XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – ROCKETMEN: AXIS OF EVIL

We've got yet another original game coming to the Xbox Live Arcade as Rocketmen: Axis of Evil takes it's place in the Live Marketplace. As with a few of the other recent original titles, I really hadn't heard much about this one prior to it's announcement, but from what I can tell, it's an overhead view futuristic action RPG – I'm guessing it's something like Gauntlet with an RPG flair.

In Rocketmen, up to four players battle the forces of the Legion of Terra (this one is already losing points in my book just for the bad pun) using characters created from a mix of three races and three classes. Now, I don't know about you, but this one sounds like it could go either way. Personally, I get the feeling it's going to stink, but that's just from looking at the screenies and reading the product description – I have not actually tried this game as of yet.

What I'm saying here is that before you shell out the 800 points ($10) being asked for this one, do yourself a favor and download the demo first. Better safe than sorry I always say. That said, let's get on to the particulars.

Title: Rocketmen: Axis of Evil
Developer: A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. Games Inc.
Publisher:Capcom
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 3/05/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Join Nick Sion, Alec Mink and the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled, frenzied struggle to free the Solar System from the tyrannical grip of the Legion of Terra! Rocketmen®: Axis of Evil provides non-stop multiplayer action with role-playing game elements, including customizable characters and an engaging story, all wrapped in the game's distinctive cel-shaded art style. Play with up to four players in co-op mode and blast anything that moves.

• Customize your character: Create, customize, and level up your own individual Rocketmen characters with new items, abilities, and looks.
• Multiplayer action: Join with friends to save the galaxy in four-player cooperative play locally or online.
• Your choice: Choose from three races: Human, Mercurian, or Venusian, and from three classes: Warrior, Engineer, or Outcast.
• Explosive action: Simple, addictive, and highly explosive gameplay blasts onto your TV in high-definition with plenty of levels, hordes of enemies, and lots of fun.." - Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, if you're a fan of difficult shmups, then Triggerheart Exelica is for you – those who prefer a more casual shooter experience will probably not find the game nearly as entertaining. Like I always say, be sure to try the demo before you buy a title you may not be sure about – and I'd probably recommend it even when you think you will absolutely love a game.