A couple of video game classics are celebrating a birthday, this August. The Super Nintendo turned 20 this week and Metroid turned 25 earlier in the month. You know, so many damn games and systems came out 20-25 years ago. Then again, a lot of games also came out 30 years ago, so I've got my work cut out for me.
This week, though, we're donning the scuba gear and hazmat suits again. It's time to go back for another spelunking mission into the hellhole of XBOX Live Indie games. I've brought two new games up to the surface, plus I'll be revisiting two games that I've mentioned before. As always, these games have that classic video game feel that I love.
First up for the new games is something of a port. You see, this company, Aetherbyte Studios, is an independent homebrew company. If you don't know what that means, homebrews are independently made video games for video game systems, usually classic ones such as the Atari 2600 or the NES. There's a sizable community around them and there are some that are really good. What's Aetherbyte's system of choice? Believe it or not, it's the Turbografx-16 CD. Their first game, Insanity, was made for this system (it's a CD-Rom game) which brings back the classic gameplay of Berzerk and Frenzy (thus, the similar name). For some reason, Aetherbyte decided to try their hand at developing an XBOX Live Indie game and decided to use Insanity for the project.
The port, renamed Insanity X, is pretty much the same game. The only thing that's different between the two versions is that Insanity X has slightly better graphics and sound. Options on this game are extremely minimal (you can only change the music between synthesizers or a chiptune-esque soundtrack), but the arcade style action does make it a worthy spiritual successor to Berzerk (which means it's just as hard as the original). You can get this game on your XBOX for only $1 (80 MSP). You should also check out Aetherbyte's website, which has info on their next project: a Turborafx-16 collection of updated re-imaginings to classic arcade games.
I've actually been sitting on Insanity X for a few months, hoping that I would find other indie games to add to this article. I waited... and waited... and waited, but the games that came out since then were just the same fucking garbage you'd expect. There were some games that seemed interesting, but most were mired in shitty, flash-style graphics and horrible controls. A lot of these even used classic NES or Atari "box art" to entice old school gamers into trying them. Well, I tried them and they fucking sucked -- disappointing.
That changed, yesterday, when I found VideoWars, an arcade styled RTS (yes, a real-time strategy game). Most RTS games are usually very involved and complicated. They require, at least, 30 minutes to properly play a level. In VideoWars, one battle will usually take place in less than 5 minutes and gameplay is extremely simple. You pick a faction, each with it's own powers, and a level. You build bases to expand your area on the play field, gaining money and points for claiming certain areas. This money allows you to create turret bunkers to defend your territory, units and missiles to attack the enemy, and upgrades to your bases to give them defensive countermeasures. Upgraded bases can actually fire beams to destroy your enemy's missiles (making it feel a little like Missile Command, which is a nice touch).
With it's fast, satisfying gameplay, old school graphics and sound, fun two player vs. action, and cheap price tag (again, only 80 MSP!), you can't go wrong with VideoWars. The creator, BaaadDad Games, doesn't have a website, but they do have a Facebook page. Check this game out.
In a previous look at XBOX Live Indie games, I mentioned a little RPG called Cthulhu Saves the World and how it was worth your $3. I also mentioned that it was only available via XBOX Live. A few things have changed, since then. First off, Zeboyd games gave Cthulhu a shiny update, in the form of Cthulhu Saves the World -- Super Hyper Enhanced Championship Edition Alpha Diamond DX Plus Alpha FES HD -- Premium Enhanced Game of the Year Collector's Edition (without Avatars!).
What's different about this Super Hyper Enhanced... etc., etc.? Well, for instance, the gameplay has been rebalanced to make for a smoother RPG; there's a new, ultra hard dungeon in the game; a new difficulty setting (for those who love punishment); character bromides (for all the Lunar fans); new game modes (including Cthulhu's Angels mode, where you play a crack team of foxy ladies to do special missions for your boss, the mysterious Cthulhu); and new options, dialogue, and other tidbits to add to an already fun RPG experience.
Here's the good news for XBOX 360 owners: if you were smart enough to take my advice and already purchased Cthulhu Saves the World, you get the update for free! Just load up the game and it will ask if you want the update. Say yes, and you've got extra content for free. Don't forget about Zeboyd's previous RPG, Breath of Death VII, which is what Dragon Warrior II would be like if everyone was undead (plus, it's only 80 MSP).
Now, here's the best news. If you don't own an XBOX 360, you need not worry any longer. Both Cthulhu Saves the World (the Super Hyper Enhanced... the updated version) and Breath of Death VII, are available for the PC on Steam. Better yet, they're available as a two pack for only $3. That's 25% off their combined price on XBOX Live. There's no better bargain out there for all you PC gamers. Don't forget to check out Zeboyd Games' website. They're making an announcement of their next game at this year's PAX East, so check back there later this week.
Well, that wraps up another episode of Games You Should Know About... If you own an XBOX 360, be sure to get all of these great games. Even though they're super cheap, each game is still money well spent. And PC owners need to pick up both of Zeboyd Games' RPGS. See you guys next week.
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