XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – TRIGGERHEART EXELICA

Okay, this week, the Xbox Live Arcade brings us a top down shooter in the form of Warashi Inc's Triggerheart Exelica. As with most shmups, the backstory here is a little weak. You control a humanoid weapon system (that for some reason was designed to look like a hot woman) that must defend the Earth from the invading forces of an alien race bent on conquest.

Where this one differs from the standard top-down fare (at least according to it's description) is in the player's ability to use captured enemies in varying ways during the battle. It's an interesting idea, if not completely original, that should add some variation to the gameplay. In addition, the game also features a boss-fight difficulty system that will adapt to each player's skills, making the encounters either more or less difficult based on how well the player is doing.

The game carries an 800 point ($10) price tag, and a demo is available. As always, be sure to give it a try before you buy to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Title: Triggerheart Exelica
Developer: Warashi Inc.
Publisher: Warashi Inc.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/27/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Mankind's newest and best weapon is the Triggerheart, a humanoid weapons system with a human-like personality. When the Ver'mith attack, only the Triggerhearts Exelica and Crueltear have the power to destroy the enemy. In the classic vertically-scrolling Japanese arcade shooter Triggerheart Exelica, each weapon has a different combat style, but both can perform unique anchor shots. Anchor an enemy ship, capture it to use as a shield, or throw it back into the fray to cause massive damage. With five levels, three difficulty settings, and all the usual Xbox LIVE® leaderboards and achievements, Triggerheart Exelica is a fast-paced, full-featured arcade shooter masterpiece!

• Unique anchor shot element: The Triggerhearts can anchor enemies, capture them to use as a shield, or toss them back into the field of battle to cause havoc.
• V.B.A.S. (Variable Boss Attack System): The game dynamically reacts to your skill level. If you have a low score, the bosses will be slightly easier to defeat. Carry a higher score, and the bosses become more challenging.
• High-def graphics: Fully compatible with HDTVs, the graphics bring the top-down shooter genre to a new level of intensity.
• New music: New background music willl have you grooving to the rhythm as you destroy the Ver'mith." - Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, I thought that N+ was fun, but ultimately felt a bit too much like a web-based game to justify it's price point. At 400 points ($5), I would have certainly snatched this one up. Your mileage may certainly vary (especially since I am generally not a fan of platformers), and if you really are into the genre, you'll probably find this one a worthwhile addition given both it's length and how well the control scheme works here.