Super Street Fighter IV: AE "The Failing State of Capcom's Fighting Games"

Those of you who have taken the time to read my reviews have most likely read my 'SSFIV:AE' review. I have many issues with the SSFIV game, and the online gaming it offers. Capcom's release of the 'Arcade Edition' was deemed as the 'hardcore' players version. It is anything but that. What Capcom has done is taken a halfway decent game, and made it even worse. The extra characters such as Yun, and Yang only made the online spamming population even more unbearable. Yun, and Yang's quick jab combos make for an inescapable mess. Capcom should learn from the upcoming 'Skull Girls' XBLA fighting game and make a break system for such combos. This is the only way I see Capcom reviving themselves from this major letdown of a release. In fact if SSFIV:AE is any hint at what the online gameplay of 'Street Fighter x Tekken' is going to be then they are going to fail miserably. Another point I want to make is that the computer opponent A.I. in SSFIV:AE has been made to mirror some of the worst players you will encounter in online SSFIV gaming. The computer opponent will constantly spam fireballs/projectiles, as well as other special moves. They will also dish out the inescapable throw combos, and the crowding that you see from the bad players of SSFIV. If this is what Capcom calls 'hardcore' gaming then you can count me out!

Phase Runner (XBLIG): "A Terrain Changing Avatar Runner"

Phase Runner is a unique XBLIG title with 3D style visuals that was recently released on the Xbox 360 by thelostone (The developer). It features a unique style gameplay as well as soothing relaxing music that is accented by a female's voice. Aside from that fact this is one of the only XBLIG titles out there that incorporates your Xbox 360 avatar into the game. Phase Runner takes shmup style gameplay, removes the bullets, and turns it into a running/escape type of game. The forever changing terrain that lies underneath your feet definitely presents a challenge.

Trailer Park King (XBLIG): "The Next Evolution In Trailer Park Humor"

Freelance Games recently released their new XBLIG game 'Trailer Park King' for 80 msp. I had played the trial before asking them for a review code. The trial made me laugh so hard I couldn't resist a chance to see the full game, and deliver my verdict to you guys. While the simple art style may turn away most gamers, I found that there was something special about this title. Freelance Games did an excellent job in telling this strange, and unique tale of a guy named 'King' ...

Bureau - Agent Kendall (XBLIG): "A Sexy FBI Thriller"

I have never played a game like this in my entire life. This is definitely not a bad thing. The developer, ggaler was kind enough to allow me to review his unique, and visually impressive FBI thriller. The execution, and realistic elements that he included in this game were top-notch. I'd even go as far as to say that this game was XBLA quality. The subject matter, and short length of the game probably played a role in it becoming an XBLIG title though ...

VORPAL (XBLIG): "Bullet Hell At It's Finest"

Vorpal is probably the most unique bullet hell shmup I have ever played. The game mechanics, and unique art design make Red Wolf one of the most impressive shmup developers out there. The game features a story mode in which you get to know all 6 characters, and their background stories. It also features a versus mode for 1-on-1 sessions with an A.I. opponent. Vorpal offers a challenge that will take most hardcore shmup players by surprise. It even gave me rough time, and I'm an experienced shmup player ...