Bejeweled 3 (XBLA): "A Multi-Mode Gem Matching Puzzle Game"

In the many years I've been gaming I have played a wide variety of video game genres that include puzzle games. Some of those puzzle games that I enjoyed playing included several 'PopCap Game' titles such as their very popular Bejeweled series. My family has an extremely competitive nature when it comes to gaming, and we would often times try to beat each other's scores in Bejeweled, Bejeweled 2, and Bejeweled Blitz. My Mother, and Father both are actually pros at the Bejeweled games, and have scored in the millions of points during their playthroughs. When I saw that 'Bejeweled 3' was released on the Xbox Live Marketplace I knew I had to do a review on it, because it's one of those amazing arcade style games that should get some recognition. I honestly knew the game was going to be great before I requested it. I just didn't know how much content 'PopCap Games' had included in this installment of the series. That is another reason for my request of the game. I like to keep my readers informed on all types of games even if they are puzzle related.

Bellum Gothicum Orchestra - "Amor Vincit"

Earlier this year I featured the band 'Bellum Gothicum Orchestra'  here on my blog. They are an amazing band with a very unique sound. The band was kind enough to send me an autographed CD by airmail which I have greatly enjoyed listening to. Recently they released another music video of their song 'Amor Vincit'. It was one of my favorites from the CD, and I would like to take the time to share it with you ...

Techno Chopper (XBLIG): "A Simple Prismatic Chopper Survival Game"

There is actually a method to my madness when it comes to my requesting of XBLIG/XBLA games for review. For the most part I look to see if the game offers a solid gameplay experience. I also tend to go by how visually impressive the game appears to be. On rare occassions I will overlook the visuals, because the gameplay itself looks really impressive. Techno Chopper attracted me with it's visual style as well as the score based gameplay that it offered. I'm definitely drawn to games that are based on high scores due to my very competitive gaming nature. I immediately sent 'GZ Storm' my request (the developer behind this unique game) in hopes of securing it for review. I was glad that they allowed me to review the game, because I thought it looked like something my readers would be interested in knowing about.

Antipole (XBLIG): "A 2D Side-Scrolling Anti-Gravity Adventure"

I always consider myself fortunate, and lucky when a developer contacts me about reviewing their game. It dosen't matter how big, or small the game might be. It's always a nice treat for me, and it let's me know (as I've mentioned before) that I'm doing something right with my reviews. This time around it was 'Saturnine Games' that sent me an email request. In the email they asked me to review their latest XBLIG title 'Antipole'. I wasn't really sure what the game was about, but I was glad that the developer requested me to review it. I ended up playing through 'Antipole' this morning, and it took a little over two hours to complete. For a small indie game it definitely offered quite a challenge with it's anti-gravity concept. It also had an extra mode of play besides the main mode (Challenge Mode). In my playthrough I encountered many unique puzzles, and gameplay concepts that I haven't seen in a 2D side-scroller before.

Dungeon Defenders (XBLA): "A Tower Defense & RPG Hybrid Gaming Experience"

I did a lot of research before I set out on my quest to get the review code for Trendy Entertainment's new XBLA release 'Dungeon Defenders'. Initially I was quite impressed with what I witnessed from watching the 'Dungeon Defenders' trailers, and developer diaries videos. I knew I had to get this game for review, so that my reader's would be well informed as to what the game's experience is like. I also wanted to see for myself how this game compared/differed from other RPG hybrids. I have to honestly say that I was thrilled when Trendy Entertainment's PR sent me two review codes, so that I could experience the multiplayer with someone else that I knew. Often times I find myself missing out on the multiplayer experience, because I have no one to share it with. Thankfully Trendy Ent. realized that the reviewers (such as myself) needed to play their game as it was meant to be played, in multiplayer/LIVE.