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In totality, game consoles are actually in the midst of a short drought of
sorts before the holiday/winter season. However, highly entertaining
downloadable titles have helped bridge the months with the lack of solid retail
releases. The Xbox 360 has a few arcade games up its sleeve that always seem to
help hardcore gamers fill in those dusky gaps before the massive holiday line-up
floors them to the core. You can download all of these with an Xbox Live account
and enough Microsoft Points. The following list, in our opinion, features the
best Xbox Live Arcade games of all time.
Shadow Complex
The best elements of Super Metroid and Metal Gear Solid meet to give birth to
Shadow Complex. The game offers tons of upgrades, timeless exploration, crazy
conspiracies, boss battles, and more all in a completely isolated military
complex. And the most worthwhile and clever aspect is that it actually looks
like a current-generation Unreal Engine title, but is really played from a 2D
side-scrolling perspective. It combines the wonders of amazing presentation with
superb gameplay elements to create one of the best XBLA titles yet. It costs
1200 Microsoft Points ($15), but the replay value is through the roof so that
you can be totally sure about getting your money's worth.
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The Secret of Monkey Island : Special Edition
If you are a fan of old school, point-and-click adventure titles, then this
classic remake would be just right for you. I am a huge Monkey Island junkie and
have played and adored every single episode and adventure in the series. I was
extremely excited to get my hands on the remake of this classic title right when
it was first announced. With all-new voice acting and a clever use of visuals
combining the splendors of both old and new, this title is more than worth the
$10 price tag.
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Worms 2 : Armageddon
Worms is actually a turn-based 2-D geometry/physics-based strategy experience
where teams of worms are pitted against each other in all out warfare. Bombs,
guns, sheep; anything is fair to be used as a weapon. Worms 2: Armageddon adds a
ton of new challenges and weaponry and turns out to be a lot bigger, deeper, and
better game than its predecessor. Also, Worms 2 features an incredibly cool
multiplayer component, and is loads of fun when played with friends.
Marvel vs Capcom 2
According to me, the easiest way to separate the truly great gems apart from the
rest of the crowd is longevity. Good titles tend to find a niche ten years down
the road. Great games grow bigger and become a phenomenon all their own. Marvel
vs. Capcom 2 is certainly one of those undying mythical greats. Here we are,
almost decade after the initial release, and it still stands as one of the best
2D fighting titles of all times. And even better, the XBLA release turns out to
be the best version of the iteration yet.
UNO
The classic card game Uno has got to be one of the best titles available in the
Xbox Live Arcade. Its casual, easy to learn, fun to play, and just good all
around. The avataars and animation adds to the fun aspect of the game. You can
also choose to listen to your own music in the background and converse with
other players while you are playing.
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
Geometry Wars features bigger, better and beautful visuals, frantic play
elements and packs a total of six distinct modes that will keep you coming back
for more. Simple yet addictive, that's what this game is. The original game was
a hidden minigame in Project Gotham Racing 2, but Geo Wars 2 is undeniably
better than the first game.
Others worth considering:
7. Castle Crashers
8. Battlefield 1943
9. Splosion Man
10. Aegis Wing
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