Blocky (XBLIG): "Like Owning A Pet Rock, But Much Better ..."

As an XBLIG, and XBLA reviewer I try hard to pick out titles that I believe my readers will be interested in knowing about. I use a simple method of narrowing down the list of choices by using certain criteria. The things I look for in a new title can include anything from the quality of humor, to the overall appearance of the game. In blocky's case I thought it showed a very humerous side as well as some solid looking gameplay. The trailer really drew my attention to this game, and the hilarious narration that was added also sparked my curiosity. This new XBLIG title by 'ThinkFlowGames' proved to be one of the best games that I have reviewed/plyed through this year, but I'll let you judge that for yourself ...

FITS (XBLIG): "Fishing In The Sea"

LuckySoft is one of the few developers that I know who really appreciates my reviewing, and always asks me to review their latest games. I feel quite honored that a developer such as LuckySoft would think so highly of my reviews that they would personally request me to review their new games. With that being said I do feel a bit bad about falling behind schedule, and getting to their game last. Life happens though, and I'm glad that I'm finally able to present my review of 'FITS (Fishing In The Sea)' to you guys (and gals).

There Will Be Brains (XBLIG): "Barricades, Zombies & A Wide Variety Of Weapons"

Sometimes I really look forward to a release of certain XBLIG titles, and 'There Will Be Brains' just so happened to be one of those games. The game takes a simple concept, and delivers it in a very artistic manner. As the gamer you will take control of Jackie, redheaded girl who has found herself in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. To begin with you are given a gun, and a barricade of furniture to hide behind. With these tools, and weapons that you buy (from a merchant) you must stand your ground against wave after wave of the living dead. The game is mission based, and you must defeat zombies while gathering the right amount of gasoline in order to progess through different points/missions on the map. In a sort of 'Resident Evil 4' fashion the game provides the opportunity to purchase more/better weapons from a traveling merchant with the money that you loot from the undead denizens. If you survive long enough, and purchase the best protection you might just come out of this situation alive.

SteamSunk (XBLIG): "A Top-Down War Boat Shmup"

Whenever I watch a trailer of an indie game I usually have a pretty good idea of what it's about. If my memory serves me well 'SteamSunk' had a 3D look to it in the trailer. I have been known to be wrong on occassion though ... Whatever the case was I found myself a bit surprised when I realized that the game was a top-down shmup that took place on a massive lake. It was definitely a very pleasant surprise though. Snape, the developer behind this rather unique steamboat style shooter made the game very user friendly. Not only can you access a detailed control layout via the inside of the ship, but you can also access all of the other menu options in the ships bay window as well. SteamSunk features 4 difficulty settings (Easy, Normal, Hard, Godlike) with significant differences (more/harder enemies/bosses). These difficulty settings make the game easily accessible for both those who are new to the shmup genre, as well as veteran players.

Dark Delve (XBLIG): "A Dungeon Crawler/Turn Based RPG"

Dark Delve is one of those games that kind of reinvents a genre. In this case that game genre happens to be RPGs. Checkmark Games, the developer behind this one of a kind RPG brings their game to life in a very artistic manner. Aside from the core turn based RPG gameplay, 'Dark Delve' features hand drawn characters/creatures, and photographic scenery that is showcased throughout the game's entirety. The game begins with an epic, and somewhat poetic tale of a queen who has turned against her people. Generations after being sealed away, a team of heroes (mages, warriors, rogues) must go on a quest to mercifully end the queens life before she does any further harm to her kingdom. As the player you take on the role of 4 customizable characters with different skills (mages, warriors, rogues). You get to choose the look of each character from various drawings. You can even name your band of heroes as you see fit. Once you have your team ready you will be set to go on your way.

Convict Minigames (XBLIG): "A 5 Title Minigame Compilation"

Convict Interactive recently released a compilation of 5 indie minigames. The game's title was appropriately called 'Convict Minigames' since it was Convict Interactive that developed them. The games featured in this set include 'Bop!', 'High Hopes', 'Jurassic Bar', 'Cave In', and 'Triangle Man (which made me think of that 80's song with Triangle Man lyrics ^.^). For the most part the games end really quickly, except for 'Triangle Man' which features more involved gameplay. All of the games can be played alone (single player), or with up to 4 players. Each game features an impressive soundtrack that accents the games rather nicely.