In this article we have rated each Xbox Live Arcade title with the rating “Yes, No” or “Maybe”. A description of the rating system can be found below. This article will be updated weekly with the newest releases to the arcade appearing at the top of the article. We have also included information on how much each title costs, 1500 Microsoft points costs $24.95, so 1200 point games cost $20.16, 800 point games cost $13.44 and 400 points costs $6.72.
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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3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
As 3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures is the only XBLA mini golf game it's probably already been purchased by those interested in mini golf. The game is good fun but a little bit off-beat, so those who were keen on playing a more serious golf game may be a little disappointed.
Worth buying? Yes
Alien Hominid HD
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
Alien Hominid began life as a flash-based 2D shooting game and was later released on all last gen consoles, and now the ultimate version has appeared on XBLA. This edition of the game adds in widescreen support, bonus levels, online multiplayer for up to four players and also features the ability to download PDA levels, Alien Hominid HD is definitely the definitive version of the game and worth the purchase.
Worth buying? Yes
Arkadian Warriors
Price: 800 Points
Arkadian Warriors is an action RPG dungeon crawler. While there aren't many action RPGs on XBLA this one still isn't worth a download. It has a terrible camera, boring dungeons and just feels too simplistic. Anyone tempted to purchase this just for an action RPG fix should step away from the Xbox immediately.
Worth buying? No
Assault Heroes
Price: 800 Points
Assault Heroes is a top down shooter which centres on the last surviving member of a elite forces unit. The story is thin but it basically means you get to take control of several weapons and vehicles. The game also contains multiplayer support, but at 800 points it is a little bit short for our liking, anyone who is experienced with arcade shooters should be able to complete the game very quickly.
Worth buying? Maybe
Assault Heroes 2
Price: 800 Points
If you've never played the original Assault Heroes, then stop reading this article right now so that you can go and purchase this sequel as quickly as possible. It takes everything we loved about the first game and improves upon it, making it easily one of the most enjoyable experiences available for download on the Xbox Live Arcade. The basic gameplay is the same, so if you didn't like the first title, you won't change your opinion here... but how could you not like the first title? The crazy top down shooter is an overdone genre, but Assault Heroes 2 manages to keep it simple and fun, and is an awesome game for 800 points.
Worth buying? Yes
Asteroids / Asteroids Deluxe
Price: 400 points
No. Wait, we have to write more? Asteroids was originally released in 1979 by Atari. The player takes control of a spaceship in an asteroid field with the goal being to destroy asteroids while not getting hit (for you modern noobs it's a bit like Geometry Wars), but doesn't stand up to scrutiny today. The game also comes bundled with Asteroids Deluxe, but the upgrades in Asteroids Deluxe are minimal.
Worth buying? No
Astropop
Price: 800 Points
Astropop is a clever little puzzle game which made its debut on the PC. In Astropop players are shown a field full of different coloured rectangles, and the object is to move these rectangles by grabbing them and putting them onto the same coloured rectangle to create combos. Every time these rectangles make a combo the brick-o-meter fills up, and filling the meter up entirely will result in a level up. While Astropop can be played free online, it's still a very fun game and one of Popcap's best.
Worth buying? Yes
Band of Bugs
Price: 800 Points
An interesting attempt at a strategy game, this certainly won't appeal to everyone. It's got some deep gameplay that is masked by a cartoony art style, and it turns out to be a bit of a mixed bag. If tactical battle is something that you're into, then Band of Bugs could easily be the game for you, but for everyone else, they may want to try this one first before shelling out their precious points.
Worth buying? Maybe
Bankshot Billiards 2
Price: 800 Points
Bankshot Billiards 2 is a top down pool game, similar to those actual cheap pool games that you used to be able to purchase at the shops, except better. The game is surprisingly enjoyable and offers up nine different game modes including 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Cutthroat, 14.1 Continuous, Euro 8-Ball, 3-Ball, Trick Shots, Time Trial, and Golf. There are also a few customisation options, the only off putting factor in Bankshot Billiards 2 is the fact that the game is so costly.
Worth buying? Maybe
Battlestar Galactica
Price: 800 Points
Battlestar Galactica is a top down space combat game set in the Battlestar Galactica universe. Despite being developed by Australia's very own Auran and featuring support for up to eight players online Battlestar Galactica is just too boring to earn a recommendation, and even those who enjoy the show won't find much to enjoy here.
Worth buying? No
Battlezone
Price: 400 Points
What was fun in 1980 doesn't necessarily equal fun in 2008. What you get with Battlezone is a classic game that was a lot of fun 'back in the day', but is completely lost in translation when given to a modern audience. While those who played the original and feel like reliving their childhood gaming experience may find something to like here, everybody else will be a little bit confused. While it's not a terrible port per se, with online modes and leaderboards thrown in for good measure, we can't see this holding your interest very long with much better shooters available. At least they're not trying to get 800 points out of us for it, so that's appreciated.
Worth buying? No
Bejeweled 2
Price: 800 Points
Bejelewed 2 is yet another puzzle game which has made the jump from PCs to the Xbox Live Arcade. Similar to Hexic, players are shown a grid of gems and need to swap jewels to create chains or combos. The game is pretty simple to pick up but can get quite complicated very quickly. While the game is available for free online anyone who is looking to play a puzzle game on their Xbox 360 will probably get quite a bit of value out of Bejeweled 2.
Worth buying? Maybe
Bliss Island
Price: 400 Points
Bliss Island in its most basic form is a bunch of mini-games thrown together. They're all rather simple by nature and don't take much skill to participate, and they're all strung together by a pretty lame storyline. Or, you can just play the games seperately if you like - though we're not sure you'd want to. In fact, only one or two of the games are actually enjoyable. You can find better alternatives for mini-games without paying for them, and there are plenty of other games that we'd recommend you spend your points on over this.
Worth buying? No
Bomberman Live
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
Combining the insanely addictive Bomberman gameplay with a myriad of game modes and throwing the whole thing on Xbox Live for crazy multi-player action was destined for greatness, and that's exactly what you get here. The game is undoubtedly a classic, so adding in an 8-player online mode is a recipe for success.
Worth buying? Yes
Boogie Bunnies
Price: 800 Points
Boogie Bunnies is a puzzle take off where players have to match the same colour bunnies from three different sides. Aside from its simplistic design Boogie Bunnies just feels like a clone of several other puzzle titles, while the game does include co-op we wouldn't recomend playing this with a friend, they won't be around after a game or two.
Worth buying? No
Boom Boom Rocket
Price: 800 Points
Boom Boom Rocket finally made its way to the Xbox Live Arcade in Australia after a four month wait. The game is developed by Bizarre Creations who are behind the Project Gotham Racing series and the object of the game is to trigger fireworks explosions in time with music. The game has a limited selection of tracks and shares a bit in common with the PlayStation 2 launch title Fantavision, so this isn't a game that will appeal to everyone.
Worth buying? Maybe
Brain Challenge
Price: 800 Points
Jumping onto the bandwagon that's been rolling since a certain hand-held released a certain series of training games, Brain Challenge is the first attempt to get the casual 360 market to do some puzzles to try and increase the capacity of their brain. It's a decent educational puzzle game, and will be right up the alley of anyone who likes to test themselves and see just how 'clever' they are, with daily tests that check how you're progressing. Of course, these types of games aren't for everyone, and if you've ever spent some time training your brain on the DS, this may feel like a cheap cash-in. Worth a trial to see whether or not you're really keen on challenging your brain on a regular basis.
Worth buying? Maybe
Buku Sudoku
Price: 800 Points
Sudoku on the Xbox Live Arcade. It was pretty inevitable, and also inevitable is the result. Similar to Word Puzzle before it, this pen and paper puzzle game really should have been left on the pen and paper. While the whole thing looks stylish and colourful and there is nothing inherently wrong with the gameplay itself, we can't see a reason to shell out 800 points on this when you could probably purchase a chunky book full of Sudoku puzzles for a cheaper price nowadays as an alternative that doesn't require you to sit in front of the TV. Buku Sudoku is only for the real addicts.
Worth buying? No
Carcassonne
Price: 800 Points
Developer: Sierra Online
Carcassonne continues the board game trend on the XBLA, and was recently available as a freebie for a brief period of time as a celebration of the Xbox Live anniversary. For those that missed out, the game is still a worthy purchase, featuring gameplay that is fast-paced and satisfying. Taking the game online extends the experience and opens up an infinite amount of gameplay possibilities, so for board game fans, this is a no-brainer.
Worth buying? Yes
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Price: 800 points
Originally released on the PS1 in 1997, this was the first Castlevania game that implemented the Metroid style of exploration with RPG elements, and until its release on the XBLA, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was a rare and highly sought after collector's item. In the game, players reprise the role of Alucard, who is the son of Dracula. He is awakened from a self imposed slumber by the reappearance of Dracula's castle. Not only does he need to put the Dark Lord back into his grave, but he must help a woman named Maria. While its rarity may have slightly exaggerated its quality, the graphical filter isn't too crash hot, and the XBLA port drops a bit of content from the PS1 version, there is little doubt that it's an excellent exploration/platformer and one of absolute best on the Arcade.
Worth buying? Yes
Catan
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
The first board game to hit the Arcade, Catan features a fun gambling system which literally allows you to haggle with other players to try and get ahead in the game. It offers online modes so that you can play with your friends and the experience is surprisingly deep considering the concept is so initially simple. There's a reason why it's one of the best-selling board games in Europe.
Worth buying? Yes
Centipede / Millipede
Price: 400 Points
Centipete and Millipede are both arcade shooters that both don't stand up very well at all today. Millipede is the better of the two games and for only 400 points you are getting 2 games for very cheap, but they will eventually be purchases that most people will end up regretting. Unless of course you really really loved the games back in the day.
Worth buying? No
Chessmaster Live
Price: 800 Points
If the idea of Chess on the Xbox Live Arcade has you excited then Chessmaster Live is right up your alley. The game includes several difficulty options as well as support for online multiplayer and support for the Xbox Live Vision Camera. The Chessmaster Chess titles are the best in the business and anyone who is after a Chess game should have no hesitation picking this title up.
Worth buying? Maybe
Cloning Clyde
Price: 800 Points
Cloning Clyde is a 3D side scrolling platform adventure game. The game centres on a group of clones who are all known as Clyde as they try and escape the laboratory where they are prisoners. In Cloning Clyde players can combine their DNA with an animal to get a special ability, the game is clever and unique and also includes online support, despite the fact the game has been out for awhile now it is definitely worth a download.
Worth buying? Yes
Commanders: Attack of the Genos
Price: 800 Points
A turn-based strategy game that is actually sort of similar to Advance Wars on the Nintendo DS, this strategical warfare game features a 15 mission campaign as well as specific maps for multiplayer over Xbox Live where you move your army pieces around the board in the hopes of attacking and defeating your opposition. Commanders is aimed more at the casual crowd, but if you're interested in turn-based strategy at all, the game offers some fun missions and looks fairly decent for an XBLA title, too.
Worth buying? Yes
Contra
Price: 400 Points
The Contra series achieved most of its success via console ports (originally released as Probotector in PAL), but the arcade game came first, and here it is. The emulation is a bit sloppy and blurry, but it's still a great old school arcade game for those who like a challenge.
Worth buying? Maybe
Crystal Quest
Price: 400 Points
Crystal Quest was originally released in 1987 but has been completely reworked for the Xbox Live Arcade. The game is yet another dual stick shooter and includes enhanced special effects and updated graphics. The only real difference between Crystal Quest and other dual stick shooters is the fact that you will need to collect a certain number of crystals to progress, this game is probably worth a trial to determine whether you want to add yet another dual stick shooter to your collection.
Worth buying? Maybe
Cyberball 2072
Price: 400 Points
Cyberball 2072 is an arcade game originally released in 1988 which focuses on American Football. Aside from the fact that the game isn't exactly going to be appealing to Australians the game itself is actually also remarkably boring, the controls are average and multiplayer is nonexistent. This is a quick and nasty port which is not worth your time or money.
Worth buying? No
Defender
Price: 400 Points
A 1980 horizontal arcade shooter that was remarkably popular back in the day. Fast forward two decades and Defender is a game that you will only purchase for nostalgia value, the game just doesn't hold up that well today.
Worth buying? No
Dig Dug
Price: 400 points
Dig Dug is another game that seems to have been re-released on every platform under the sun. In the game you start at the top of the 'earth' and have to dig your way down. Along the way you will have to destroy enemies and survive, the game is quite enjoyable but we find it hard to believe there are many people left on this Earth who haven't played Dig Dug.
Worth buying? No
Discs of Tron
Price: 400 Points
A port of the original Discs of Tron from back in the early 80's, this shooter will take you back to the good old days of video gaming where throwing discs back and forth at an enemy was fun and worth putting your coins in that arcade machine over and over again. Today however, the title simply doesn't hold up - while it may have some multiplayer thrown in for good measure, it's just not enough as what made the game so much fun in the past is simply lost in translation.
Worth buying? No
Doom
Price: 800 Points
This classic FPS was one of the first games to hit the XBLA and features the original single-player game and the option for online multi-player. Doom is one of the most popular shooters of all time for a reason, and bringing it to the 360 in Arcade form for a decent price makes it difficult to resist playing through just one more time.
Worth buying? Yes
Double Dragon
Price: 400 Points
Although the infamous side-scrolling beat 'em up may be good for a nostalgic giggle, the fact that the game can be easily completed in one sitting with no real reason to come back to it makes it difficult to recommend. Doing it with a friend online can be kind of fun, but when it comes down to it, you're paying 400 points for half an hour or so of gameplay. In the end, there are better options out there.
Worth buying? No
Ecco the Dolphin
Price: 400 Points
Anyone who had a Sega Mega Drive in the 90's is probably familiar with Ecco the Dolphin. In the game you assume the role of a dolphin who is trying to find his lost friends. Best described as a platformer set in the water there are a few incentives in exploring the ocean. As with all Mega Drive games on XBLA the emulation quality isn't the best, but Ecco the Dolphin is still quite an enjoyable game today, but is still tough as nails.
Worth buying? Maybe
Eets: Chowdown
Price: 800 Points
A shiny version of the popular PC game, Eets: Chowdown is available on the XBLA with 120 puzzles to complete. It plays a bit like Lemmings, in that you set up a stage with objects and paths and then watch to see if Eets can make it to the finish line. Oddly, you can always just get told what the answer is if you pause the game, which takes the fun out of it. Nonetheless, if you like unique puzzlers, Eets could be what you're looking for.
Worth buying? Maybe
Every Extend Extra Extreme
Price: 800 Points
PALGN Review
At only 800 Microsoft points Every Extend Extra Extreme on the Xbox Live Arcade is a must purchase. The game is an action shooting title directed by Tetsuya Mizuguchi of Lumines and Rez fame. The game is a lot of fun and when things get going later on in the game the game looks absolutely fantastic. If you are a fan of Mizuguchi's work then Every Extend Extra Extreme will make you very happy indeed.
Worth buying? Yes
EXIT
Price: 800 Points
Developer: Taito
Exit revolves around Mr. ESC on his constant mission to rescue innocents from far out situations such as buildings on fire and electrical hazards. An interesting puzzle game, there are a total of 220 emergencies for you to complete with each one more complex and intense than the last. Although the main character is kind of slow, the game requires you to think on your feet and has a unique graphical style.
Worth buying? Yes
Fatal Fury Special
Price: 400 Points
Fatal Fury Special is one of SNK's pre-King of Fighters fighting games for the Neo Geo. The game itself holds up pretty well today (as an old-school fighhter) and introduces a few new characters that weren't in the first Fatal Fury. the emulation is pretty sloppy, but at only 400 points the game may be worthy of your attention if you are a 2D fighting fan.
Worth buying? Maybe
Feeding Frenzy
Price: 800 Points
Why PopCap decided to release Feeding Frenzy on the Live Arcade and not its sequel is something we'll never know, but even though Feeding Frenzy is rather popular it is not really worth the cash. The basic idea of the game is to move your way up the marine food chain by eating little fish and avoiding enemies such as jellyfish.
Worth buying? No
Frogger
Price: 400 Points
Everyone remembers Frogger, where players take the role of a frog who has to cross a busy intersection and a lake without getting hit. The enhanced visuals make Frogger look better than ever, but the same gameplay means that only those who haven't played Frogger recently will get enough enjoyment out of the game to justify a purchase.
Worth buying? Maybe
Galaga
Price: 400 Points
Galaga is a fixed-screen arcade shooter similar to Space Invaders. It's another cash in by Namco and has appeared on several other compilations previously. Worth it for those who remember the din of an old arcade, but may be too simple for modern gamers.
Worth buying? Maybe
Gauntlet
Price: 400 points
Gauntlet is another one of those titles you have probably previously played on several other platforms. A hack and slash arcade game that stands up moderately well today, those after a dungeon crawler could do worse than Gauntlet but it probably won't blow you away as much as it did all those years ago.
Worth buying? Maybe
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
Price: 400 Points
PALGN Review
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a game that everyone should have in their Xbox Live collection. The game is a shooter played on a rectangular field, and it's up to the player to defend their ship from the frantic oncoming danger of dozens of enemies. At such a bargain price and with some extremely challenging games Geometry Wars is a game we have no hesitation in recommencing to everyone.
Worth buying? Yes
Geon: Emotions
Price: 800 Points
The only emotion we feel for Geon: Emotions is... boredom? Geon: Emotions is an original arcade action game developed for the Live Arcade that unfortunately just didn't keep us entertained for very long at all. Players take control of a cube and direct it around a square, the goal is to collect energy and score a goal against your opponent. The single player is dull because the game is geared towards multiplayer and the multiplayer is boring because the game ends up feeling repetitive after ten minutes.
Worth buying? No
Golden Axe
Price: 400 Points
Similar to other XBLA versions of classic games, Golden Axe is a lot of fun at first. The nostalgia wears thin quickly though, and after a couple of play-throughs, there's not much reason to come back. It's still a lot of fun, especially with a friend, and the enemies have been made stronger for this version so that there is a bit more strategy involved, but if you weren't a fan of Golden Axe before, we doubt this will change your mind.
Worth buying? Maybe
Gripshift
Price: 800 Points
For only 800 points Gripshift is one of the most feature packed Xbox Live Arcade titles we've ever played. The game is best described as a mixture between a puzzler and a racer, you step into the driver's seat of a vehicle, but while sometimes you will need to finish a course fast, sometimes you will just need to actually finish the course. The game features over 100 different challenges and includes leaderboard support and a race mode. Anyone after something a little bit different and unique cannot go wrong with Gripshift.
Worth buying? Yes
Gyruss
Price: 400 Points
Gyruss is another shoot 'em arcade game from the 80's. The game doesn't stand up well today and with so many other shooters available this won't be worth most people's attention.
Worth buying? No
although I'm probably biased, since I've easily clocked 20+ hours into the game on PC 
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