XBox 360 Live! Arcade Review

Like many of you, I tried out Live! Arcade on the original Xbox with mixed feelings. Kind of a cool idea, but bloated and WAAAYYY overpriced.

I've been checking out the new Xbox 360 Live! Arcade and have found out that it is well.... awesome! They really did a bang-up job giving Arcade a much needed facelift!

All Live! Arcade games offer demo downloads which can be easily transformed into full versions later on if desired. The games average about 25-30 MB in size and just take a few minutes to download. You've never seen such beautiful looking versions of your favorite Internet and Arcade classics! HD at it's finest! Here is the rundown of what I have played so far:

Bejeweled 2 - Aside from Zookeeper on the DS, this is my favorite rendition of this classic. So crisp and colorful you'll be mesmerized!

Bankshot Billiards 2 – Another beautiful game. Several fun modes to play.

Hexic - Included Free on the Premium Pack Hard Drive. This is pretty fun. Not the best puzzle game, but will kill some time.

Gauntlet - This is a good multi-player game. I would have preferred Gauntlet 2 instead. This was a little bit of a letdown.

Geometry Wars Evolved – Left stick move, right stick shoot – this is a common theme of the games on Live! Arcade. The “Evolved” version includes the original old-skool version as well as a souped up HD kick-ass version. Addicting! Buy it!

Joust – This is where things got a little weird for me. Why not just use the original roms? They tried to re-create the original game, but it’s… off a bit. Just not right. If you were a fan of the original like me, you’ll immediately feel the difference. Joust goes to wacky land. Not so good.

Mutant Storm Reloaded – Another fantastic left stick move / right stick shooter. I really liked the HD visuals in this awesome game. Hours of fun – worth the points!

Smash TV – Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! They kept this just as it should be. You’ll swear you’re back at the bowling alley!

Zuma – Nice looking, but I can’t get into the game really. Weird controls.


This new Live! Arcade service shows LOTS of promise. Pick yourself up a few pre-paid point cards and have some fun!