Dead Space 2 Severed (DLC)

$7 for PSN or 560 pts for Xbox Live

I really enjoyed Dead Space 2 and once the first piece of downloadable content was announced, I couldn't wait for it's release.  However, this new content starred Gabe Weller from the Wii's Dead Space Extraction.  Regardless, I was eager for another reason to play Dead Space 2 so I quickly downloaded Severed.  I was pretty underwhelmed, to say the least.

For the $7 you're paying, you're given two completely new chapters starring a protagonist (most don't really know) on a mission to save his wife.  This rescue mission takes place apparently moments after Isaac Clarke's romp on the Sprawl.  While I enjoyed seeing the place after the carnage Clarke had to endure, It almost seemed more of a rehash of Dead Space 2 with very little added.  I am glad that the developers brought back the very creepy Twitchers from Dead Space 1, but overall the experience felt like more of the same which is sad because in the short amount of time spent with Gabe, I did find myself interested in his story.  Clocking in at a little over an hour (I took about 75 minutes on Zealot difficulty) though doesn't really seem to be giving buyers much for their buck.  If you love Dead Space (especially it's story) then I'd recommend checking it out.  For casual fans however, it's definitely passable.

FINAL GRADE: C-

2010's Best Downloadable Console Game

Super Meat Boy

By Team Meat (10/20)

If you read my most recent why haven't you played this yet then you obviously know why I love this game.  Instead of repeating why it's great, let me say why I didn't feel other games should of won.  I enjoyed Limbo but the replay value was low and ultimately I felt it was overhyped.  Comic Jumper and Mega Man 10 didn't deliver for me compared to their excellent predecessors (Splosion Man and Mega Man 9) and Joe Danger didn't do it for me either.  Even though I like beat-em-ups, X-Men Arcade is a rerelease and while Scott Pilgrim Vs The World is incredibly fun, it didn't justify winning a top spot over Super Meat Boy.  There were tons of great downloadable titles released this year besides the ones I listed such as Bit.Trip.Runner and Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light so instead of disagreeing with my choice, just be thankful that so many games have been available for download for a fraction of the price of retail release titles. 

Runner Up

Monday Night Combat

A really fun third-person shooter that's only $15?  I was looking forward to this game for awhile and was satisfied with how much strategy is necessary for this game.  Teamwork is crucial and there were definitely many matches that had me and my group sweating.  Granted there's really only one main matchtype it doesn't change the fact that you're getting a pretty good deal here.  Like most shooters though, it's much more fun playing with friends so just like Black Ops, stay away if you're a loner.

Honorable Mention: Pac Man Championship Edition: DX

X-Men Arcade (XBLA/PSN)

X-Men is widely regarded as the best arcade beat em ups of all time and finally after 18 years, it's been ported to a home console.  Everything you loved about the original has been brought back including 6-player online (4-player local), the 5 iconic X-Men, and..Dazzler.   As much as I loved this game as a kid, I feel that Konami is asking too much for what is essentially an untouched and unpolished game from the 90s.  Don't get me wrong, I've gladly dropped up to $20 on downloadable titles and usually don't argue about games around $10, but with 1989's TMNT already out for only $5, why do I need to pay twice that amount for a game that's really not that much better?  $10 could be justified if X-Men were even marginally updated like better graphics, soundbytes, or some added features but unfortunately this game is priced too high for most gamers, myself included.  You could argue that they included the Japanese version, but really all that added was life pills.  I played through the campaign twice already racking up a total playtime of 1 hour.  Yes there are 6 players to choose from, each with different mutant powers, but just like TMNT: Turtles In Time, you might wanna let this one float by you.  It's definitely fun but for $10 you could get excellent games like Scott Pilgrim, Super Meat Boy, Pac Man: CE DX, Guwange, Geometry Wars 2, or tons of other great titles. 

FINAL GRADE: C-

Fun for a little while but grows old quickly.

I obviously didn't address everything.  For everything I missed, (and another perspective) here is:

MAHCUS' MARKS

What can I say about the classic 1992 X-men arcade game? First thing is, I am glad not to have met it at a younger age for my family would have become poor from all the quarters needed to make it to the end. What sets this beat'em up apart from others, for me, is the familiarization with the classic X-men characters, who I have had a fondness with ever since the comic books and animated series. However, the simplistic controls and repetitive domination over waves of sentinels and copycat Juggernauts (each level rendered a different color) makes the game quite boring after a while. You'll start dying on purpose just to be able to keep using your special mutant power (which takes up 3 of your life bars). Good thing you get unlimited lives. The 6-player co-op is fun if playing with people who do not take it seriously because the game will come down to who can steal the most kills. Overall, this game is definitely outdated and unless you've had a grudge with it since the 90's and have a burning desire to finish it, there is no hurry to buy until the price drops to $5.

My Rating





Why Haven't You Played This Yet? #2

Super Meat Boy by Team Meat
XBLA/PC
$10  $15 now (price raised)

Many might immediately be turned off at the fact that I've just pointed out the price has been raised on this game a whole $5.  I normally don't like supporting arcade games priced over $10 but Super Meat Boy is the exception.  Before I continue let me state that Super Meat Boy is for hardcore old school gamers.  Seriously those who get frustrated or felt that Trials HD was too hard need not apply because Super Meat Boy is incredibly difficult.  You guide your character (Super Meat Boy) through close to 350 levels (no exaggeration) as he tries to save his girlfriend Bandage Girl from the evil Dr. Fetus.  You must jump, dodge, and glide your way through obstacles and enemies as the game quickly ramps up the difficulty.  Along the way you're treated to hilarious cutscenes that pay homage to classic games from the 8-bit era (see how many you can spot) and insane boss battles that test your platforming finesse.  In general your platforming (along with your patience) will be tested and make no mistake about it, you will consistently die.  But give it up to Team Meat because they've even gloried your constant dying by way of a replay.  While there are 350 levels, around 100 or so are actually just insanely harder versions of current levels.  Each of the 6 worlds (not including 'teh internets') has light world versions and dark world versions (the latter being the insanely difficult counterparts).  The dark worlds usually completely change most of the layout so don't feel like you're being cheated.  Throw in the promise of dlc (one world which was already released), over 10 unlockable characters each with different strengths and weaknesses, an awesome soundtrack, and a type of satisfaction that can only come from hardcore games similar to this and you've got yourself one of the best arcade games on xbla (can't really vouch for wiiware). 

If you're not convinced yet, watch this.

Bottom Line: BUY IT NOW!
*Note: This game wasn't released on PSN because they didn't believe the game would sell.  Sorry Playstation. 
*This game was recently canceled for WiiWare (12/24) 

Limbo (XBLA)

Limbo was the first title released in Xbox' 3rd annual Summer of Arcade and has already made a name for itself.  A finalist in the Independent Game Festival, Limbo is being regarded as this year's Braid.  Limbo hit the marketplace last week and has gotten incredible praise from all over the gaming community.  Is Limbo worthy of such high marks, or have gamers just allowed themselves to be blinded by it's beautiful style?

I immediately purchased Limbo after seeing comparisons to Braid.  Braid is an amazing arcade title and I truly recommend it to every and all gamers.  One thing I will try not to do, is directly compare Braid and Limbo because in all honesty, Braid is a better game.  That's not to say that I think Limbo is bad, in actuality I enjoyed my time with Limbo.  However, comparisons are bound to be made due to the fact that both Braid and Limbo are puzzle platformers with strange and unique art styles.  Limbo's style is unique and has quite possibly the most beautiful black and white visuals I've ever seen.  The amount of detail in each silhouette is amazing and is easily one of the best arcade titles visually.  The controls hold up pretty well too although you only use two buttons (one to jump and the other to engage) and an analog stick to move.  For fans of the Wii's A Boy and His Blob this game may seem pretty similar.  Limbo's boy kind of has the same shape and even controls similarly.  Learn the controls quick though because Limbo will begin to challenge your reflexes and platforming skills in no time.  Honestly it feels like everything is out to kill you.  This was kind of weird for me because Limbo has no story so I had no idea why everything was pretty much evil.  Apparently the developers themselves stated there is no definite meaning, but some gamers have their own opinions. 

Limbo shines not only in visuals and atmosphere, but also in it's puzzles.  Limbo is very creative in this sense and not too frustratingly hard like other platformers (sorry..referring to Braid again.)  This is very welcome because along with the puzzles, our hero must contend with all sorts of creatures trying to maim, shoot, and crush him.  The game is pretty gruesome in this regard with sound effects to match it's beheadings, amputations, and impalements.  I was pretty shocked at how gruesome some of the death animations were along with being surprised at some of the more surprising moments.  The violence isn't too dark though and just gives gamers more incentives to play better.  One of the major gripes I have with this game though is it's length.  Clocking in at under a couple hours (being very generous here) Limbo is definitely not a long experience.  Without speed runs and timers I don't see too many reasons for replay value neither. 

Pathetic

Short Length
Not much replay value
Some obstacles hard to see

Very Nice!

Great Gaming Experience
Clever Puzzles
Beautiful Visuals
Rich Atmosphere
Perfectly Underplayed Soundtrack

FINAL GRADE: B+

Limbo is a great gaming experience and I truly recommend people to try it out.  At $15 dollars though it may not be a lenghty enough title for some.  Not quite as good as Braid, but it's not trying to be.  Limbo is fun, sometimes scary, creative, stunning, and a well put together arcade title.