Articles written by A.J. Maciejewski (Page 56)
Top 10 Early Xbox 360 Live Arcade Games
Revisiting the dawn of downloadables
February 15, 2015 - Xbox 360 changed the way console gamers get their fix by introducing Xbox Live Arcade games to the mainstream. Sure, the original Xbox had a rudimentary online store that was launched via a mail-order disc, but Xbox 360 made it easy by integrating a Marketplace into the user interface. Believe it or not, its decade anniversary is this year and I made this list to celebrate. Each game featured here was released within the first couple years and although there are a few remakes, you won't find any direct ports (sorry, Symphony of the Night). Anyway, let's reminisce about a time when digitally distributed console games were fresh and exciting.
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Jungle Rumble Review (PlayStation Vita)
All these primates want is a little freedom, happiness, and bananas
February 13, 2015 - Genre-mixing has lead to both wonderful and disastrous results in the past. Jungle Rumble blends rhythmic controls with strategy elements in an intriguing way, but is it worth monkeying around with or should you throw it away like a warm handful of feces?
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Super Stardust Ultra Review (PlayStation 4)
Good thing this spacecraft is equipped with two sticks
February 11, 2015 - As the fourth iteration on a PlayStation console, Super Stardust still holds up in its most Ultra form to date. However, is it worth adding yet another twin stick shooter to your collection or are you better off leaving it in the dust?
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Game & Watch Gallery 3 Review (Game Boy Color)
Nintendo unearths and revitalizes some ancient treasures
February 9, 2015 - Kids today with their Wii U and 3DS don't understand what constituted as fun back in the early '80s. Ironically enough, they can now find out on their 3DS by downloading this collection of eleven Game & Watch classics.
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Apotheon Review (PlayStation 4)
201: A Greek Odyssey
February 7, 2015 - It must be a difficult feat to create a metroidvania adventure that even closely lives up to the games that the genre is named after. Apotheon is definitely a notable contender, but is it worth the journey back to ancient Greece or should you save your drachma?
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Kick & Fennick Review (PlayStation Vita)
A boy and his bot
February 5, 2015 - It seems like buddy-platformers are still in style after all these years. Although Kick & Fennick continues this tradition by teaming up a kid with a robot pal, it won't fail to impress with its unique and challenging gameplay mechanics.
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Sumico Review (3DS)
Grade three math homework: the video game
February 3, 2015 - If you've ever wanted to take simple math equations to the next level then here's a game for you. Sumico combines math with path-drawing puzzle mechanics to make one intriguing game. But, does it add up to warrant your undivided attention?
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Riptide GP2 Review (Xbox One)
It's time to make some waves!
January 30, 2015 - Water-based racing games are becoming an increasingly underrepresented genre so thank Poseidon that Riptide GP2 is here. As you speed through each race on your rocket-powered hydro jet, you'll find it difficult not to enjoy every moment.
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Nihilumbra Review (PlayStation Vita)
Surrender to the Void
January 28, 2015 - If there's one genre that indie developers keep trying to innovate; it's 2D puzzle-platformers. Nihilumbra may not reinvent the wheel but its unique gameplay mechanics and eerie atmosphere definitely make it stand out of the crowd.
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S.C.A.T.: Special Cybernetic Attack Team Review (NES)
Hasta la vista, alien scum!
January 27, 2015 - It's hard to believe how well some games still hold up after decades have passed since their initial release. Almost 25 years ago, this 2D scrolling shooter came out for the NES and it remains a must-play for fans of the genre.
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