BurgerTime World Tour (XBLA): "A Fast Paced Fast Food Arcade Game Frenzy"

During my time as a gamer I have never really played a game like 'BurgerTime World Tour'. I do realize that there was a release of BurgerTime for a retro console (The NES I believe???), but I never really got the opportunity to see what it was about. Aside from it's classic gaming roots BurgerTime had previously been re-released as a next generation XBLA game that played, and looked very similar to this one (BurgerTime HD). Monkey Paw Games the developers behind this wacky puzzle/platformer revived the title once more with newly added features that includes an online multiplayer mode, and Xbox live avatar compatability. The offline mode features 4 worlds with multiple levels in which 'Peter Pepper' competes against rival burger makers by completing burgers (layer by layer). His task is complicated by attacks from various enemy foods (hot dogs, Limburger Cheese, Eggs, Pickles, Peppers ...), obstacles, traps, and level sized bosses that constantly block his path to progress.

Escape Goat (XBLIG): "A Truly Impressive Retro Platformer"

I recently reviewed two platformers that were lacking in quality gameplay. The games in question offered a challenge, but unfortunately the challenge was based on avoiding cheap deaths. when I sent an inquiry about 'Escape Goat' I was seriously hoping that this wouldn't be a repeat of one of those 'impossible' games. MagicalTimeBean, the developers behind this retro marvel did not disappoint. I was able to complete the entire game without suffering from too many pointless deaths (there were a few). The puzzle solving in the game took a good bit of thinking, but it wasn't something that you had to be a genius at to solve. I ended up really liking the game. The fact that the developer included a detailed level editor made the game even better.

Professional $tealer (XBLIG): "Sidescrolling Parkour Thievery"

I recently got a request from the PR of this game about doing a review of it. As always I was glad to accept the job, and give my honest opinion about the game. Professional $tealer was developed by 'Aly Ameen/Brush and Code'. It's a 2D sidescrolling platformer that uses a constant running theme mixed with parkour style gameplay. I have actually reviewed a few XBLIG titles on my blog that feature similar gameplay styles, and I enjoyed them. This wasn't the case with 'Professional $tealer though ... In 'Professional $tealer' the player (stick man) takes on the role of a thief who is constantly on the run from cops. The thief in question has to dodge different obstacles in his/her path (jets, satellites, rockets, cops) using simple parkour style moves (jumps, wall jumping, sliding). There are three modes of play in the game that include singleplayer, multiplayer, and a score based mode called 'challenge'. The goal in each mode is simple. As the theif you must keep on the run, dodge obstacles, and make it to the end.

Sins of the Flesh (XBLIG): "A Haunting Story Told With Shmup Style Gameplay"

This year has brought with it some really impressive XBLIG titles from some equally impressive developers. I'm definitely glad to have got to review such creative indie game masterpieces in the short time that I have been doing reviews. Silver Dollar Games is among the most impressive developers that I have had the chance to review for, and they have yet to let me down with any of their releases. Whenever I see that 'Silver Dollar Games' has released a new XBLIG title I do not hesitate in contacting them about reviewing it. This was definitely the case with their recent release of 'Sins of the Flesh'. When I first looked at the cover art of their game it was a serious "WOW!" moment. I wanted to see what the game was like immediately, so I downloaded the trial. What I found was a very cool story driven polarity style shmup (Think 'Ikaruga'). The demo itself didn't even touch base with what the full game offered. I found this out after securing a review token of the game, and doing a full playthrough of it ...

Hope For Jena ... Jena Has Passed Away (Nov. 1, 2011)

You may have noticed by now that I have removed the 'Hope For Jena' banner as well as the original post about the donations. I recieved some sad news this morning on Twitter that my friend @IRGRL's sister Jena had passed away. She died on Nov. 1, 2011 (3am) after a serious struggle with leukemia. I appreciate any donations that you have contributed to Jena's cause as I'm sure @IRGRL is also. It is hard to lose a loved one. My thoughts, and prayers are with @IRGRL, and her family as they go through their time of mourning.

- Brad C. (OtakuDante) -