Chain Crusher Enhanced Version *Update/Stand Alone*

I just recieved an email from a developer friend of mine (Micky G. Albert) about an upcoming update on their XBLIG title 'Chain Crusher'. The following is a part of the email I recieved:

You're All Diseased! (XBLIG): "Saving Digital Lives Shmup Style!"

Earlier this year I reviewed a simple shmup (shoot 'em up) called 'Pixelosity', and stated that it would likely be one of my shortest reviews. The same applies to this review, but don't let that discourage you from getting this game. You're All Diseased is a unique dual thumbstick shmup that was developed by 'PicWin Studios/Dejitaru Forge'. It has you taking on the role of a white blood cell as it travels through veins, and organs. The goal is to simply eradicate all the virus, diseases, and bacteria that try to attack you. As you make your way through the veins in the game you will encounter a wide variety of enemies that look like the cells of a human being. Your only defense against the biological attackers is the bullet spray that you shoot from your white blood cell. As you kill enemies without getting hit you will earn point (saved lives) multipliers. When your white blood cell finally dies off (loses all 3 lives) you will be given a final score letting you know how many points, or lives you have saved. You also create vaccines from power-ups that you collect. This will also be added to your final score. You're All Diseased is a highscore oriented game, so survivng for as long as you can will give you the opportunity to place high on the game's leaderboard.

Invasion (XBLIG): "Comedy, Sarcasm & Solid Gameplay Ready To Invade Your Xbox 360."

Invasion is the second game in what seems to be a series by the XBLIG developer 'Heart Attack Machine'. The first game titled 'Parasitus Ninja Zero' which I reviewed earlier this year seems to be the prequel/sequel to 'Invasion'. In 'Invasion' you take on the role of the 'soldier (Stockton)' character that was unlockable in 'Parasitus Ninja Zero'. The game features familiar 'Contra' style gameplay, and has a 'Castlevania' look about it. While there are some visual similarities to the previously mentioned games, the graphics are much more impressive, and the soundtrack is superb. The story of the game is all over the place though, and is haunted by bad jokes and brief sexual innuendo. I'm not actually sure why the developer went this route with the game, but the mature look of it and the childish humor just doesn't mix well.

CastleMiner Z (XBLIG): "Horror Survival CastleMiner Style!"

I have watched my nephew play 'Minecraft' religiously this year, and I've always been curious about that type of game. I noticed that the Xbox Live Marketplace has had a few spin-offs of 'Minecraft', but I had never actually got the chance to play or review one. When I saw that 'DigitalDNA (The Developer)' had released a zombie version of the game with FPS gameplay mechanics I knew I had to get it for review. I absolutely love horror survival games, and first person shooters! I was definitely wondering how well these two themes would be incorporated into this game. I was pleasantly surprised with what I found, and even stepped into someone's created world to share the experience. I hope that 'GT: FloatingWinter' didn't mind the intrusion, but I was grateful that they offered me a safe place to stay for when the zombies began to attack in 'Survival' mode. It was a fun experience, and a learning one as well. In the end I'm always glad to try out new things.

Flow Rider (XBLIG): "An Affordable Yet Impressive Top-Down Boat Racing Game"

Flow Rider is one of those XBLIG titles that pushes the boundaries between what an indie game offers, and what an arcade (XBLA) game offers. Triple B Games the developers behind 'Flow Rider' have made the game easily accessible to players, and presented it in a visually stunning manner. The game itself features both single, and multiplayer modes that can be played online and offline. The singleplayer mode has 4 racing tiers with 5 races in each tier. There are a total of 19 tracks (Deluge, Laguna, Pipeline ...) to play on, and 4 vehicle types (Behemoth, Cyclone, Scarab, Splitter) to choose from. The boats feature simple color customization, and vehicle specific attributes (speed, boost, armor, agility) that effect how the boat maneuvers within the game. The tracks in 'Flow Rider' feature dynamic lighting, and an ever-changing prism of colors. The game is all about speed, and winning. Getting that 1st place medal in the game will require the proper use of boosts, and track shortcuts.