Play the character of John Marston, a reformed criminal, who works for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Make your way through three distinct locales, two sets in the American West and one in Northern Mexico. The game’s setting is composed of rural areas along with number of towns and outposts erect on the landscape.

The West side elements are found in the action shmup. Find numerous Wanted poster plastered on local buildings. These posters are actually side missions that give clue where to find infamous criminals as well as how to recognize them based on description. If you do decide to run after these criminals, you can choose to either take them out with your turn-of-the-century armory of repeating Winchester rifles, six-shooters, and shotguns, or earn a bigger reward by roping them to the ground and turning them in alive. You can also choose to put a bullet or two in them to slow them down.

Expect to boost your honor if you succeed on quests such as capturing Most Wanted criminals or saving helpless travelers from being robbed. It affects how well regarded you are in the world. Sudden missions can also be seen in the course of your travels. You might run into an officer seeking out two prisoners who have just escaped from his caravan. It gives you ample chance to chase them down or simply keep moving.

You will soon receive admiration and tribute when you follow the noble route. The local sheriffs will even look the other way if you commit a minor crime. In normal circumstances, you would become a wanted man and have to pay off your bounty or do a favor for the local authorities to receive a pardon. If you take the bad guy route, people will glare or glower at you. Other criminals who know your notoriety will bid you a chance to work with them in pursuit of their objectionable and nasty plans.

No matter how good your character is, you still need to shed blood from time to time. The Western-themed action schmup is set at the 20th century, a time when the West was increasingly less wild. Yet, there is still an element of lawlessness around you thus explains the shootouts and violent eruptions. These acts of lawlessness can be as simple as a brawl out in the desert between you and a troop of outlaws. It can also be as complex as you charge a fort with a wagon loaded of explosives, taking on snipers camping on towers, and using a cannon to ward off waves of incoming reinforcements.

Red Dead Redemption looks like as very promising game due to its engaging plot that leaves you to choose whether you would want to play a good guy or a bad guy. It has the makings of a distinct game whose look and game play renders authentic to the era in American history.

Red Dead Redemption is an epic battle for survival in a beautiful open world as John Marston struggles to bury his bloodstained past, one man at a time.

Developed by Rockstar San Diego, Red Dead Redemption is coming for Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on April 27, 2010 in North America and on April 30, 2010 in Europe.

Technorati Tags: red dead redemption, Rockstar San Diego, Shmups, shoot em up, video game

Safari Studios released their Xbox Indie Arcade named Creed Arena. The game is filled with 16 arenas and unique game feature that involve winning over the fight crowds.

Play your way in arena battles set in gladiatorial fashion. You have various ways to play the game either solo, split-screen co-op, online multiplayer and even split-screen online multiplayer. Multiplayer feature is not always available for Xbox Indie titles.

Try out the demo and try out the Live Multiplayer game mode if you’re impressed enough to buy the game.

Snag this baby for 400 Microsoft point.

Read the full press release below.

Sydney, Australia – January 03, 2010 – Indie developer Safari Studios has just released Creed Arena onto XBOX Live Indie Games, a dazzling new shooter with some unique game mechanics.

In just 3 days of sales, Creed Arena has already surpassed many other games on the channel. XBOX shooter fans from around the world are hailing Creed Arena as the best indie shooter around.

Fetatures include:

• 16 unique arenas, each with a different challenge

• Solo Championship – become the most popular gladiator in the tournament

• Splitscreen Co-op – play through the game with a friend

• Online Multiplayer – try to get to the top of the global popularity chart

• Splitscreen Online Multiplayer – 2 people can play online together

About Creed Arena

Fight other gladiators infront of thousands of spectators. Become the most popular fighter in the tournament. Win enough fans to unleash your “crowd rage”, an intense rampage that makes you bigger, faster and more powerful. Unique weapons, 16 arenas, and intense action in solo, co-op and online muliplayer.

About Safari Studios

Safari Studios is a two man indie development team based in Sydney, Australia. Matthew and Laurence Rietdijk have been developing XBOX games for 2 years now, and one a top 20 position in Microsoft’s most recent Dream Build Play competition.

Technorati Tags: 2d Shooter, creed arena, indie shooter, Safari Studios, Shmups, video game, xbox live arcade

1942: Joint Strike
Rating: 7
1942: Joint Strike is Capcom’s long-overdue follow-up to the arcade classics 1942 and 1943. It features updated HD graphics and online coop play.

Aegis Wing
Rating: 8
Aegis Wing is a fun 3d game that looks good when you pas by some buildings but not really ground-breaking graphics.This game features two difficulty modes: normal and insane modes. Normal is suitable for 2-3 players or better yet choose insane mode good for 4 players. Aegis wing is double the fun when you play with friends or even with other people you haven’t met just online.

Alien Hominid
Rating: 8.5
Alien Hominid is not just a fun shooting game to play but an excellent fit for the XBLA. Try the demo even if shooters aren’t your cup of tea. Get to experience the style and humor of this game as you wound and slay every aliens that come your way.

Asteroids Deluxe
Rating: 5
Asteroids debuted back in 1979. It continues to one of the most influential game in history. It has been repackaged to Asteroid Deluxe “Evolved” version a classic game for its loyal fans but doesn’t exactly translate into an amazing experience on Xbox360. Asteroid Deluxe gives you achievement points that outweigh the purchase itself.

Assault Heroes
Rating: 8.7
Assault Heroes is a highly recommended XBLA titles. It is a challenging game with three difficulty levels – this game gets very tough at some points. Featuring a host of achievement and co-op play, Assault Heroes is one of the best XBLA titles on the market.

Assault Heroes 2
Rating: 8.5
Assault Heroes 2 is a great game for Xbox Live Arcade. It changes and improves elements compared to the original while keeping the features that everyone loved about the first game. It could be limited since it’s a top-down shooter and standard action but it doesn’t mean you won’t have fun with as it playing as a single-player or with your buddy wither locally or on Xbox Live.

Battlezone
Rating: 6
Battlezone may have received more than the usual bare minimum updates from seeing in classic games on the Live Arcade. The trouble is that Battlezone is not all that fun anymore. The updates show good effort but the design decision and source materials aren’t that great by today’s standards.

Centipede & Millipede
Rating: 5.7
Centipede & Millipede is worth 400 Microsoft Points (US $ 5), each comes with a classic and enhanced modes. It may sound like a good deal for getting two games for a price of one. This game is for those diehard Centipede fans out there.

Contra
Rating: 5
Contra is one of the first great co-op games both in arcades and at home on a lengthier NES version. Contra is worth your 400 Microsoft points or five dollars with an update soundtrack although the updated graphics doesn’t hold up to the classic version of the game.

Crystal Quest
Rating: 6.3
Crystal Quest is an adaptation from Macintosh. It has a simple and easy to grasp design. Fly your sphere around a rectangular map and collect crystals to open the gate at the bottom of the map.

Defender
Rating: 5.5
Defender was an early 80′s arcade smash-hit Defender. The best part of the new version of Defender on XBLA is its admirable Xbox 360 controller. Hardcore Defender fans will love it just to be able to compete for the highest score, but everyone else probably won’t need to give this a look.

Every Extend Extra Extreme
Rating: 8.5
Every Extend Extra Extreme or E4 displays visuals and unique concept making it an interesting game. This game offers more than flashing lights and mind-numbing patterns. Dig into this game a bit more, you’ll discover it’s also fun, addicting and oddly relaxing.

Galaga
Rating: 7
Galaga is the latest title to hit Xbox360′s virtual shelves. It misses out on some opportunities for expanded gameplay by deleting alternating co-operative play offline and online. For Galaga fans, this 400 Microsoft Point ($5 USD) title is worth it even if this isn’t the best version available.

Galaga Legions
Rating: 8.0 Great
You will love Galaga Legions as a true sequel to one of the greatest arcade shooters. It’s worth 800 Microsoft points and is worth the investment of time and money when you’re looking for another superior game.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
Rating: 8.2
Geometry Wars Evolved is a throwback to the Space Invader days thanks to its futuristic colors and sounds of the powerful 360. All Xbox games should be this fun. It may be a simple 2d game but it’s incredibly good looking and super fun to play for one minute or 60 for only $5.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2
Rating: 9
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 now comes with six modes sure to please fans of Geometry Wars. Out of these six modes, 3 modes are super fun while the other 3 at least serviceable. This solid sequel is definitely worth your $10.

Gyruss
Rating: 4.8
Gyruss falls into the thinly populated genre of tube shooters. It isn’t as good as the original arcade version and you have little reason to give this title more than a passing glance. Unless you want a walk down memory lane, Gyruss may be worth your 400 Microsoft points. Its gameplay may have gone stale over the past 20 years, this one can be given a pass.

Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank
Rating: 7.9
Heavy Weapon maybe a bit too repetitive game for its own good. It’s a shooter game nicely done with humor, well-thought presentation and organized achievements. Try this game as a diversion from other more thought extensive games.

Ikaruga
Rating: 9
Spend your 800 Microsoft Points or 10 dollars on this classic Dreamcast and Gamecube arcade shooter. Casual gamers may be overwhelmed and unable to scratch the surface of this classic. That would be a shame for Ikaruga can easily pass as one of the best titles on the Live Arcade.

Jetpac Refuelled
Rating: 8
At only 400 points, get your money’s worth with Jetpac Refueled. It’s more than updated graphics – it’s a whole new game thanks to its great multiplayer mode and classic achievement points. Every classic game should get this treatment.

Metal Slug 3
Rating: 7.5
Metal Slug 3 is loads of fun even without two bonus modes from the original Xbox version. Before you decide to buy Metal Slug 3, ask yourself if it is worth your ten dollars especially when awesome-looking shooters are raiding Xbox Marketplace.

Missile Command
Rating: 7
Missile Command is one title that stand the test of time. It comes packaged with 3d graphics, Techno soundtrack and new sound effects. Apart from its repetitive nature and Evolved game mode a bit easier, Missile Command will give you memorable experience both accomplished and new missile commanders will want to experience.

Mutant Storm Empire
Rating: 7.7
Mutant Storm Empire is the follow up to the successful Mutant Storm Reloaded. It is a it pricey worth 800 Microsoft points or 10 dollars considering its short play time. Somehow lost among the changes was the replay appeal of Reloaded. If you’re itching for another Robotron-inspired shooter, Mutant Storm Empire is the game with enough elements to make it worth playing.

Mutant Storm Reloaded
Rating: 7.5
Mutant Storm Reloaded is an interesting new game and is the less appreciated shooter eclipsed by Bizarre Creations’ Geometry Wars Evolved. Its developer Pom Pom has done an exceptional job at taking a simple concept and making it a pleasure to view and listen to.

Omega Five
Rating: 7.6
Omega Five is a breath of fresh air from the pool of XBLA re-releases of classic games. This gorgeous game can be easily named as one of the prettiest XBLA titles to date. The character animations are spectacular and show a real attention to detail. It’s the trophy wife of XBLA games which probably won’t last you more than a week but is fun and has enjoyable elements.

Rez HD
Rating: 8.6
Rez HD is a flashy and bright rail shooter game at its core that the sum of its part makes it so much more than that. It’s different and fun and a mix of cyberpunk and videogames collide, filled with trance music. Regardless of the type of gamer you are, this is a game that is at least worth trying.

Robotron: 2084
Rating: 7.5
Robotron: 2084 is a great addictive game just as good as its original version. It supports play over Xbox Live and lets you engage in cooperative and ranked and unranked versus matches. You’ll be just obsessed with this one though playing it with arcade joysticks is better than playing with controller sticks.

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil
Rating: 5.7
Rocketmen is a four player co-op which runs smoothly at a respectable framerate both online and offline. The downsides of this game play are the half-hearted RPG nods, impractical story treatment and frustrating camera that detract from the core of solid game play. Give this one a try if you’re looking for a Smash TV wannabe.

Scramble
Rating: 6.4
Scramble is a 25 year old game re-released on XBLA. The old-school game play isn’t nearly as engaging as it was in the early 80s. Unless you’re a big fan of Scramble, then this game is worth another look. If not, you’re much better off sticking with Galaga or Geometry Wars.

Shred Nebula
Rating: 7
Shred Nebula is the first release from DJames Goddard, head of a small development studio. The story behind its design is at least as interesting as the game itself. This space shooter deserves your attention if only for a short time. The art style is generic and often present same moments of enjoyment present in a quick game of Asteroids but still pretty good.

Smash TV
Rating: 7.6
If you liked Smash TV before it came to XBLA then you’re going to like it here since it hasn’t changed. Get expanded gameplay through Xbox Live and the ability to check online leaderboards. This game takes you down to memory lane as it reminds you of the days of games when you were hanging out in bowling alleys and grease arcade joysticks with pizza.

Space Giraffe
Rating: 7.5
Space Giraffe is an extremely weird and well-designed arcade game. This arcade-styled game is rewarding as scoring is deeply emphasized with its numerous way of telling you how you’re doing. If you’re looking for something that lies between an exciting arcade shooter and a twisted experiment in synesthesia, you’ll possibly fall head over heels with Space Giraffe.

Space Invaders
Release Date: December 31, 2009
Space Invaders gets a makeover. Taito revamps Space Invaders’ graphics, new visualizers exclusive to Xbox 360 created by Jeff Minter (Llamasoft) along with the upbeat electronic tracks perfectly synched to gameplay.

Star Trek D.A.C.
Release Date: May 31, 2009
Star Trek: D.A.C. is a top-down space shooter based on the movie reboot of the Star Trek franchise. Players can break into squads of six or as a feeration of the Romulans.

Super Contra
Rating: 6.5
Super Contra deserves substantial care and attention though it stands the test of time better than some other “classic” games. From ugly borders and out of place visual effects to choppy net code, it’s plain to see more work could have been done to this title. Only true fans of the original Contra should get Super Contra at 400 Microsoft Points or 5 dollars.

Tempest
Rating: 6
If you’re after arcade classics such as Tempest in general, this might be in your best interest to pick up this latest release from Atari. Don’t expect to get a completely new rendition of this old classic for five bucks you shouldn’t expect much more.

Time Pilot
Rating: 7
Time Pilot is a perfect example of an arcade game better left untouched in its dusty, unplayed, original stand-up arcade unit without any need for translation to the Xbox 360. Konami’s shooter contains a decent original port, an excellent new HD upgrade, and a substandard online mode, all comprising a cheap ($5) but un-compelling addition to the XBLA archives.

Triggerheart Exelica
Rating: 5.7
Triggerheart Exelica has found a new life on the Xbox Live Arcade but without any ground-breaking transformations. In classic top-down shooter fashion, the game doesn’t have much to offer with only 5 stages in it. For all shoot-em-up fans out there, Triggerheart Exelica is worth your 400 Microsoft Points or 5 dollars but everyone else should wait.

Undertow
Rating: 8.7
Undertow is fast, fun, attractive and can support 16 players online which makes it worthy of its price tag. Spend 800 Microsoft Points or 10 dollars on this game and invite a few friends for a fun downtime.

War World
Rating: 5
War World is one of the more technically impressive looking games on Xbox Live Arcade. It’s a mech-game in appearance only thus War World lacks personality. From looking at its less than a minute trial period of play, it looks nice but there isn’t much under the hood.

Xevious
Rating: 6
Xevious is one of the world’s earliest top-down shooter but unfortunately is among the worst games as a XBLA game. It features only its classic single-player game and an online leaderboard. This unimproved and overpriced version of Xevious is best left in the past.

Technorati Tags: 2d shooters, contra, defender, rating, Shmups, video games, xevious

For those people who are bored with average same old MMO type of games, Valkyrie Sky is a fun and nice new game for you. Valkyrie Sky is a perfect game for all fans of Tohou, Raiden and Galaga. The game play offer many surprises with some nice twist to it. It’s certainly not repetitious and players’ control skills have dramatic effects on battle results.

Pick from four main characters having three sets of jobs each. Every job has four skills which maybe a combination of some quite very useful while some utterly insignificant. The type class highly recommended for players who are new to this game is to select Knight and Mage type classes. Both classes are simple to use. Knight is great for parties along with their interest in a front line that will protect them bullets.

Next stop is the skill system. There is a system in game type similar to a fusion system where skills on a box can be arranged to form passive skills. These passive skills prove to be helpful since some of them provide normal attacks extra chances to shoot more bullets. Get to change jobs ingame anytime you want as long as you have certain requirements stats and money to pay the gold fee. Maximize the skill fusion system by changing jobs. Note that once you switch jobs you can’t raise the skills of your previous job but you can add those skills on the fusion chart. The quests are all found in one area making it so easy.

Shortly after making your character, a short tutorial is enabled which you can view or skip. There isn’t so much found in the tutorial besides knowing how to play.

Before you begin your mission, you must face a couple of quests inside the Council area on the upper left side of the starting town. You can keep on talking to these guys until you reach level two. Hold down right click or space bar after completing all your quests and see your character fly up to the world map. The world map has different icons on the map. Look for the skull maps which are dungeon maps and can only be unlocked by reaching certain levels.

Upon reaching a skull map, you can them hook up with your friends found in that area. On the other hand, if they aren’t on the same channel as you press “P” to display the players menu type the name of your friends before clicking the button next to where you typed your friend’s name. When you are next to your friends, just click on his name on the “P” players menu to auto invite him to join the party. The default controls are Z for normal attack while A, S, D, F are for your skills. Arrow keys enable you to move around the map, X for berserk mode and space bar for bomb or special power up.

Be aware that the first two areas may be “boring-to-death” zones. Have patience to wait until you get to the fourth and fifth areas where the fun begins. Anticipate for bullets and monsters appearing from every corner. You may find the game too easy at this point so try soloing them without dying.

Valkyrie Sky is practically lag-free when playing with others gamers around the globe. Yolim Communications did a superb job with the lag system in this game that you don’t have to worry about dying to bullets in lag. They tapped in a sync system to sync players in the room.

Let’s move on to the not so cool part in this game. You end up wasting stamina each time you begin a stage and the costs of each stage differs depending on the time of the day. Say, it costs you as much as life insurance when you stat stages at night. It’s wise not to do stages at night not unless you have stored a lot of food. You can only replenish stamina by cooking meals or monsters dropping food at the end of stages. Go fishing to cook food and fish the main ingredient while the rest of the salt and spices are easily obtained from your average dungeon NPC.

The Auction House system makes things easier more especially with shopping. The blacksmith is always in town for your item crafting needs. You don’t need to master Korean language to fully play and know the game. It is pretty simple and easy to play after you get the hang of it, though it could be better when its resolution is higher.

Keep your eyes open when Valkyrie Sky comes in Open Beta very soon!

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Duration : 0:8:23

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