I have to admit it’s pretty wild to see a console’s successor have its prior console’s games available for download, but in a cool way so I can let my friends who missed out on the Xbox what’s what from the last gen. There’s some great stuff I’ve enjoyed that Microsoft places on Xbox Live for download, and I’d like to do a micro-review below letting you know if you should plunk down the Microsoft points for the old classics I’ve had the chance to play with and actually own. (Keep in mind that these mostly take up some serious system memory, so do the math before you buy!) For ease of reading, I’ll tag each on the end with a final grade between A & F, “A” means AWESOME by the way.
Fable – A popular lengthy action/adventure game where you take a Hero through his troubled life and make the best or worst with it. Great visuals, kinda bland tunes, very dreary world, tight controls, deep experience, game changes based on moral decisions. B+
Halo: Combat Evolved – Space Marine meets alien artifact, fights off alien Covenant to survive and uncovers secrets from a long-extinct advanced alien race. Impressive AI, crappy backtracking, fun offline multiplayer, fun sci-fi story, immersive universe. A-
Psychonauts – Psychic child, Raz runs from his home at a traveling circus to a special summer camp for kids with mental powers. Things turn for the worst for Raz when nasty dreams, creepy monsters, and odd events shake the camp’s very foundations. Stylized visuals that are timeless, roller coaster story, excellent humor, precise controls, giant lungfish named Linda. A+
Fuzion Frenzy – In the future, kids will compete in physical events for a TV show called Fuzion Frenzy. It’s no fun by yourself, but with friends this game starts to shine. Plenty of nice mini-games to keep you & your pals entertained. C+
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge – An alternate universe where the American Civil War fragmented the North American continent into a fragmented Europe-like landscape where train rails weren’t made over the many borders. Decent story leads players into the VERY fun dog-fighting modes on Xbox Live. Graphics do their job, and the planes handle like the real thing, with a nice variety of planes. Xbox Live makes this game FUN. A
Jade Empire – An Asian epic where you take a hero to topple a vicious empire’s leader. Many combat styles and tight controls can pull your mind into the great fights, while the story will suck you in completely. Multiple paths for your play choices, intriguing characters, emphasis on good/evil choices, the ability to turn into a giant frog monster and belly bump your enemies. A+
Ninja Gaiden Black – Overly difficult and frustrating game starring ninja Ryu. Watch as he gets MURDERED. If you can or have the patience to get past level 2, God bless you! You’ve got more patience than I… Crap camera, controls, story, and HIGH difficulty level make this game the Anti-Fun. F
Grabbed by the Ghoulies – Amazingly fun beat-em-up, starring Cooper, who has to trek through a haunted manor to rescue his girlfriend, Amber. Fun strategic violence, humor around ever corner, weapons and enemies galore, perfect music, classic comic-book style visuals, A DJ mummy. A+
I’d love to grab more of the games that are already on the service as Xbox Originals, but most of all I want to play Zapper: One Wicked Cricket. It looked worthwhile, and I’d be ready to give it a shot. (Once I finish Resident Evil 5, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, and Left 4 Dead, that is…) I hope you are able to catch the better of the games I’ve enjoyed in their physical disc form on the classic Xbox, there’s some good ‘uns there! Happy Monday Zen Fans!
