XBOX 360 THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sierra’s The Spiderwick Chronicles for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 630MB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

•  The Spiderwick Chronicles – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BOOGIE BUNNIES

Xbox Live Arcade brings us an original title this week in the form of Sierra's Boogie Bunnies. I'll say that again slowly to let it sink in… Boogie…Bunnies.

Initial shock aside, what we've got here is some type of puzzler with mass bunny dances thrown in for good measure. I'm not quite sure if someone (*cough* Sierra *cough*) is trying to cash in on the popularity of the Rabbids or what, but they certainly seem to be banking on the cute factor helping to sell this one.

I'm not going to pass judgment on Boogie Bunnies though, as I really don't know what to expect from it besides puzzle-style matching, dancing rabbits and an 800 point ($10) price tag. It's because of this, I'd highly recommend trying the demo of the game before purchasing it.

Title: Boogie Bunnies
Developer: Artech Studios
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 1/16/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Help the Boogie Bunnies achieve their dream of superstardom as they shimmy shake their way through exotic, colorful destinations all the way to Hollywood. Only you can ensure they make it. In this revolutionary match-3 puzzle game, Boogie Bunnies lets you match up these wacky disco fur balls from three different sides—left, right, and from the bottom. Score chain combinations and watch them get their groove on. Let's get the party started!

• Multiple game modes: Play this great match-3 game with a twist at your own pace in three different game modes, Classic, Arcade, and Endless.
• Exciting destinations: Travel with the bunnies to the Arctic, Amazon, and Hollywood as they adopt the local culture.
• Stylish 3-D bunnies characters: Discover new bunnies along the way from designer sunglasses-wearing bunnies to completely outfitted diva bunnies.
• Fancy dance animations: Set up extensive chain combinations to trigger the bunnies' creative dance moves to catchy tunes.  
• Family fun play: Join the party online or offline in two-player cooperative or competitive mode for the whole family to enjoy." – Xbox.com

So what about last week's Live Arcade titles? Well, let me start off by saying that Tron is just a travesty. How they could have picked control schemes that bad for the game is just beyond me. The main culprit in this crime against a classic is the use of the right analog stick as the spinner – it just feels unnatural and makes playing the game a bit of a chore. Since that aspect wouldn't affect the light cycle mini-game, they also chose to add in the usual control issues to make that more difficult than need be.

Thankfully, all was not lost as Omega Five, despite a few notable issues, is quite a fun shooter. It's a game that really captivates with it's look and follows up with some solid gameplay. If I had to take issue with it, my only two complaints are the size of your avatar (too large for the playfield – and quite confusingly, your legs don't seem to count as collision points) and the inability to switch between weapon types. Beyond those gripes, what you've got here is a fun shooter that, in my opinion, is worth the 800 point ($10) price. Don't' take my word for it though, download the demo for yourself and give it a try!

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – ARKADIAN WARRIORS & GRIPSHIFT

Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays makes it's return following a one week hiatus with a double feature of titles. This week's duo of Arkadian Warriors and GripShift hope to break out of the slump the Live Arcade has been seeing of late by offering fast paced arcade-style play with a mix of both online and offline play. Whether they succeed or not still remains to be seen.

The first title we'll look at it is Wanako Games' Arkadian Warriors – a title that, at least at first glance, seems to be an action RPG very much along the lines of Diablo. As you can imagine, if done right, that will easily move Arkadian Warriors to the top of many an Xbox Live Arcade want list. The game features three character classes (Soldier, Archer and Sorceress), each of which apparently had the ability to shapeshift into a specific creature (Phoenix, Lion or Dragon) to add some variety to the combat.

If all goes well with the gameplay, this one could easily be worth the 800 points ($10) it's going for in the Live Marketplace – especially when you factor in the random dungeon generator described in the game's feature list. I'll be sure to talk more about this one in next week's Live Arcade thread to let you know how it all turned out. As always, a demo of the game will be available in the marketplace so you can try it before you make a purchase decision.

Title: Arkadian Warriors
Developer: Wanako Games
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/12/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) – Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Define your legacy. Awaken your inner beast. Fight as one of the three powerful warriors of Artemis as you confront Gorgon herself in Arkadian Warriors. Embark on a trek of epic proportions, traverse treacherous dungeons, fight off hordes of hideous enemies, and take on heinously powerful bosses. You must save the goddess Artemis and return the mythical land of Arkadia to the people. Warriors … unite and defend!

• Three mighty warriors: Choose to play as a Soldier, Archer, or Sorceress To save the land of Arkadia.
• Unique abilities: Each warrior has unique fighting and shape-shifting abilities. Turn into a Phoenix, Lion, or Dragon to increase your power and crush your foes.
• Character development: Build up your warrior's skills and inventory along the way with more powerful magic, deadlier weapons, and stronger defensive units.
• Unique dungeon generator: Never battle enemies in the same dungeon twice.
• Intense multiplayer co-op action: Play side-by-side with a friend, or take the battle online and conquer Gorgon in co-op multiplayer." – Xbox.com

Next up, we've got GripShift from Sidhe Interactive. PlayStation 3 owners should be familiar with this game, as it's been on sale in the PlayStation Store for quite some time. It's an arcade style stunt racer (so think a lot of loops and physics defying turns) that, if memory serves me correctly, didn't exactly thrill me on the PS3 due to somewhat loose controls. I'd definitely recommend trying the demo before picking this one up for 800 points ($10).

Title: GripShift
Developer: Sidhe Interactive
Publisher: Sidhe Interactive
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 12/12/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1 / 2-4 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) – Mild Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"GripShift® combines high-flying platform gaming with extreme stunt driving action. Test your reflexes and bend your brain as you stunt your way through 120 twisting Challenge Mode levels across four uniquely themed worlds. 

Collect power-ups, avoid traps, and beat the clock as you compete for top leaderboard slots in single player mode, or deploy an arsenal of funky weapons and go head-to-head across 25 Race Mode tracks and 20 Deathmatch arenas in online multiplayer. Choose your driver, unlock faster vehicles, and customize your ride with new skins. GripShift is a gravity-defying thrill ride every racing fan must experience!

• Challenge: Race through 120 single-player Challenge Mode levels.
• Race: Put the pedal to the metal for 25 rubber-burning Race Mode tracks.
• Deathmatch: Fight for survival in 20 deadly Deathmatch arenas.
• Multiplayer: Jump into Xbox LIVE® online multiplayer and leaderboard." – Xbox.com

As for the last XBLA release, Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe, I seem to recall I worried that once again, the "updated" version of the game offered in the download would suffer from poor design, and sure enough Atari managed to do screw things up quite nicely once more.

While the core gameplay is still solid in the classic versions (though I personally feel that the emulation isn't quite spot-on), It's the re-imagined version of the game that's the train wreck here. For some unknown reason, someone decided to make the explosions so colorful and large that you cannot even easily see where parts of each asteroid are going following a hit. This problem is inexcusable from a gameplay standpoi
nt and was completely avoidable from a design standpoint. It really feels as if someone just took what made Asteroids so much fun and just tossed it right out the window. If you want a high-def Asteroids-type experience (and happen to have a PlayStation 3), pick up Super Stardust HD in the PlayStation Store. It's worlds above this re-constituted mess.

PLAYSTATION 3 TIMESHIFT MULTIPLAYER DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A multiplayer demo of Sierra’s Timeshift for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 758MB.

• Timeshift – Official website

XBOX 360 TIMESHIFT MULTIPLAYER DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A multiplayer demo of Sierra’s Timeshift for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 867.07MB.

• Timeshift – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SWITCHBALL & WORD PUZZLE

Another Wednesday, another two Xbox Live Arcade titles. This week we have two offbeat titles in the form of Switchball and Word Puzzle. These two titles have been completely off my radar, so I really don't know what to expect beyond that which their descriptions and screen shots would seem to imply. What I can say based on that is that I'm really not too enthusiastic about either title given the fact that both are tagged at 800 points ($10) apiece.

According to it's description, Switchball seems to be a game very much along the lines of Atari Games' classic arcade title Marble Madness. Players control a ball that must be guided through a maze packed with obstacles within a set time limit. Let's take a look;

Title: Switchball
Developer: Atomic Elbow
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – Everyone
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Control an ever-changing ball along a narrow winding maze suspended in midair in Switchball™. Stunning 3-D environments including Skyworld, Iceworld, and Caveworld are the background for this puzzle game based on real-world physics. Maneuver your way through challenging levels jam-packed with obstacles and traps. Transform the marbleball with metal, electric and lighter-than-air properties to quickly get through each area. Then go online and play the competitive multiplayer courses.

• Action puzzler: Inventive and fun puzzle-driven play is based on real world physical interactions.
• Exciting game environments: Beautiful and elegant 3-D graphics offer panoramic views of 30 single player levels in five amazing environments: Skyworld, Iceworld, Caveworld, Cloudworld, and Lavaworld. 
• Traps and obstacles: Navigate more than 40 interactive objects including wooden blocks, sheets of cloth, spinning fans, magnets, cannons, and many more.
• Transform: Morph your marble to take advantage of the unique physical properties of the dense and heavy metalball, the super-charged powerball, or the floating airball, and find your way through the level.
• Multiplayer modes: Join in the fun with co-op and competitive racing courses." – Xbox.com

Next up we have… Word Puzzle. Seriously. Could they have tried any less on this game's title? Probably not seeing how this seems to just be an electronic version of the word search games we all played as children. How this is going to relate to a fun experience or even come close to being worth 800 points ($10) is beyond me.

Title: Word Puzzle
Developer: Interserv International Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"You'll never think about word search puzzles the same way again.Word Puzzle takes a new spin on the classic game, plunging you into an action-packed arcade experience complete with combos, exploding word bombs, unique 3-D boards, achievements, and the chance to prove your textual superiority against other players. Five different game modes and frequently updated downloadable word packs give you nearly unlimited flexibility and excitement. So put down that pen and paper, because this is a word search for the 21st century!

• New twists: Exploding word bombs, prop cards used to distract your opponents, 3-D game boards, and other effects combine to provide a word search game like you've never played before.
• Five unique gameplay modes: Try Freeplay for traditional word search fun, Arcade mode to score impressive combos, Local Battle for competitive play on a single console, Live Multiplayer with support for up to 4 players online, and check out the unique Survival Mode where word bombs can explode, and have to be defused.
• Camera-enabled: The game supports the Xbox LIVE® Vision camera during live match play.
• Achievements and leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to master and a leaderboard to compare your word search skills with others." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade title, Mutant Storm Empire was a bit of a let down. The game simply felt uninspired – and given the fact that while they did indeed remove the loading screens between levels, they did it by making the player travel through another area where nothing happens. So really, they just replaced a static loading screen with an interactive one. I had high hopes for MS:E, but the levels felt too short and there was that feeling that I'd "been there and done that" in every part of the game I played. It's another game that I'd have to say isn't a bad game, but certainly isn't one that I'd purchase.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SWITCHBALL & WORD PUZZLE

Another Wednesday, another two Xbox Live Arcade titles. This week we have two offbeat titles in the form of Switchball and Word Puzzle. These two titles have been completely off my radar, so I really don't know what to expect beyond that which their descriptions and screen shots would seem to imply. What I can say based on that is that I'm really not too enthusiastic about either title given the fact that both are tagged at 800 points ($10) apiece.

According to it's description, Switchball seems to be a game very much along the lines of Atari Games' classic arcade title Marble Madness. Players control a ball that must be guided through a maze packed with obstacles within a set time limit. Let's take a look;

Title: Switchball
Developer: Atomic Elbow
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – Everyone
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Control an ever-changing ball along a narrow winding maze suspended in midair in Switchball™. Stunning 3-D environments including Skyworld, Iceworld, and Caveworld are the background for this puzzle game based on real-world physics. Maneuver your way through challenging levels jam-packed with obstacles and traps. Transform the marbleball with metal, electric and lighter-than-air properties to quickly get through each area. Then go online and play the competitive multiplayer courses.

• Action puzzler: Inventive and fun puzzle-driven play is based on real world physical interactions.
• Exciting game environments: Beautiful and elegant 3-D graphics offer panoramic views of 30 single player levels in five amazing environments: Skyworld, Iceworld, Caveworld, Cloudworld, and Lavaworld. 
• Traps and obstacles: Navigate more than 40 interactive objects including wooden blocks, sheets of cloth, spinning fans, magnets, cannons, and many more.
• Transform: Morph your marble to take advantage of the unique physical properties of the dense and heavy metalball, the super-charged powerball, or the floating airball, and find your way through the level.
• Multiplayer modes: Join in the fun with co-op and competitive racing courses." – Xbox.com

Next up we have… Word Puzzle. Seriously. Could they have tried any less on this game's title? Probably not seeing how this seems to just be an electronic version of the word search games we all played as children. How this is going to relate to a fun experience or even come close to being worth 800 points ($10) is beyond me.

Title: Word Puzzle
Developer: Interserv International Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"You'll never think about word search puzzles the same way again.Word Puzzle takes a new spin on the classic game, plunging you into an action-packed arcade experience complete with combos, exploding word bombs, unique 3-D boards, achievements, and the chance to prove your textual superiority against other players. Five different game modes and frequently updated downloadable word packs give you nearly unlimited flexibility and excitement. So put down that pen and paper, because this is a word search for the 21st century!

• New twists: Exploding word bombs, prop cards used to distract your opponents, 3-D game boards, and other effects combine to provide a word search game like you've never played before.
• Five unique gameplay modes: Try Freeplay for traditional word search fun, Arcade mode to score impressive combos, Local Battle for competitive play on a single console, Live Multiplayer with support for up to 4 players online, and check out the unique Survival Mode where word bombs can explode, and have to be defused.
• Camera-enabled: The game supports the Xbox LIVE® Vision camera during live match play.
• Achievements and leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to master and a leaderboard to compare your word search skills with others." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade title, Mutant Storm Empire was a bit of a let down. The game simply felt uninspired – and given the fact that while they did indeed remove the loading screens between levels, they did it by making the player travel through another area where nothing happens. So really, they just replaced a static loading screen with an interactive one. I had high hopes for MS:E, but the levels felt too short and there was that feeling that I'd "been there and done that" in every part of the game I played. It's another game that I'd have to say isn't a bad game, but certainly isn't one that I'd purchase.

PLAYSTATION 3 TIMESHIFT DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sierra’s Timeshift for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 479MB.

• Timeshift – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BATTLESTAR GALACTICA & EXIT

It’s wednesday, and you know what that means – it’s time for another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. Once again, it’s a double feature week as two more original titles find their way to the Live Arcade in the form of Battlestar Galactica and Exit.

Battlestar Galactica is a top down, free roaming shooter based on the current incarnation of the show of the same name. You take the side of either the human race or Cylon empire and fly about, performing missions to advance your cause in either a free-play mode or a campaign. Online, the game also offers domination and multiplayer dogfight game modes for up to 8 players.

Having just finished playing both of today’s releases, I feel pretty confident in saying that while Battlestar Galactica is a pretty game, there’s not much meat to it. At 800 points ($10), I certainly could think of better games to spend the money on, so my advice to you is to be sure to try the demo before you buy this one.

Title: Battlestar Galactica
Developer: Auran
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 / 2-8 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Enter the Battlestar Galactica universe in Battlestar Galactica™. Sign up to defend the Galactica, or play as the ruthless Cylons as they seek to remove the Human Race from existence. Pilot iconic ships from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider and lead your squadron in enormous fast-action multiplayer space combat (with up to eight players online) or play through the exciting single-player campaign.

• Single-player campaign: Pilot various ships and complete memorable missions from the TV series.
• Multiplayer game mode: Play online with up to eight players in this relentless space-based action shooter in Firefight, Skirmish, and Domination modes.
• Spaceships: Pilot four human and four Cylon ships, from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider, each with unique weapon capabilities.
• Special weapons: Coordinate attacks with an arsenal of destructive weapons including missiles, guns, and more.
• Defensive maneuvers: Avoid annihilation with the barrel roll, quick turnabouts, and other aerial moves." – Xbox.com

The second Live Arcade title of the week shows a little more promise if side scrolling platform puzzle games are to your liking. Exit is a stylized take on the classic platformer where your mission is to escape from a series of buildings using items found throughout each of the game’s levels. Adding to the mix is the need to rescue other people trapped in the building, and in many cases use them to help solve the puzzle that will allow you to escape unharmed.

The tutorial levels that I tried are fairly straight-forward and didn’t include any truly mind-bending puzzles, so I really don’t know whether or not this one is going to live up to it’s promise. As usual, my advice is for you to download the demo and see whether or not the game suits your tastes.

In my case, while I liked the puzzle solving aspect of the game (despite the tutorials simplicity), I found that it was just a little too slow paced for me to really get into – which is why I didn’t play the tutorial levels all the way to their completion. it’s one of those titles that I’ll probably go back to soon in order to see if it still leaves me cold or if I was just feeling a bit impatient today. I guess the best thing I can say about Exit is that it reminds me of a cross between the Castle of Dr Brain and Mario vs Donkey Kong.

Title: Exit
Developer: TAITO Corporation
Publisher: TAITO Corporation
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Cartoon Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Meet Mr. ESC, otherwise known as Mr. Escape. Mr. ESC is an escape artist whose objective is to save people from disastrous situations, clearing each danger-filled stage within a limited amount of time. Save lives in EXIT®, a frantic, mind-stretching, action-packed puzzle game!

• Frantic rescue action: As Mr. ESC, take control and rescue people from dangers like fires and earthquakes. Turn them into Companions and lead them to safety.
• Puzzle-solving skills required: Use your Companions by commanding them to use items, solve puzzles, and reach the exit within the time limit.
• Companion abilities: The different Companions you save have different abilities. Young Companions have average abilities, Adults are strong, and Kids can make it through tight passages. Be sure to save the injured Patients as well.
• Multiple stages: There are over 120 challenging stages to escape, and even more stages will be available for download.
• Twelve new achievements and leaderboard: Master twelve new achievements, and compete for the best stage times on the leaderboards to prove you are the greatest escape artist in the world!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I couldn’t really get into either of them. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe suffers from both control issues and a general lack of solid fun that easily makes it (imho) not worth the price that’s being asked for it. Every Extend Extra Extreme, while a good title, just didn’t fit my tastes. The game’s design makes you feel more of a spectator than an active participant, and I found myself growing bored of it quickly. It’s not a case where I’ll say it’s a bad game, just one that I’ll say I don’t particularly care for.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BATTLESTAR GALACTICA & EXIT

It’s wednesday, and you know what that means – it’s time for another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. Once again, it’s a double feature week as two more original titles find their way to the Live Arcade in the form of Battlestar Galactica and Exit.

Battlestar Galactica is a top down, free roaming shooter based on the current incarnation of the show of the same name. You take the side of either the human race or Cylon empire and fly about, performing missions to advance your cause in either a free-play mode or a campaign. Online, the game also offers domination and multiplayer dogfight game modes for up to 8 players.

Having just finished playing both of today’s releases, I feel pretty confident in saying that while Battlestar Galactica is a pretty game, there’s not much meat to it. At 800 points ($10), I certainly could think of better games to spend the money on, so my advice to you is to be sure to try the demo before you buy this one.

Title: Battlestar Galactica
Developer: Auran
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 / 2-8 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Enter the Battlestar Galactica universe in Battlestar Galactica™. Sign up to defend the Galactica, or play as the ruthless Cylons as they seek to remove the Human Race from existence. Pilot iconic ships from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider and lead your squadron in enormous fast-action multiplayer space combat (with up to eight players online) or play through the exciting single-player campaign.

• Single-player campaign: Pilot various ships and complete memorable missions from the TV series.
• Multiplayer game mode: Play online with up to eight players in this relentless space-based action shooter in Firefight, Skirmish, and Domination modes.
• Spaceships: Pilot four human and four Cylon ships, from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider, each with unique weapon capabilities.
• Special weapons: Coordinate attacks with an arsenal of destructive weapons including missiles, guns, and more.
• Defensive maneuvers: Avoid annihilation with the barrel roll, quick turnabouts, and other aerial moves." – Xbox.com

The second Live Arcade title of the week shows a little more promise if side scrolling platform puzzle games are to your liking. Exit is a stylized take on the classic platformer where your mission is to escape from a series of buildings using items found throughout each of the game’s levels. Adding to the mix is the need to rescue other people trapped in the building, and in many cases use them to help solve the puzzle that will allow you to escape unharmed.

The tutorial levels that I tried are fairly straight-forward and didn’t include any truly mind-bending puzzles, so I really don’t know whether or not this one is going to live up to it’s promise. As usual, my advice is for you to download the demo and see whether or not the game suits your tastes.

In my case, while I liked the puzzle solving aspect of the game (despite the tutorials simplicity), I found that it was just a little too slow paced for me to really get into – which is why I didn’t play the tutorial levels all the way to their completion. it’s one of those titles that I’ll probably go back to soon in order to see if it still leaves me cold or if I was just feeling a bit impatient today. I guess the best thing I can say about Exit is that it reminds me of a cross between the Castle of Dr Brain and Mario vs Donkey Kong.

Title: Exit
Developer: TAITO Corporation
Publisher: TAITO Corporation
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Cartoon Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Meet Mr. ESC, otherwise known as Mr. Escape. Mr. ESC is an escape artist whose objective is to save people from disastrous situations, clearing each danger-filled stage within a limited amount of time. Save lives in EXIT®, a frantic, mind-stretching, action-packed puzzle game!

• Frantic rescue action: As Mr. ESC, take control and rescue people from dangers like fires and earthquakes. Turn them into Companions and lead them to safety.
• Puzzle-solving skills required: Use your Companions by commanding them to use items, solve puzzles, and reach the exit within the time limit.
• Companion abilities: The different Companions you save have different abilities. Young Companions have average abilities, Adults are strong, and Kids can make it through tight passages. Be sure to save the injured Patients as well.
• Multiple stages: There are over 120 challenging stages to escape, and even more stages will be available for download.
• Twelve new achievements and leaderboard: Master twelve new achievements, and compete for the best stage times on the leaderboards to prove you are the greatest escape artist in the world!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I couldn’t really get into either of them. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe suffers from both control issues and a general lack of solid fun that easily makes it (imho) not worth the price that’s being asked for it. Every Extend Extra Extreme, while a good title, just didn’t fit my tastes. The game’s design makes you feel more of a spectator than an active participant, and I found myself growing bored of it quickly. It’s not a case where I’ll say it’s a bad game, just one that I’ll say I don’t particularly care for.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – BATTLESTAR GALACTICA & EXIT

It’s wednesday, and you know what that means – it’s time for another edition of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays. Once again, it’s a double feature week as two more original titles find their way to the Live Arcade in the form of Battlestar Galactica and Exit.

Battlestar Galactica is a top down, free roaming shooter based on the current incarnation of the show of the same name. You take the side of either the human race or Cylon empire and fly about, performing missions to advance your cause in either a free-play mode or a campaign. Online, the game also offers domination and multiplayer dogfight game modes for up to 8 players.

Having just finished playing both of today’s releases, I feel pretty confident in saying that while Battlestar Galactica is a pretty game, there’s not much meat to it. At 800 points ($10), I certainly could think of better games to spend the money on, so my advice to you is to be sure to try the demo before you buy this one.

Title: Battlestar Galactica
Developer: Auran
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 / 2-8 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – Everyone 10+ (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Enter the Battlestar Galactica universe in Battlestar Galactica™. Sign up to defend the Galactica, or play as the ruthless Cylons as they seek to remove the Human Race from existence. Pilot iconic ships from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider and lead your squadron in enormous fast-action multiplayer space combat (with up to eight players online) or play through the exciting single-player campaign.

• Single-player campaign: Pilot various ships and complete memorable missions from the TV series.
• Multiplayer game mode: Play online with up to eight players in this relentless space-based action shooter in Firefight, Skirmish, and Domination modes.
• Spaceships: Pilot four human and four Cylon ships, from the Viper II to the Heavy Raider, each with unique weapon capabilities.
• Special weapons: Coordinate attacks with an arsenal of destructive weapons including missiles, guns, and more.
• Defensive maneuvers: Avoid annihilation with the barrel roll, quick turnabouts, and other aerial moves." – Xbox.com

The second Live Arcade title of the week shows a little more promise if side scrolling platform puzzle games are to your liking. Exit is a stylized take on the classic platformer where your mission is to escape from a series of buildings using items found throughout each of the game’s levels. Adding to the mix is the need to rescue other people trapped in the building, and in many cases use them to help solve the puzzle that will allow you to escape unharmed.

The tutorial levels that I tried are fairly straight-forward and didn’t include any truly mind-bending puzzles, so I really don’t know whether or not this one is going to live up to it’s promise. As usual, my advice is for you to download the demo and see whether or not the game suits your tastes.

In my case, while I liked the puzzle solving aspect of the game (despite the tutorials simplicity), I found that it was just a little too slow paced for me to really get into – which is why I didn’t play the tutorial levels all the way to their completion. it’s one of those titles that I’ll probably go back to soon in order to see if it still leaves me cold or if I was just feeling a bit impatient today. I guess the best thing I can say about Exit is that it reminds me of a cross between the Castle of Dr Brain and Mario vs Donkey Kong.

Title: Exit
Developer: TAITO Corporation
Publisher: TAITO Corporation
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/24/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Cartoon Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Meet Mr. ESC, otherwise known as Mr. Escape. Mr. ESC is an escape artist whose objective is to save people from disastrous situations, clearing each danger-filled stage within a limited amount of time. Save lives in EXIT®, a frantic, mind-stretching, action-packed puzzle game!

• Frantic rescue action: As Mr. ESC, take control and rescue people from dangers like fires and earthquakes. Turn them into Companions and lead them to safety.
• Puzzle-solving skills required: Use your Companions by commanding them to use items, solve puzzles, and reach the exit within the time limit.
• Companion abilities: The different Companions you save have different abilities. Young Companions have average abilities, Adults are strong, and Kids can make it through tight passages. Be sure to save the injured Patients as well.
• Multiple stages: There are over 120 challenging stages to escape, and even more stages will be available for download.
• Twelve new achievements and leaderboard: Master twelve new achievements, and compete for the best stage times on the leaderboards to prove you are the greatest escape artist in the world!" – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade titles, I couldn’t really get into either of them. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe suffers from both control issues and a general lack of solid fun that easily makes it (imho) not worth the price that’s being asked for it. Every Extend Extra Extreme, while a good title, just didn’t fit my tastes. The game’s design makes you feel more of a spectator than an active participant, and I found myself growing bored of it quickly. It’s not a case where I’ll say it’s a bad game, just one that I’ll say I don’t particularly care for.

XBOX 360 F.E.A.R. FILES DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sierra’s F.E.A.R. Files for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 584.87MB.

• F.E.A.R. Files – Official website

XBOX 360 CRASH OF THE TITANS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sierra’s Crash of the Titans for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Asia and Mexico via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate file size is 530.76MB.

• Crash of the Titans – Official website

XBOX 360 TIMESHIFT DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sierra’s Timeshift for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Germany via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 581.78MB.

• Timeshift – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

FREE F.E.A.R. MULTIPLAYER MAP PACK AVAILABLE FOR PC & XBOX 360

We’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to severe storms in the area, so I’ll keep this one short so that should my internet connection come back up, I’ll be able to get it out before everything goes down again. Sierra has made a bonus map pack for F.E.A.R. available at no charge for both the PC and Xbox 360. The map pack not only contains additional multiplayer maps, but also introduces two new multiplayer game modes – "Control" and "Conquer All". The map pack can be downloaded on PC from your favorite file downloading site and on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

• F.E.A.R. – Official website

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – CARCASSONNE

This week, the Xbox Live Arcade heads back to the board game arena with another translation of a popular European board game. Carcassonne is a game in which players get points for building towns, roads and farms by placing tiles on the playing field. I’ve never played the board game this translation is based on, so my best advice to you here is to download the demo and give it a try for yourself.

One thing to note here is that according to the Carcassonne product page at Xbox.com, the ESRB rating for the game is still pending. A quick search of the ESRB’s ratings for upcoming Xbox 360 games also made no reference to the game – despite showing ratings for many other upcoming XBLA titles. For this reason, I’m also advising any parents out there to be sure to check the ratings information on the game prior to purchasing it.

Title: Carcassonne
Developer: Sierra Online
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 6/27/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 (1-5 for online play)
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: Not Available
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Master strategy in the medieval world! In the classic board game Carcassonne, the medieval countryside thrives as you and your opponents place tiles and complete towns, roads, and farms while competing to amass the most points. Own the largest towns, longest roads, and biggest farms. Build your world at the expense of your opponents.

• Full game implementation: Carcassonne features the complete 72 tiles from the original board game, all rule sets, and the 12 additional tiles found in the Rivers 1 Expansion Set.
• Challenge your friends: Multiplayer capability allows for up to five players on Xbox LIVE®, or four players on one Xbox 360™ console.
• Easy to learn and play: A helpful step-by-step tutorial will teach you the game in minutes.
• Special A.I. settings: Special A.I. settings will challenge any skill level." – Xbox.com

As for last week’s Live Arcade release, I completely passed on Band of Bugs as the whole idea just didn’t appeal to me. Based on what I’ve read around the old internet water cooler, the game is a mixed bag. Most sites felt it was a decent idea, but in making it’s rules more accessible to casual players, the game lost a lot of it’s strategic potential.