This is a personal best from games that I’ve played and not by number of sales. I have an extensive list of XBLA arcade titles that I have purchased over the years and I have made extensive research into the games before purchasing; because of the fact that once you by them you own them. Since I have done this I have found that alot of the titles I’ve purchased have been great if not phenominal games. Here is the list of games that are the best overall.
10. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3:
This was the arcade title that I was dying to play on the 360 since the arcade was announced. I purchased this the day it came out, one of the few arcade titles that I didn’t even think twice about. I’ve mastered the game before when I had it for the SEGA, but once I downloaded this version it was a completely different game, and I love it for being a true conversion of an Arcade title. I enjoy everything about this game, from the classic fatalities to the controller breaking difficulty of Shao Khan as the final boss. This game only got better once I experinced it online, and even though I don’t win that many matches online, I still have fun with it. One of the things I remember back in the day is the two different crowds you were grouped into, the MK’ers and the Street Fighters. I’ve always been an MK fan, and I’ve enjoyed this classic series. The newer ones can and do leave a lot to be desired, but this is the classic that everyone remembers and can still enjoy to this day.
9. The Maw
Besides being the very first game that my 4 year old son has beaten with minimum help from me or his mom, this game is one beautiful adventure title. I downloaded the demo and was instantly hooked, the bright pastel world drawing me in, and the charm of Frank and Maw just being too saccharine sweet to ignore. I have enjoyed playing this game because of the simplicity and the puzzles that you have to solve to move on. The first time you get Maw to grow from eating the Yums, these cute and harmless creatures was funny and exhilarating at the same time. You have to experience this game to believe it. It also has some deleted scenes that are available for relatively cheap prices that expand the world and each has an achievement tied to completing it, so if your an Achievo hound you need to get the game and the extra levels.
8. Astropop
This seemingly simple puzzle game will have you breaking your mind to figure out how to finish the game with out using the Super powers to get that achievement, and will have you sweating for nine minutes to get the Survival achievement. This game is one addictive puzzle game, and I’m not normally into puzzle games. My wife bought this game on a whim, and at first I thought it was a goofy game, but once I played it I saw what drew her into it. The classic puzzle game of matching four colors in a row or more seems simple at first but the added power-ups and how the game works against you will have you fighting to finish levels, it makes one feel as if you’ve accomplished something when you finally do.
7. TMNT (1989)
This is another classic game that I was hoping would come to the Arcade, and it did. I was doubtful of the quality after all these years, but my son saw it on the list and wanted it, and I had the points to get it… And I’m glad I did. I remember having to fight my mom to get quarters to play this in the local supermarket when I was a kid, and I could never get past Bebop in Aprils apartment. Once I got this game and I saw how simple the game was, I was honestly embarrassed how simple this game was. But… Hearing the Turtles say “Cowabunga” in it’s digitized glory put a smile on my face. Raph still kicks ass after all these years!
6. Duke Nukem 3D
This game introduced me to two things: pixelated breasts and great action. I remember the first time I pressed the space bar on a stripper and the resulting effect was mind blowing to a 13-14 year old at the time. But the thing I remember the most about this game is the unrivaled action and level design. I loved everything in this game from the guns to the phrases Duke said, and I still quote him to this day… “It’s time to kick ass and chew bubble gum, and I’m all out of gum,” and “I’m gonna rip off your head and sh*t down your neck” are two favorites. The game hasn’t exactly stood the test of time graphically, but everyone who remembers it knows that it wasn’t the best looking game out there even back then. I play it for the action and the pure fun of blowing the aliens to gibs. This game was revolutionary and still is some ways from the level designs to the secrets that you can uncover.
5. Geometry Wars Retro Evolved
This game is either insanely easy or tough depending on who you are. I’ve known some people who have gotten the achievements in matter of a few play through sessions and some people who can’t even get to 1000 points with out dying, much less to a higher score than 40,000. I personally had to figure out that you needed to die your three lives to get the achievements before I felt as if I was completing personal goals. The game is beautiful and an insane at the same time, once you get past the opening scores of enemies, and quite often you’ll be destroying enemies and taking down waves upon waves of shapes and enemy ships without really knowing what your doing for the information overload you have going on onscreen. The inclusion of the Retro arcade game is a neat bonus for people who have never seen old arcade games like this in person, and people will be blown away by how difficult the game is, either in the Retro or Evolved versions of the game. This is one of the best Arcade titles I’ve ever played in my life.
4. Bionic Commando: Rearmed
This game was one of the NES titles that I just couldn’t get around to playing because of several factors, but it always seemed fun to me as a kid. I got this title, and I have to say that even though I’ve not played the original on the NES I fully understand why it was a classic. Wow. Innovative gameplay, a nearly open world like level system and secrets out the wazoo. If you love to explore in your games, this is one of the better ones because to get all the unlockable weapons and items you have to explore and take some scary faith leaps to find the spot where to go. This game is funny in a dark manner in alot of ways when it comes to the story and the interactions with the bosses and the ending is still original. The gameplay is classic NES gameplay with modern twists and conventions and Capcom has recently added a title update to make the game more accessable to masses to complete with lower difficulty and unlimited lives unlocked for players who find the game too difficult to complete. This is one classic title that you will enjoy the re-imagining of.
3. Marble Blast Ultra
This is another puzzle game that will have you throwing your controller at the wall till you solve the levels. The levels start off as simple point A to B levels, then it ramps up the difficulty as you progress. This is one game that had me marveling at how simplistic visuals and intriguing level designs go hand in hand sometimes to create a package that is beyond what you expect. This puzzler is long, because every level is timed and if you don’t meet your personal expectations or the level par time, you’ll find yourself playing and playing the level over again until you do it in the time frame that you know you can do it at. A marble with powerups to get to the end might not sound much fun, but this game is amazingly complex and unique with the level designs, easter eggs to find, and the level of polish the controls have for rolling your ball around. This is a great game to get to have a family game night because everyone can take a shot at a level or two, and even if you don’t get that par time now, you just might next time.
2. Castlevania: Symphony of the night
If your looking for a game that is more than worth your money, this is one of the top ones out there. As a PS1 Classic everyone was amazed when Konami announced the release for this game, even with the leaks before the announcement were made that this Sony system born game was coming to the 360 Arcade. I remembered borrowing it from a friend and playing a bit of it, but vaguely. I just knew I had to get it when it came out. I got the game on XBLA the day it was released and played it religiously, searching and exploring and loving every minute of the game. Updated graphics, beautiful soundtrack, beyond well executed gameplay. Still a classic to this day, and seeing that your actually exploring two castles instead of just one, this game is amazingly long. I love Castlevania:SOTN, and always will.
1. Shadow Complex
When I read about this game, it honestly slipped under my must have radar, then I caught some more footage and stories about this game, and it became a must have. I enjoyed it, even though the plot was a bit crazily put together, and even read the prequel novel Empire by Orson Scott Card… Even though I will not support his personal vendetta, I know the man can write a good story. When I went to purchase this title, I was dubious about it because of Empire, but I took the plung. I’m glad I did, because this is one of the best XBLA games ever released. Yes it’s technically short and the plot makes no sense, the gameplay is amazing. I’ve been waiting since C:SOTN for a title that was like it, and this game blows C:SOTN out of the water when it come to the exhilerating joy and pure wow factor of watching an everyday Joe become a superhero. The first Tarantula you kill is a frighting event, but by the time the game is over your curb stomping anyone and everything the bad guys are throwing at you. Then the final area and boss is just insane, and it’s beautiful how you take it down. Then, you can play again with a + save, and if you don’t feel like going through the game again, there are challenge stages to complete also! Now, if you’ve not taken the plung, buy it this week on XBLA because it’s 800 MS Points instead of 1200 MS Points.
Article from Gamersyndrome.com
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