Share
This year was a huge one for Microsoft’s Xbox Live Arcade game service, with hundreds of titles to choose from, including arcade games (After Burner Climax, Crazy Taxi), original titles (Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1) and some quirky ones that found their way into audiences’ hearts (Costume Quest, DeathSpank). However, only ten could find their way onto our final list of favorites for the year 2010, and after a long, painful process of elimination (Shank was THIS CLOSE!), we’ve come up with our contenders. Let the countdown commence!
10. Snoopy Flying Ace (Smart Bomb Interactive): Originally released for the PlayStation 2 some time ago, Snoopy Flying Ace has since earned his wings on Xbox Live, with the addition of several new missions, additional tactics and vehicles that make the gameplay livelier than ever, and, of course, online play, allowing you to shoot friends out of the sky in Crimson Skies-style aerial combat. And it’s perfect for all ages, featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang. Finally – a chance for Charlie to get even with Lucy!
9. Toy Soldiers (Signal Studios): We’re not too thrilled with some of the real-time strategy games that are out there, due to the lack of that distinctive hook that keeps us coming back for more. Fortunately, Signal Studios offered an outstanding change of pace with Toy Soldiers. You play the game with actual toy army men, conquering one field of battle (a backyard, a toy room, etc.) at a time while battling it out using all sorts of weaponry. The ground tactics work better than the ones in the air, but there’s no question the game clicks wonderfully as a whole. Multiplayer rocks, too.
8. Hydro Thunder Hurricane (Vector Unit): If you’re going to do a sequel to a classic arcade racer, you have to make sure you do it absolutely right. Fortunately, that’s just what Vector Unit did with the unbeatable Hydro Thunder Hurricane, a wonderful homage to Midway’s classic from years before. The tracks are dangerous and challenging, the online play is damn smooth and the numerous options to unlock will keep you coming back for more. Just make sure you don’t get seasick. We don’t want to clean up your mess, buster.
This feature top 10 list continues on the next page, please click below to see our next couple choices for the top 10 Xbox LIVE Arcade games of 2010.
