This post has not been edited by the GamesBeat staff. Opinions by GamesBeat community writers do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.
Track Architect
Track Architect is a lot like the indie, toy-car version of Trials HD. It has the same basic premise as that recent XBLA hit – your goal is to get to the end of a track without succumbing to the hazards of a sensible, if not realistic, physics engine. It’s never as easy as racing over some rolling hills either – you’re tasked with navigating collapsing bridges, rows of dominos, and powerful gusts of wind.
The architect side of Track Architect comes in the shape of a super-simple track editor. Without a way to share levels, this ends up being one of the games foibles, as the track editor seems like an excuse to limit the amount of in-game levels. Those who have no interest in creative game design may find themselves quickly burning through the game with little reason to go back. Thankfully, at a mere dollar, you can have your fun with the small offering of levels and come away without regret. (80pts)
Ninja Guardian
There’s a lot of odd coincidences on XBLI – Ninja Guardian is the second ninja platforming game to come out in about seven days. Ninja Train was the first. They both feature tiny, cutesy ninjas, stylized presentation, and an obscured or limited view of the action. But while Ninja Train offered little more than a light snack, Ninja Guardian is more substantial. You must bound from platform to platform, maintaining momentum in order to reach your goal above. The actual jumping is automatic, but you must move left to right while each platform falls out from under you. The game demands quick reflexes – the moment you realize there’s no nearby platforms and plummet to your death can be frustrating, but you’ll most likely jump right back in and try again. (240pts)
Arrow Run
It turns out that when all the commands in a quicktime event are laid out on the screen before you, it’s actually pretty fun. Arrow Run proves this with an experience that could be described as Dance Dance Revolution Racing. The idea is to quickly navigate a maze of arrows by inputting the corresponding d-pad direction. The visual noise in the sea of arrows will slow you down, as a false move leaves you stuck in place briefly. It’s surprisingly entertaining for such a simple premise – especially one inspired by one of the most irritating gameplay tropes of this console generation. (80pts)
15 Puzzle
15 Puzzle is the videogame version of that tile-based, sliding jigsaw puzzle we’ve all seen in countless happy meals, dollar stores, and gimmick shops. Normally I’d be hard on something that’s a simple adaptation of a kid’s toy, but 15 Puzzle’s mix of perfect controls and beautiful, hi-res photography makes for an enjoyable experience. Sure it’s derivative, but it does what it does with class. (240pts)
Hot Potato Online
Reminiscent of Bomberman, but unique in its own right, Hot Potato Online offers a customizable, fast-paced online multiplayer game. It’ll be interesting to see how the game fares over internet connections, but the core idea is a blast. Your goal is to toss a bomb around and make sure it’s not in your hands when it explodes. Simple enough, but the twist comes with a variety of environmental hazards that will ricochet the bomb, teleport it to other parts of the arena, or make it explode on contact. This could be great for parties, and it’s worth mentioning that profits from the game will go to the Child’s Play charity. (400pts)
Colotristar (240pts) – Looks like Bejeweled, plays like something else. It would be engaging except for some sluggish animations that bring down the entire experience.
??????????????! (800pts) – Those with fond memories of Super Dodgeball will want to give this game a shot, but the overlong matches and insane cost will deter most.
BallsAndBlocks (80pts) – This Marble Blast Ultra wannabe is too sluggish and stress-inducing to enjoy.
Hotel Danger (80pts) – Hotel Danger is fun for the five minutes it takes to discover all the reasons it’s terrible.
No apps this week!