From the Planet Xbox 360 crew, we’d like to wish you guys a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Now, while the majority of new games has already come out (with the next one, Dead Space 2, not slated to arrive until January 25), there’s still plenty of great holiday deals to pick up on – and most of them are available through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace! So, with that, we’ve decided to present a mini guide to some of the best deals available during the Christmas season, and why you should pick up on them right away. Let’s head to the virtual Marketplace and see what deals we can find on this eve before Christmas 2010!
After Burner Climax (Sega) - 400 Microsoft points: Sega’s arcade-to-Xbox Live games haven’t disappointed us yet, with Outrun Online Arcade and Crazy Taxi getting constant play in our systems. However, one game you definitely shouldn’t miss out on is After Burner Climax, a faithful arcade translation that barely has anything missing – well, besides the extravagant arcade cabinet. You’ll find plenty of fast-paced flying skills and high-octane shooting action across a variety of stages, while you compete with others through an online leaderboard system. For five bucks, it’s hard to resist a trip into the danger zone.
Banjo Tooie (Rare) - 600 Microsoft points: The original Banjo Kazooie and its sequel, Banjo Tooie, are charming games. Sure, they’re collect-fests in a way, and Tooie’s a little bit harder than the original, but they’re still a reminder of Rare’s care-free days, when it was working on killer games instead of stuff for the Kinect. Tooie’s on sale this week for about seven bucks, a steal considering the original N64 cartridge went for $50. You’ll work with this bear and bird as they battle an evil witch once again, while overcoming the odds and completing missions. It makes us wish for more Rare classics to return in 2011. Killer Instinct, anyone?
Castle Crashers (The Behemoth) - 600 Microsoft points: Even though it’s been out for quite some time now, there’s nothing wrong with getting into a good session of Castle Crashers. This game takes all the good components you remember from classic arcade games like X-Men and TMNT: The Arcade Game (both available on XBLA as well), and adds in high-quality visuals, a terrific soundtrack and game enhancing elements, along with online multiplayer that never gets old. Throw in some of the wackiest bosses you’ll ever battle and unlockable characters, and you’ll have plenty to play while you await Battleblock Theater’s eventual arrival in 2011.
Comic Jumper (Twisted Pixel Games) - 800 Microsoft points: Twisted Pixel’s follow-up to Splosion Man may not be as inspired as that game as far as gameplay goes (it’s a run and gun title) but there’s no question that Comic Jumper is worth a ten-dollar purchase. This hilarious shoot-em-up features some exquisite stage design, along with challenges galore and the most likable hero this side of Crash Bandicoot. The dialogue is hilarious, the bonus unlockables are cool, and the action never lets up, as it’s sure to challenge the most hardened of gamers. Step up and get ready to Jump!
RISK: Factions (Electronic Arts) - 400 Microsoft points: Okay, so Risk Factions isn’t entirely like the board game that many of us grew up with back in “the day”. Regardless, it’s a fun all-ages take on the series, letting you conquest a number of lands with the help of some unique characters. Throw in some engaging multiplayer options and a plethora of stages to complete, and you’ve got a game that’ll keep you going to war well into the New Year – and for only a five spot, no less.
This feature list of Holiday deals concludes on the next page, please click below to see our final couple choices.
