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  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Warlords and Buku Sudoku

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    05.30.2008

    XBLA in Brief takes a look at Warlords and Buku Sudoku this week. On the one hand we've got yet another Atari "classic" and on the other we have ... Sudoku. It turns out that Warlords is actually surprisingly fun, though we're not sure we'd be willing to plop down our 500 MS Points for it. Buku Sudoku is ... Sudoku. It does its job well enough, and if you really need some Sudoku that doesn't fit on your lap, then Buku Sudoku might be just the ticket.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Penny Arcade Adventures

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    05.21.2008

    For this week's XBLA in Brief, we welcome the arrival of (ahem) Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness: Episode One. The first in a series of four episodes, Penny Arcade Adventures presents the very first episodic game to grace Microsoft's download service. The question that remains is whether or not it's any good. After our experience with the trial version, we'd say that it is (so long as you like Penny Arcade, role-playing games, adventure games or, even better, all three). Check out the video to find out if On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is for you.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • XBLA in Brief: Assault Heroes 2

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    05.15.2008

    In the latest XBLA in Brief, we check out Assault Heroes 2, the sequel to one of Xbox Live Arcade's best action titles. The sequel takes the foundations of the first game and adds new weapons and vehicles into the mix. The on-foot gameplay has been dramatically improved as well. Check out the video and find out whether or not Assault Heroes 2 belongs in your XBLA library. [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon). [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Wits and Wagers

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    05.07.2008

    After a one week break -- no new XBLA games last week -- XBLA in Brief is back. This week we take a look at the new trivia game Wits and Wagers. Aimed squarely at casual gamers, Wits and Wagers emphasizes simple gameplay over the more hardcore elements of games like, say, Ikaruga. No sharp reflexes needed here. Just select your answer, place your bets, and see who wins. Not bad, though it's definitely not for everyone. Check out the video and see what you think.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Lost Cities

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    04.25.2008

    This week on XBLA in Brief, we check out Lost Cities. For a game about exciting adventures and expeditions, it sure plays an awful lot like solitaire. Competitive solitaire. And guess what: it's actually really, really fun. Who knew? Check out the video above and learn why card and board game fans should definitely try Lost Cities.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Battlezone and Rocky and Bullwinkle

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    04.19.2008

    It might not occur to all of our readers when they see the average episode of XBLA in Brief but, let us assure you, it is a public service. We play awful, awful games so that you don't have to. Rocky and Bullwinkle is just such a game. It is -- if there can be such a thing -- the perfect storm of bad game design. The license is used horribly, the graphics aren't good, and the game employs awkward (and unresponsive) vision camera controls. The misuse of the Rocky and Bullwinkle license is perhaps the worst offense. We hate to see a classic cartoon turned into something this awful.Check out our video of us checking out Rocky and Bullwinkle (along with Battlezone) and be glad it wasn't you.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • XBLA in Brief and ComCon coming tomorrow

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    04.18.2008

    Quick announcement fanboys, both XBLA in Brief and Community Content will be delayed this week. Thanks to some unfortunate uploading and conversion issues, these videos will hit late tonight at the earliest, but it's more likely they'll show up tomorrow instead. Stay tuned, because you really don't want to miss Rocky and Bullwinkle. Well, actually you do, but you don't want to miss our video about it.Oh, and we guess you can watch Community Content too.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Ikaruga

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    04.11.2008

    This is the one everyone has been waiting for. Ikaruga has finally landed on Xbox Live Arcade. We took the game for a test drive and put together our usual video tour. Is Ikaruga worth the wait? You bet your bottom it is. If you like the bullet hell shoot-em-up genre, you need to play Ikaruga. Watch the video and find out why. [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon). [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the MP4 directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Mr. Driller Online

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    04.04.2008

    It's time for another edition of XBLA in Brief, huzzah! This week we take a look at Mr Driller Online. In something of a departure for XBLA in Brief, we actually picked up the full version of the title (what can we say? we like the little guy) and gave it a spin. Unfortunately, before we could even be bothered to knock out this video, we had to make another one detailing Mister Driller Online's horribly broken multiplayer, which is ironic given the game's title. Still, the single player is fun and worth a look for casual gamers and puzzle addicts. Check out the video above and let us know what you think. Don't forget, you can subscribe directly to the new X3F TV feed (or download the single file directly) using the links below.[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: TiQal

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    03.28.2008

    Ah, another sweet, sweet episode of XBLA in Brief. This week we take a look at the latest puzzle offering TiQal. That's not too surprising. After all, we do it for every new XBLA release. What is surprising: TiQal is actually a pretty decent puzzle game. Check out the video and see for yourself.%Gallery-18611%[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in Zune Marketplace (MP3).[RSS] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Bliss Island and Brain Challenge

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    03.14.2008

    XBLA in Brief returns this week with a two-for-one look at both Bliss Island and Brain Challenge. Bliss Island is a strange collection of boring mini-games that clocks in at 400 MS points. Brain Challenge is a pretty good knockoff of Brain Age for the Nintendo DS. One of them is actually entertaining. That game is not Bliss Island. We'll give you one guess as to which game was halfway decent. Watch the video above and rejoice in the fact that you will never have to play Bliss Island.[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in Zune Marketplace (MP3).[RSS] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Rocketmen: Axis of Evil

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    03.07.2008

    The new video version of XBLA in Brief is back this week, taking a look at Rocketmen: Axis of Evil. Despite having one of the more unique names on Xbox Live Arcade, Rocketmen turns out to be yet another omni-directional shooter. You know, move with the left stick, shoot with the right stick. Rinse, repeat. It does throw a few extra bits into the mix, namely an RPG upgrade system that lets you level up your character and weapons. It's not bad, but it's definitely not great. Also, it's worth noting that the "ending" of trial version could use some work. Worth 800 points? Based solely on the trial version, we say no. Check out the video for our full impressions.[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3).[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in Zune Marketplace (MP3).[RSS] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

  • X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Triggerheart Exelica

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    02.29.2008

    For the latest edition of XBLA in Brief -- where we take a look at the trial versions of the latest Xbox Live Arcade games -- we're doing something a little different. Rather than type up a long summary of a three minute trial game, we've put together a video that highlights everything you need to know. Please, enjoy our look at Triggerheart Exelica, and tell us what you think of us using video for XBLA in Brief.This video is also our latest episode of X3F TV, and subscribers to the 360 Fancast will receive it via their aggregator of choice. The M4V is also available for download right here. The high resolution streaming version can be found by clicking the "read" link.

  • XBLA in Brief: Comanders: Attack of the Genos

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    02.13.2008

    In a lineup filled with puzzle games, fighters, and retro console and arcade relelases, a turn based strategy game tends to stand out on Xbox Live Arcade. With the genre previously represented solely by Band of Bugs, a new entrant is definitely welcome. Given our time with the trial version of Commanders: Attack of the Genos, we'd say that the welcome is deserved too. Read on to find out whether or not Commanders is worth your time and money.%Gallery-15799%

  • XBLA in Brief: Discs of Tron

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    02.13.2008

    When we came up with XBLA in Brief, it was never our intention that it would be this brief, but here we go. We spent a little time with the trial version of Discs of Tron today, and we do mean a little time. The demo offers up two levels of play, and that's it. Of course, there are only twelve levels, so it's not like Disney Interactive could give away much more.

  • XBLA in Brief: Poker Smash

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    02.08.2008

    It's time for another XBLA in Brief, where we give you a quick look at the most recent XBLA offerings and let you know whether or not they're worth your time. This week's Xbox Live Arcade offering is Poker Smash, a puzzle game with a playing card twist. Of course, there are precisely a gojillion puzzle games available on Xbox Live Arcade. Is Poker Smash any different? Does it do anything to stand out? Read on to find out.%Gallery-13040%

  • XBLA in Brief: Boogie Bunnies

    by 
    Richard Mitchell
    Richard Mitchell
    01.16.2008

    We occasionally do hands-on features (or even full reviews) of certain Xbox Live Arcade games or demos that catch our fancy. There are other games, though, that slip through the cracks. So, this week we're endeavoring to give you a quick glance at Boogie Bunnies. Honestly, Boogie Bunnies isn't worth much more than a quick glance anyway, at least if the trial version is anything to go by. Boogie Bunnies is a by-the-numbers puzzle game through and through, and not a great one at that. The objective is simple, faced with an oncoming grid of ridiculously cute multicolored bunnies, you must launch your bunny into others of the same color. Connect three or more and they will disappear. Doing this cleverly will cause other bunnies to fall into other bunnies of the same color, thus destroying them and creating a chain reaction. And that's pretty much it. Oh, wait, the red bunnies also destroy other bunnies adjacent to them, like a bomb. And that's pretty much it. %Gallery-13754%