Brandon here. As you all know, each new-gen system has it's own online service for smaller, independently developed titles to shine. Microsoft was first with the 360's Xbox Live Arcade. The service got a huge boost from games like Geometry Wars Retro Evolved. Of course, Sony fought back with the PlayStation Store which, among other things, features downloadable games like Go! Sudoku and Blast Factor. Nintendo initiated a somewhat similar service called the Virtual Console for the Wii which has emulated versions of Classic Nintendo, Sega, and TurboGrafx-16, MSX, and Neo Geo titles .
The downloadable game battlefield has bloomed over the past year or so. I'm here to review two of the newest downloadable titles out there on the PlayStation Network.
The downloadable game battlefield has bloomed over the past year or so. I'm here to review two of the newest downloadable titles out there on the PlayStation Network.
Super Stardust HD
Developed by Housemarque, this title is a re imagining of a little-known arcade title in the vein of Geometry Wars or Blast Factor with Asteroids mixed in for good measure. The graphics this title boasts are simply amazing, especially for an $8 arcade title. Basically, you're trying to destroy Armageddon-sized asteroids that break into smaller and smaller shards.
The controls are suprisingly easy to wrap your head around, but have a whole different layer of complexity for more hardcore players. The three weapons with different rates of fire and effects on asteroids help add depth to an already deep game. A particular favorite of mine is the flamethrower-like Gold Melter.
Verdict: If you own a PlayStation 3 and haven't purchased this game yet, you simply must.
9/10
Calling All Cars
David Jaffe, the visionary mind behind God of War, has shifted his focus from Greek epics to downloadable games for the Playstation Network. Calling All Cars doesn't go too ambitious and recognizes it's small-scale roots. You're trying to catch criminals and bring them to jail before the other players can. If you're going solo, Calling All Cars won't exactly hook you for long. If you're playing with a couple of friends (or online), this game is simply divine.
That said, it would have been nice if Incognito had included more weaponry and levels to play in. Perhaps downloadable content could be the answer....
That said, it would have been nice if Incognito had included more weaponry and levels to play in. Perhaps downloadable content could be the answer....
Verdict: If you don't have online or friends to play with, it would be best to skip this one. Otherwise, buckle up.
7/10 (add 2 points if playing with friends)
7/10 (add 2 points if playing with friends)
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