Xbox Live Marketplace Arcade April 29 2009

Banjo Tooie and Virtual-On Release for 1200 MS Points - XBLA Reviews

Apr 30, 2009 Bradley Kairis

Xbox Live Marketplace releases two more arcade games for 1200 MS points each, but are either worth the $15? Find out below in two quick Xbox Live Arcade reviews.

Every week Xbox Live Marketplace releases at least one new Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) game. April 29, 2009 Microsoft released two new XBLA classic titles - the 3D N64 platformer Banjo Tooie (sequel to Banjo Kazooie) by Rare for 1200 MS points - and Sega's old-school mech-fighting sim Virtual-On OT, also priced at 1200 MS points. Read on for the XBLA Banjo Tooie review and the XLBA Virtual-On OT review.

XBLA April 29, 2009 - Banjo Tooie Review

Originally released for the Nintendo 64 (N64), this sequel to Banjo Kazooie features the bear and bird once again in a 3D platforming adventure to defeat the evil witch Gruntilda. The game was highly praised at the time, with a GameRankings/MetaCritic rating of 90. However, this isn't 2000. After two more game generations, does this old-school platforming adventure contain enough fun and excitement for 1200 MS Points?

Aside from minor graphical upgrades (mostly smoother pixels and sharper textures), the game remains largely unchanged. Fans of old-school 3D platformers such as Mario 64 will likely enjoy the gameplay offered in Banjo Tooie.

However, other minor annoyances may interrupt the fun factor for some gamers. The humor attempted in this odd title often falls short, and the audio can be nerve-grating. Picking up coins results in an irritating pluck of the banjo, while performing attacks with the bird results in high-pitched squawks.

With very little more to offer gamers, nostalgic fans should only purchase Banjo Tooie if the original cartridge were lost or sold. For gamers who missed out on the original release, Banjo Tooie offers old-school 3D platforming when the genre was at its finest. However, at 1200 MS Points, Banjo Tooie faces fierce competition from other XBLA titles, most of which cost less.

Final Verdict: Pass

Aside from nostalgic gamers and hardcore fans of 3D platformers, Banjo Tooie simply does not offer enough value for the 1200 MS points cost.

XBLA April 29, 2009 - Virtual-On OT ReviewGiant mechs fight one another in a 3D battlefield. The Virtual On series has seen numerous arcade games, and several ports to various Sega consoles. But does this mech combat sim stand the test of time for 1200 MS points?

Similar to the first few Virtua Fighter games, the games featured 3D primarily for the sole purpose of featuring 3D. Back then, 3D gaming was new and fresh and still in an experimenting stage. And Virtua On simply does not stand tall as a benchmark title for 3D gaming.

The controls feel clunky and awkward; they're workable, but definitely not intuitive. The AI opponents range from frustrating to laughably stupid. Sometimes they dash constantly while spamming the same powerful moves over and over, while other times the AI believes waiting to be shot is a good tactic. And while the 3D mechs look decent, the 3D levels look bland and ugly.

Fortunately, the Xbox Live Arcade version of Virtual-On features one-on-one online fights, which can extend the gameplay slightly. But fans and newcomers should definitely try the demo before purchasing. Nostalgia has a way of blinding gamers' judgment until it's too late.

Virtua On could make for an excellent next-gen sequel if designed properly, but too many mistakes in the original title simply makes the game look dated.

Final Verdict: Pass

Similar to Banjo Tooie, Virtua On OT simply does not offer enough to warrant a 1200 MS point price tag. This goes double for Virtua On, however, as the game suffers considerably from clunky controls and an outdated 3D fighting mechanic.

Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday April 29 2009 Conclusion

Aside from nostalgic gamers who have eagerly awaited such releases, this week in XBLA is a bit of a let-down for most. Xbox Live Arcade needs more great Indie titles and original arcade hits, not overpriced rehashes of old titles. Just like Lode Runner, Banjo Tooie and Virtua-On OT rely too much on nostalgia to warrant the 1200 MS points cost. Gamers should definitely try the two demos before deciding on a purchase.

The copyright of the article Xbox Live Marketplace Arcade April 29 2009 in Video & Online Games is owned by Bradley Kairis. Permission to republish Xbox Live Marketplace Arcade April 29 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Banjo Tooie on N64 comes to XBLA for 1200 points