QUICKLINKS:
Xbox Live Arcade Reviews A - G | Xbox Live Arcade Reviews H - R |
Xbox Live Arcade Reviews S - Z |
Xbox Originals A - Z
Our Xbox Live Arcade ratings system
We've given every game a 'buy' rating of 'Yes', 'Maybe', or 'No'
Yes means this is a very high quality game, and we have no problem recommending it to anyone as long as they like the genre.
Maybe means we think the game is good, but not necessarily for everyone. If you know the game or like the sound of the description, go for it
No means that we don't recommend the title at all.
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Games listed in alphabetical order
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Scramble
Price: 400 Points
Scramble is one fo the first ever scolling a horizontal shoot 'em ups, and was originally released in 1981. It is still an enjoyable game today and this version features enhanced graphics. As a shooter the game doesn't hold up to other titles such as Geometry Wars, but for a bit of nostalgia Scramble may be up your alley.
Worth buying? Maybe
Screwjumper!
Price: 800 Points
Screwjumper! is actually more entertaining to say than it is to play. It's a game where you jump down a mine trying to fly into special coloured disks to bring down an evil corporation. It's unique, but boring and not recommended at all.
Worth buying? No
Sensible World of Soccer
Price: 800 Points
Put away the pitchforks, for we have only said that Sensible World of Soccer is a 'maybe' purchase. The game has had a turbulent history already and even though Sensei fans will enjoy this Xbox Live Arcade edition, the game contains quite a bit of in game advertising irks us just a little bit too much.
Worth buying? Maybe
Shrek 'N' Roll
Price: 800 Points
Shrek 'N' Roll is a puzzle game which features Shrek and the characters from his films. The puzzles are dull and will rarely challenge players at all, and it just doesn't compare to the other puzzle games on the Xbox Live Arcade.
Worth buying? No
Small Arms
Price: 400 Points
Small Arms is a shoot ‘em up game and a brawling game in one, and has just recently joined the Arcade Hits Program which means the game is now available for only 400 points. With several different single player modes including mission mode, training mode, challenge mode and shooting range Small Arms is a bargain for only 400 points.
Worth buying? Yes
Smash TV
Price: 400 Points
Smash TV is one of the craziest games ever created, placing you inside an insane game show which had you shooting at hundreds and hundreds of enemies in rapid succession. The game can be played with friends co-operatively and is ridiculously hard - we challenge anybody to get through the entire thing on one credit. An older game, but still deserves to be played.
Worth buying? Yes
Soltrio Solitaire
Price: 800 Points
Do you love Solitaire? Then this is the game for you! Or you could just play it on your computer for free. Soltrio Solitaire may have some online modes and it may have a few different versions of everybody's favourite solo card game, but when it comes down to it, 800 points is just way too pricey for what can be played for free on your computer or with your own deck of cards.
Worth buying? No
Sonic the Hedgehog
Price: 400 Points
The 2D classic which was originally released in the 90's stands up remarkably well today. Well, why then does it say maybe down below? For one thing, the emulation quality really isn't up to scratch, and Sega has previously released Sonic the Hedgehog on just about every platform under the sun, so the game isn't worth a repurchase for a few achievements on the Xbox Live Arcade if you've played the game in the past five years. If you haven't then dive right in.
Worth buying? Maybe
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Price: 400 Points
If we had to pick one Sonic the Hedgehog title to download and purchase on the Xbox Live Arcade it would be Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which is quite simply one of the best 2D platformers ever. However, as with the original Sonic, Sonic 2 XBLA featured sloppy emulation and has been released on too many platforms already. The achievements do not justify a repurchase, but once again if you haven't played a Sonic 2D platformer for quite a few years then there should be no hesitation in purchasing Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Worth buying? Maybe
Space Giraffe
Price: 400 Points
Space Giraffe is an action game which is not that dissimilar to the arcade classic, Tempest. The player controls the Space Giraffe as it moves around a 3D surface with wide range of enemy creatures. We actually enjoyed Space Giraffe and would definitely recommend a purchase, but it really is the type of game you will want to try before you buy, as some people seem to hate the game with a passion.
Worth buying? Yes
Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
Price: 800 Points
We had fond memories of Speedball 2, but then we played it on the Xbox Live Arcade and while the game is a perfect conversion of the 1991 title it doesn't stand up so well today. There is a 3D HD option and there are some larger leagues and more teams, but this is definitely a game where you will have to try the demo first.
Worth buying? Maybe
Spongebob Squarepants: Underpants Slam
Price: 800 Points
Spongebob Squarepants: Underpants Slam is an action puzzle game which tries to play out like a mixture between Super Smash Brothers and Viewtiful Joe. Unfortunately, the game just ends up feeling like a derivative clone and is definitely not worth a purchase.
Worth buying? No
Spyglass Board Games
Price: 400 points
PALGN Review
There isn't much to say about Spyglass Board Games that we haven't already covered in our review. The game comes with four 'classic' board games; Chess, Checkers, Mancala and Reversi, with only Chess being remotely enjoyable. The Xbox Live Vision support feels tacked on and the whole presentation feels bare bones.
Worth buying? No
Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting
Price: 800 Points
Developer: Capcom/Digital Eclipse
One of the greatest fighting games of all time is back, in XBLA form. One of the first 're-releases' on the Arcade, Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting on the 360 offers classic arcade action and allows you to take your fighting skills online to take on the world. Although there is some lag when battling overseas, and the visuals are a bit blurry, the game is still a lot of fun and can still be extremely addictive.
Worth buying? Yes
Street Trace NYC
Price: 800 Points
Street Trace NYC is a cel shaded hoverboarding game which takes place in the dark areas of New York City. Despite the fact that the single player game is rather extensive (with over fifty challenges plus boss battles) it's not a game that we recommend. There is barely any sense of speed and the title ends up feeling like a bad rip off of Airblade, which is saying something because Airblade wasn’t that great in the first place.
Worth buying? No
Streets of Rage 2
Price: 400 Points
The Streets of Rage were some of the great side-scrolling beat 'em up games of their era. With Streets of Rage 2 players ihave the ability to team up with a mate to bash punks senseless with steal pipes, and crack open arcade machines for a hidden roast chicken pick up. The greatest strength of Streets of Rage 2 is the distinctive fighting style each playable character, ensuring the replay value of the title. While the emulation quality is once again a bit poor, it's still an easy recommendation.
Worth buying? Yes
Super Contra
Price: 400 Points
While it doesn't stand up quite as well as the original, and the emulation quality is once again not the best, Super Contra is still a fun arcade shooter. With some crazy boss battles and non-stop shooting action, it's worth the download for anyone after some hard-as-nails 80s shooting action.
Worth buying? Maybe
Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
Price: 800 Points
The puzzler is back, replacing the Street Fighter battles with battles of the Tetris (or texhnically Puyo variety. The 360 version features new(ish) HD graphics, several new game modes and online play, which come together in a pretty comprehensive package. It's incredibly addictive, and easily gets our approval.
Worth buying? Yes
Switchball
Price: 800 Points
Switchball is a little bit like Marble Blast Ultra in that it is a game where you take control of a ball and need to solve numerous puzzles to get the ball to the end of the level. The major difference between Switchball and Marble Blast Ultra is that your marble can be morphed into different balls with different unique properties. For example, a steel ball will be able to push an object around but won't do very well on a felt surface. The game becomes remarkably difficult later on but is still enjoyable.
Worth buying? Yes
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Price: 400 Points
A lot of fuss was made over Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when the game wasn't released on the Australian Xbox Live Arcade back in March. The game finally appeared but the wait wasn't completely worth it. It's still a relatively fun arcade beat 'em up, but it's over far too quickly. At 400 points at least it's a cheap nostalgia trip.
Worth buying? Maybe
Tempest
Price: 400 Points
Even though Space Giraffe isn't a complete clone of Tempest it is superior to the game in every possible way, meaning that Space Giraffe is a much better purchase.
Worth buying? No
Tetris Splash
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
As the only Tetris game on the Xbox Live Arcade any Tetris fan has probably already purchased this game, but the good news is that it is pretty impressive. The game is rather light on features and does feature a gimmicky screensaver option, but most importantly the Tetris gameplay is up to scratch and can be played in multiplayer both online and offline.
Worth buying? Yes
Texas Hold 'Em
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
When Texas Hold 'Em was originally announced for the Live Arcade it was free... for 48 hours. For free the game is okay, for 800 points Microsoft are asking a bit much. The game is rather basic and there are very few variations. Unless you are a real poker fan you may want to wait for a price drop.
Worth buying? Maybe
Time Pilot
Price: 400 Points
In Time Pilot players take on the role of a futuristic fighter jet pilot who has to travel through time to rescue trapped soldiers. There are several time periods including World War II and even the future (in this case 2001 where the enemies are UFOs). As an arcade shooter Time Pilot is reasonable, it's certainly not the best on the Live Arcade but should provide a bit of entertainment for those looking for a retro shooter. Plus, how else are you going to know what it's like in 2001?
Worth buying? Maybe
TiQal
Price: 800 Points
Because apparently there aren't enough puzzle games already available on the XBLA, TiQal is the classic 'blocks falling from the top of the screen' type of puzzle game, where you have to combine four blocks of the same colour in a square to clear them off the screen. You can use power-up's to switch it up and make the game more interesting, such as causing rows to explode and the like, but it's not too challenging in single-player. Compared to similar puzzlers on the arcade, TiQal feels a lot more casual and simplified, but it might be worth a look for those who are yet to invest in the others. Definitely a try-before-you-buy, given the crowded genre.
Worth buying? Maybe
Totemball
Price: Free
Totemball is a free musical action game which takes advantage of the Xbox Live Vision camera. Those without a camera cannot play, but this isn't a huge loss as Totemball isn't a whole lot of fun and is a game most people will tire of within minutes.
Worth downloading? Yes?
Track and Field
Price: 400 points
The timing for Track and Field is exceptional. With the Beijing Olympics happening later this year there are bound to be plenty of people who purchase this game on impulse. But like most impulse buys this one would be a bad choice, with only six events (100m dash, 110m hurdles, Javelin, Hammer Throw, Long Jump and High Jump) Track and Field won't hold your attention for long, which is good because if you play the game for more than ten minutes your fingers begin to hurt.
Worth buying? No
Trigger Heart Exelica
Price: 800 Points
A top-down shooter originally made for the Dreamcast in Japan, Triggerheart Exelica is one of the weaker shooters available on the Xbox Live Arcade. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with the gameplay itself, the game will only last you about 20 minutes considering you can use an infinite amount of continues. If you're the type that finds joy in memorizing enemy patterns and trying to get the highest score possible, then you may find pleasure in this game - but the majority should steer clear.
Worth buying? No
Tron
Price: 400 points
The Tron game doesn't quite hold up as well as the film does today. These days Tron is dull, and feels dated. Only those played the game in the past and simply have to have it again should purchase this title, everyone else should look absolutely everywhere else, anywhere but at Tron.
Worth buying? No
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Price: 800 Points
Mortal Kombat makes its way to the Xbox Live Arcade with Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. Whether or not you like Mortal Kombat is going to determine whether the game is worth a purchase or not. The good news is that at 800 points the game is well priced and with several classic Mortal Kombat characters such as Sub Zero and Scorpion making it into the game fans will be happy. If you're a Street Fighter fan why are you reading this?
Worth buying? Maybe
Undertow
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
Undertow is yet another shooter for the Xbox Live Arcade, but it's a fantastic one. The game looks amazing and is different enough from Geometry Wars to warrant a purchase of both titles. The right analog stick is used to shoot and while the single player mode is a little short, multiplayer is a treat.
Worth buying? Yes
Uno
Price: 400 Points
If you haven't downloaded and purchased Uno by now then you need to stop reading this article, turn on your Xbox 360 and purchase it. The classic card game comes to the Live Arcade with decent single player options as well as multiplayer support. The game is also compatible with the Xbox Live Vision camera.
Worth buying? Yes
Warlords
Price: 400 Points
Another 'classic' addition to the arcade, Warlords takes the simple gameplay idea of eliminating your opponents in their corners which you must protect with your shield, last man standing wins. It's a simple concept and to some degree it is definitely fun, especially when playing over Xbox Live against three other opponents. But despite the fancy new graphics, the game is essentially unchanged from the original (which is also included), and so we can't imagine it holding interest for very long. Warlords may be a classic, but it probably should have stayed in the past where we could look upon it fondly, rather than being re-released so many years later with minimal improvements.
Worth buying? Maybe
Wik and the Fable of Souls
Price: 800 Points
Wik and the Fable of Souls is a rather creative platforming puzzle game. In the game players take control of Wik who is a curious character resembling a frog, who has to collect grubs in more than 120 levels. While the gameplay is unique the game does become a little tiresome after the first thirty or so levels, but may be worth a download for those who are after something just a little bit different.
Worth buying? Maybe
Wing Commander Arena
Price: 800 Points
Wing Commander Arena is a new title in the Wing Commander franchise of space combat titles. The Wing Commander franchise was huge back in the 90's but we're in the 2000's now and this version just isn't all that entertaining. With boring gameplay modes and even more tedious gameplay Wing Commander Arena is not worth your or anyone's time.
Worth buying? No
Word Puzzle
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
Whoever had the idea that putting word searches into an Xbox Live Arcade game should probably reconsider why they make video-games to begin with. It's incredibly hard to justify forking out 800 points for a bunch of word searches, even if they can be played competitively online. You'd be better served getting a book of them from your newsagency rather than getting this game.
Worth buying? No
Worms
Price: 800 Points
Worms is easily one of the funniest and most enjoyable games available on the XBLA. If destroying your opposing cute little cartoon worms with bazookas and sheep bombs doesn't entertain you, then there must be something wrong with your sense of humour! It be played online, which simply extends the longevity of what is already a consistently fun experience.
Worth buying? Yes
Xevious
Price: 400 Points
Xevious is a vertical scrolling shooter game which was originally released by Namco in the 80's. As with just about every classic Namco title Xevious has been released on seemingly every platform around since the 80's and is not worth your attention today.
Worth buying? No
Yie-Ar Kung Fu
Price: 400 Points
There seems to be a pattern whereby arcade beat 'em ups and fighters don't really stand the test of time decades later, and Yie-Ar Kung Fu is no different. While the game may have been quite enjoyable back in the 80's it just feels shallow and boring now.
Worth buying? No
Zuma
Price: 400 Points
Zuma is a puzzle game originally released back in 2004, but it isn't worth a look today because there are several free versions of the game readily available online.
Worth buying? No
Contributions from Luke Mitchell, Jeremy Jastrzab and Kimberley Ellis.
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