Pixeljunk Eden
I downloaded the demo from PSN for this last night after hearing good buzz about it from the usual gaming media sources. I was skeptical going in because it seemed similar to the hype that was lavished on Everyday Shooter last year. People raved about the artistic merit of the game and how impressed they were that it was coded by one person, but glossed over the fact that it wasn't that fun to play. While Pixeljunk Eden delivers visually and aurally, it also delivers in the gameplay department. On the surface there doesn't seem to be much to draw you in. You are a worm in a garden, you jump & swing from plant to plant breaking pollen pods to fill up seeds to grow more plants to get higher in the level to find the spectra to finish the level. The simplicity of purpose is a benefit though because you don't have to think much beyond measuring your next jump or judging if your swing can reach that next pod. This allows you to enjoy the sensual feast which the game serves up. The levels are visually stunning with rich colors surreal plant formations. When you break a chain of pollen pods in a row, you unleash a mini-fireworks display that cascades across the screen. The visuals are complimented by an infectious soundtrack that I can only describe as some fusion of jazz and techno that gives the game a very relaxing, groovy kind of vibe. Played on a large HD display in a darkened room, the game is gorgeous.
The controls are simple and responsive. You point the left stick in the direction you want to jump, you jump with the X button and stick to any surface you come in contact with as long as you don't hold any button & aren't spinning. When you want to swing from your location, you jump holding down X which tethers you to where you leaped from with a strand of silk. You control the swinging with the right stick and the length of the tether with the bumpers. Swinging is used to break pollen pods and to gain momentum towards making higher & longer jumps. You have a good deal of aftertouch control while you are in the air as well. It takes a few minutes to get the hang of it, but when you do it's a very natural control scheme. I definitely recommend that you download the demo. The demo has the first 2 gardens (out of 10) so you get a good chuck of game for free. I think I'll be buying this when it releases tomorrow.
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
Like most people, Geometry Wars Retro Evolved was one of the first games I played when I bought my 360. I loved it, but I was TERRIBLE at it. I never scored more than 275k points and I have long since stopped trying to improve that. Whatever skill that it takes to zone out and break 1 million, I don't possess it. My interest in the series was rekindled when I played a little of Geometry Wars Galaxies for the DS. The addition of the collectible geons and the little upgradeable helper ship really took the game in a great new direction. Even if you had a bad session, you'd still earn points towards upgrading your ship so it didn't feel like a complete failure. The point multipliers were also easier to attain and the stylus controls were tight. This put the 360 sequel back on my radar. I downloaded the demo this morning and enjoyed what I played. I liked the time limit mode that they included. Much like Pac-Man Championship Edition, you just have to score as many points as you can in 3 minutes. You can die all you want and your multiplier doesn't reset. The game has the same frantic action as the original with things chasing you and exploding all over the grid. It can still be difficult to see smaller enemies through the bullets and explosions leading to some cheap deaths, but the penalty isn't as severe so it's less frustrating. I scored only 800k my first try, but improved to 1.1 million by my third. The other modes included sound fun as well, so I'm leaning towards making this part of a double dip this week.
Bionic Commando Rearmed
I LOVED the NES original. The story combined with the swing mechanic made that game stick out for a lot of people. Everything I've seen about the remake leads me to believe that Rearmed is going to the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern visual & gameplay upgrades. They seemed to have captured the campy spirit of the C1a$$ic while modernizing it for a whole new generation. Being able to do more with the arm beyond swinging and grabbing power-ups will be a big improvement. This will be a day 1 purchase for sure.
Castle Crashers
This looks like a fantastic game. An homage to side scrolling brawlers of the past with crazy cartoon graphics and a ton of things to unlock. Even though this is probably going to cost double the usual $10 of most Live Arcade games, it seems like the content will justify the price. I think we've all been looking forward to this one for quite some time.
Puzzle Quest: Galactrix
I was addicted to the DS version of Challenge of the Warlords for quite some time so I'm eagerly anticipating it's space themed sequel. It will be interesting to see what kind of changes the new setting will offer, what will replace the spells and training your mounts, how will the new hexagon pattern and zero gravity effect strategy and gameplay? Should be fun
WipeOut HD
I hoped that this was going to be the proverbial slump buster when it was promised to be released in May.....then June.....then it disappeared due to a "tricky technical issue". I loved the original PS1 game and the future racing theme. The vehicles handled well and the sense of speed was impressive. Everything I've seen on this HD upgrade has been impressive. The tracks, the tunes, the weapons, how smooth it runs, how polished it looks....it can't get here soon enough. I hope they work out the problems quickly.I am probably leaving something out, but after not being interested in any downloadable game in months, having a list of 6 upcoming titles seems like an overload. Hopefully these all turn out to be worth the anticipation and money.