACO Episode 1 (XBLIG): "A Retro Tower Defense Game With Shmup Action"

It has become quite obvious to me over the past few years that the newer generations of video games are only bringing with them more problems. Things like annoying online gameplay, and poor presentation overshadow the possibility of any fun to be had. As a result I often find myself thinking about the times when games were actually fun, and worthwhile. Those days of course are long gone, but thanks to some classic XBLIG game developers they are not entirely lost. NVO (Not Very Original) for example has taken their time to develop a well balanced tower defense game that harkens back to the days when games were actually fun, and challenging. This game I speak of is none other than STRACO Episode 1.

Three Dead Zed (XBLIG): "Possibly the Most Unique Zombie Game This Year!!!"

Gentleman Squid Studio has created an amazing one of a kind zombie platformer that is both next-gen in quality, and old school at the same time. It's not often that I've seen a 2D platforming game that features zombies as the main protagonists along with puzzle solving themes all in the same package. Somehow the developer managed to create this game in exactly that way though. In the end I think the things that really drew me to this XBLIG title were the art style, and the fact that it was a platformer. I absolutely love platformers, and have been a fan of them since the days of the NES. Seeing 'Three Dead Zed' in the youtube trailer a month earlier really made me smile. It was filled with blood, and gore which made me more than excited about getting my hands on it. When I was contacted by 'Gentlemen Squids Studios' I played it cool, but I was honestly like a kid tearing into a really cool Christmas present.

Trailer Park King 3DD (XBLIG): "Zombies, Aliens & Porn!!! Oh My!!!"

In a true sequel fashion Freelance Games, the developers behind the XBLIG hit "Trailer Park King" series starts this newest chapter of King's adventure off with a brief flashback detailing what went on in the previous episode. When we last left King he was in the midst of a dilemma concerning Truck's "condition". The entire trailer park had deemed Truck as a zombie since he hadn't been acting like himself, and were insistent about finding out the truth. With the aid of his interesting lady friends (and a couple of redneck men) King has made it his priority to find out whether, or not Truck is really a zombie. Using Skinny's guide to zombies King sets out to free his nemesis from the hamster ball cage he is currently imprisoned in, so that he can regain access to his precious porn. Will we ever get to see the porn on King's tv? Will Truck be cleared of his inhuman label? What about the aliens? It's all up to you to find out. Be wary though as all is not as it seems in the good old trailer park ...

RocketGirl (XBLIG): "Prepare Yourself For Full-on Sensory Overload!!!"

W ... T ... F!? WTF!!! ... Okay let me compose myself a bit ...

I'm not exactly sure what Software By Eugene was thinking when creating this game but it most definitely warrants a warning label. When I first laid eyes on the game I thought "Cool!!!". This is a shmup I could definitely get into. It featured a voluptuous girl riding a rocket. What's not to like there??? I have to say before I go any further though that I was dead wrong about the whole shmup (shoot 'em up) thing. This game is definitely not a shmup. Instead what we have here is one of those intense sensory overload survival games where the point is to make it to the end without crashing into objects. As you can probably guess you pilot a scantily clad girl riding a large rocket (obvious sexual innuendo!!!) through the course of these lengthy adventures. With the application of a single button press (A) you control the ascent, and descent of this buxom young lady as she flies through what could be best described as some sort of sexually drug induced fantasy trip. Often times the screen flashes with possible seizure inducing light shows, and half naked ladies flying through the air all over the place as you fly onward on the larger than life rocket that's between your legs. Logic is definitely not present here.

Demon House: FPS (XBLIG): "Something Borrowed, Something New ..."

Photonic Games brings to the indie marketplace an FPS (First Person Shooter) title that seems to incorporate familiar gameplay features which have been used in well known FPS games throughout the years. At the heart of Demon House: FPS you'll find vague yet noticeable similarities to games like 'BioShock', 'Doom', and even 'Quake' giving the game a retrospective atmosphere. The story, or plot at the core of this game is unique however, and seems to be derived from the scfi/fantasy genre of steam-punk fiction using necromancy as it's driving factor. As the game's protagonist, an unnamed scientist you (the gamer) find that it is your duty to put an end to one of the greatest necromancers the world has ever seen. Your target, the evil scientist of the story has willingly unlocked the secrets of life, and death and has used his knowledge to raise a soul driven army of mechanical soldiers. Seeing this as a potential hazard the powers that be have summoned you to dispatch the creator, and his unholy creations through classic weapon based combat. As you venture into the domain of the dead you'll find plenty of aggressive oddities that are hellbent on your demise. With your steam-punk weaponry in hand your task is simple. Destroy the creations, set the souls free, and put a stop to the madness. Are you up for the challenge?

Null Battles (XBLIG): "A Retro Gravity Based FPS Title"

In my time as an XBLIG reviewer I can't recall any developer taking on the gravity based FPS sub-genre. With that being said though the XBLA game "Hybrid" did an excellent job of bringing this new sub-genre to light earlier on this year. Regardless of that fact Techno Hermit Game's 'Null Battles' brings back the arcade goodness of the old 90's era 3D geometrical based games, and blends it with today's online/multiplayer gaming capabilities. In a simple yet vastly complex way the developer delivers an indie game that not only has significant replay value, but one that also allows the gamer to create their own arenas for online/multiplayer combat. The setting adjustments are definitely plentiful, and the possibilities nearly endless. Innovation is definitely not dead as this developer has once again proved with their unique take on this FPS sub-genre.

Halloween Scream (XBLIG): "Classy Interactive Storytelling At It's Finest"

Sometimes I find that I'm guilty of pre-judging a game before I even play it myself. I'll often times take a look at the XBL marketplace screenshots in order to get a glimpse at what I'd be reviewing if I took on the task of reviewing a requested game. I know I shouldn't judge games simply on screenshots, but heaven forbid I get stuck reviewing some half-assed game that had little thought applied to it's design. In the case of Bandana Game's newly released XBLIG title, "Halloween Scream" I went in thinking that it was going to be some sort of mediocre digital story that might as well be a part of the Amazon Kindle digital book library. I didn't think that perhaps the developer had created something amazing, beyond what a digital novel could offer. In retrospect I'm sorry for my pre-game judgement, and I'm glad I got the opportunity to experience this intriguing Halloween tale from the talented developer, Bandana Games. They did an outstanding job with their well versed tale of horror.

Lucky (XBLIG): "A Twist-ed Look At The Meaning Of Life, Death & Luck"

Out of all the XBLIG developers I've come to know none have created such intriguing, and detailed stories as the ones Guy Galer (Twist-ed Games) has done. I've followed his story of Bureau Agent Kendal as she thwarts criminals with her decisive interrogations, and crime solving tactics. With every episode released I always found something special to brag about in my reviews, and Guy Galer's latest game "Lucky" is no exception to that. As most of you know through the videos I have provided with each Twist-ed Game review the developer has a very unique animation style that seems to improve in quality with each game release. In "Lucky" Guy Galer delivers his most visually appealing game yet, and keeps true to his risque semi-nude scenes as he does so. As I did my playthrough I enjoyed every moment of the interactive point-and-click story. The atmospheric, and mellow soundtrack added to the game's overall ambiance, and as such made for a truly noteworthy playthrough.

Snops Attack! Zombie Defense (XBLIG): "The One XBLIG Shmup That Could Have Easily Been A Retail Game!"

DUDE!!! I'm so psyched to do this review! I've been waiting for what seems like an eternity to get my hands on this game! Ever since I watched the Mike Walz's/SnopsGames (The Developer) Youtube videos I knew this game was special, and in the end it did not disappoint. For those of you who are clueless as to what this game is about it's basically a bullet hell shooter, but a bullet hell shooter that is presented in the most grand fashion you could possibly fathom. What sets this gem apart from most XBLIG shmup titles is the breathtaking visuals, amazing character animations, and the superb soundtrack that each compliment the onscreen action in some truly awe-inspiring ways. This game, in all honesty could easily be marketed as a retail game if Mike just added some more features, and bonus material. It's seriously that good.

Face-Plant Adventures (XBLIG): "The World Through The Eyes Of A Piranha Plant ... Not Really Though"

When I first laid eyes on Face-Plant Adventures a couple of thoughts came to mind. The first thing to pop into my mind was the main character looks like a mix between a Piranha Plant (Super Mario Bros.), and the man-eating venus flytrap from "Little Shop of Horrors". Secondly, as I watched the trailer I began to think of the "Sonic the Hedgehog" video game series because of the rail systems, and the checkpoints. Even with similarities such as these though it seems that the developer, oddworm games has decided to make the game like those of the "impossible game" genre. It was an odd choice to say the least, and one that could easily be this games undoing. I've complained numerous times about "impossible games" in the past, because they leave no room for error making it a frustrating experience that no one in their right mind would revisit. After choosing not to complete my playthrough due to difficulties in the HARD setting I decided to go ahead with my review.

Pinball FX2: "Plants Vs. Zombies"

Who needs a George A. Romero zombie survival strategy when you have a garden full of combative plant life that would make the man-eating venus flytrap from Little Shop of Horrors green with envy. Now that I've got your attention with that college level wordplay let me shed some light on the subject of this review. Most of you, by now have either played or heard of PopCap Game's unique horror-survival strategy game, "Plants Vs. Zombies". The game's title pretty much explains it all for those who haven't though. You grow a garden of living/organic plant weapons that act as an at-home defense against the incoming brain hungry zombie invaders. The Pinball FX2 table of the same name follows this simplistic yet oddly complicated plot with it's own take on the core game title. Staying true to the "Pinball FX2", and "Plants Vs. Zombies" experience Zen Studios, and PopCap Games collaborate to bring you a pinball experience like no other.

March to the Moon (XBLIG): "A Retro Shmup/RPG Hybrid""

I'm a reviewer, and gamer who values true creativity. Truly creative games have sadly become kind of rare in the XBLIG marketplace these days though. You'll notice games that seem to borrow ideas from other's, and near clones of games that have recently been released. As a result of this trend developers of indie games often times flock to simple gaming genres in order to make a name for themselves. You will often see me tweet, or talk about the declining situation of the gaming industry, because of things like these. Regardless of my disgust the marketplace's current creative status I'm still grateful that there are some developers out there who actually produce noteworthy games. Califer Games just so happens to be one of the handful of noteworthy indie game developers that I'm speaking of. They recently contacted me, requesting that I review their latest release of "March to the Moon". I was a little hesitant at first, but it looked interesting enough to review. After playing it for a good while I was glad that I gave it a proper chance.

Death Closet (XBLIG): "A Hardcore Meme Death Frenzy"

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm a reviewer who likes to buy from the XBLIG marketplace from time to time. If it weren't for the XBLIG indie developers I wouldn't be where I'm at today with this blog. As such I decided to buy a 'Stegersaurus' game that was recently released called "Death Closet". The name was definitely catchy, and the ghastly little dude on the cover art was begging me to buy the game (not really ^.^), so I could not resist. I read the description as usual, and despite that it was obviously one of those "impossible" game titles I ventured forward with my purchase. After downloading the game, and sampling all that it had to offer. I found that this simple game was the first "impossible" title that I actually enjoyed playing.

Spyleaks (XBLIG): "A Retro Espionage Story Featuring Two Classic Game Genres"

This is one of those indie games that I would have likely passed up if it weren't for the developer (HeartBit Interactive/The Benjamin Ficus) requesting a review. After receiving the developer's request I watched the youtube trailer that was attached in hopes of better understanding what I'd be getting myself into. I was surprised to see that the game had an oddly familiar style of puzzle solving gameplay to it. It was a style of puzzle gameplay that I haven't seen in what seems like ages. If you've ever played the Nintendo game "The Adventures of Lolo" then you'll know what I'm talking about (Be sure to check out the video attached to this review for reference to that). After noticing this similarity along with the fact that there was actual shmup (shoot'em up) levels in the game I was totally hyped! Needless to say I agreed to the request, and did my playthrough so I could give you guys the inside scoop on this Espionage driven puzzle/shmup hybrid.

Rock, Paper, Lazers (XBLIG): "A Whimsical Shmup With A Unique Twist"

When it comes down to reviewing XBLIG titles there are certain things that I look for. The most significant thing of all though is originality. As we all have noticed by now there are copies  upon copies of indie games plaguing the XBLIG marketplace. Very rarely do I see an entirely unique, and well developed game on there. It's a sad situation that has become more prevalent as time has passed. Thankfully all is not lost. There are some indie developers such as Cubegg who try to at least put a new spin on an old genre. With their newly released title "Rock, Paper, Lazers" they have added some spice to the dull appetizer that is the XBLIG marketplace.

Murder For Dinner (XBLIG): "A CLUE-like Murder Mystery"

Indie games seemed to have once again picked up in popularity among aspiring game developers. I'm not only seeing more unique XBLIG titles coming to light, but kickstarter programs have also spawned featuring entirely unique video game creations by never-before-known developers. Recently a new XBLIG developer called Detroit Game Studio contacted me about reviewing their latest creation, "Murder for Dinner". In their email they told me a little about the game, and described it as an Agatha Christie/Clue style murder mystery. Needless to say the idea of the game definitely caught my attention. As a reviewer I try to cover games that are truly "unique", and this game fit the bill. I set out to see what the fuss was all about, and find out why it warranted a 240 msp price tag.

Obsessive Collecting Disorder (XBLIG): "A Stylish & Challenging Indie Game With a Parody Twist"

As a reviewer I sometimes go above, and beyond the call of duty to bring you guys the latest reviews. In some instances this includes enduring extreme video game challenges that are darn near impossible to complete. This time around the developers at Super Smith Bros. kindly asked me to review their new indie game Obsessive Collecting Disorder. I actually knew what I was getting myself into when I agreed to review their game. There was something about it that screamed quality to me though. As I did my playthrough of OCD I found it somewhat fun in a "Glutton for Punishment" sort of way. In the end the game not only tried my patience in numerous ways, but it also made me laugh which is definitely a plus in my book.

Ninja Exorcist Episode 1 (XBLIG): "An Oriental 2D Side-Scrolling Masterpiece!

It's not often that I get psyched about a game to the point that I immediately recommend it before posting my review. In this particular instance I did though . It just so happens that Nebula Game Studio's presented one heck of a game with their own original release of "Ninja Exorcist Episode 1". Immediately when starting up the game I noticed the in-depth attention to detail that the developer had incorporated into the title. Everything from the prologue to the actual gameplay screamed high quality (1080p to be exact). With that being said I did get some errors while playing the game, and had to cut my playthrough short. The good news on that situation though is that the developer has already issued a patch for the game, and it should be coming out soon. This lets me know that the developer actually cares about their product, and the consumer which is always a plus.

Dead Sea (XBLIG): "Horror-Survival At Sea"

When I got Brave Men Game's request to do a review early this morning I was very curious as to what they had in store. I think it was earlier this year that I had reviewed their game "Hell's House", so I was expecting something similar. What exactly that was going to be I wasn't sure though. For some reason I expected some sort of apocalyptic game, but I was very wrong with that guess. After viewing the teaser trailer I had some serious doubts about the game, as you too will likely have. Even so I decided to do the review. Without further adieu I give you my two cents worth on this oddly interesting indie game ...