Video Games Blog

Xbox Live This Week Chimes and Explosions 020210

Posted on Feb 02, 2010 under Main |

This week on XBLA is light-ish on new releases, but has the usual deluge of content, including a pretty great Deal of the Week and Games on Demand releases that couldn’t be more different.

This week’s new XBLA release is Chime, from OneBigGame, at 400 MS Points ($5.00 USD). From our Chime review:

“Ultimately though, at 400 points (or about $5 USD), Chime is easy to recommend. It manages to take inspiration from known quantities in the puzzle and rhythm genres to create something that feels distinctive and, more importantly, is a lot of fun. That the bulk of your money is going to charity is a feel-good bonus for a game that deserves your time regardless.”

Chime goes from minimal to “light show” quickly.

OneBigGame is a “non-profit publishing initiative,” meaning proceeds from sales of Chime go to The Starlight Foundation and Save the Children, which, as charities go, are two of the most trusted and respected organizations for children operating today.

The Xbox Live Deal of the Week for February 2^nd is Twisted Pixel’s ridiculous(ly charming) and brutally difficult ‘Splosion Man for 400 MS Points ($5.00 USD). ‘Splosion Man was a dark horse candidate for TeamXbox’s 2009 Live Arcade Game of the Year, and it would have won if not for that pesky Shadow Complex. From our ‘Splosion Man review:

“Despite being simpler than any Mario Bros or Sonic the Hedgehog game in terms of controls and elements to the game (no mushroom, no coins, etc.), ‘Splosion Man manages to be far more challenging and in many ways much more satisfying. Heresy, I know. But play the game and see if you disagree.”

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This week’s Games on Demand offerings are about as different a pair as you’re likely to find on the Xbox 360. First up is DDR Universe 3 for $29.99 USD. From our DDR Universe 3 review:

“Reviewing Konami’s latest dance floor simulator proves more challenging than mastering its moves because it’s just so-so for longtime fans, but may be a must-buy for all those folks who can count themselves among the rapidly growing pool of casual gamers (especially those with rhythm in their blood.) So, if you’ve worn out a few dance pads in your day, you’ll probably want to skip this trip to the digital disco. However, if you’re brand spankin’ new to the DDR universe, you won’t find a better place to start your rump-shakin’ career. In fact, if you’re new to rhythm games or just games, period, prepare to uncover that ear-to-ear grin you haven’t seen since the first time you nailed a strike in Wii Sport’s bowling.”

It’s time to get your dance on!

EA’s most recent Medal of Honor entry also parachutes into dangerous territory as Medal of Honor: Airborne debuts in European territories only. From our MOH: Airborne review:

“…EA turned Medal of Honor Airborne into a “sandbox” game of a sort, putting you in a plane at the start of each operation and enabling you to jump into the level from above. Though green smoke indicates safe Allied areas, you may choose to land on a rooftop for a better vantage point on the enemy, or maybe into the second floor of a battered building, with the remaining walls offering some level of protection.”

You can parachute down to any spot in the area.

Which just about does it for this week. This Week on XBLA appears on Tuesdays on TeamXbox. Now go play some more Mass Effect 2.