I MAED A GAM3 W1TH ZOMBIES 1NIT!!!1

Produced by: Jamezila

Price: 80 Microsoft Points

Format: Xbox 360

Genre: Shooter

Source: Xbox Live Indie Marketplace

So you may be wondering what the hell this game is. Well my friend, I'll tell you. It's the sort of game that has you sit down to play for five minutes, only to find an hour has passed. It's the sort of game where you play the trial version and find yourself hitting the "Unlock Full Game" button within minutes. I MAED A GAM3 W1TH ZOMBIES 1NIT!!!1 is the sort of game that should make you stop reading this recommendation right now and go try it.

Alright, I'm assuming you've gone, played the game and probably wasted a little too much time on it. That's perfectly healthy. Now, as you well know, this game is a perfect example of the shoot 'em up genre. This game is fast, brutal and a hell of a lot of fun. You should feel privileged I even stopped playing so soon after discovering it just to suggest it to you. The game is a simple affair. You use the left and right sticks to move and shoot respectively. All manner of zombies, asteroids and snakes will assault you, in some truly great references to classic arcade gaming. They'll drop powerups as they die, ranging from extra lives and shields to flamethrowers, rocket launchers and miniguns. This keeps the game frantic and varied. Certain weapons are best suited to certain enemies and play styles, so there is a fair amount of exploration to be had.

If you're the kind person who enjoys games with friends then fear not; four people can play coop, for some truly chaotic zombie-murder. All the action is accompanied by a superb soundtrack and at less than a pound, you can't really come up with a legitimate excuse not to try this game. Do it. Now.

"I MAED A GAM3 W1TH ZOMBIES 1NIT!!!1" Jamezilla

Port Royale 2

Produced by: Ascaron Software

Price: £2.99

Format: PC

Genre: Strategy

Source: Steam

This weeks game is one geared toward Strategy fans. That isn't to say you shouldn't try it if your not a vetern of the genre, especially as Port Royale 2 is one of the more accessible strategy titles out there.

Port Royale 2 offers both Scenario and Freeplay modes. The game comes with a handful of scenarios, each with specific objectives to achieve in order to complete them, but freeplay is the meat of the package. This is a sandbox mode wherein the player is let loose on the Caribbean, to do with it as they will. After picking a home port, you'll be given a ship and a warehouse. From there it's really up to you. You'll have to start off trading goods between ports, but it's not hard to get the hang of doing so profitably, which can be largely attributed to the excellent trading interface. The interface is extremely accessible, making it easy to identify which goods are in demand, which are in surplus and how much profit you'll make from a sale.

Aside from trading, you can put your hard earned cash toward setting up your own plantations in the various ports and towns. This allows you to produce your own goods, whether that be growing cotton or distilling rum. It's extremely satisfying to establish a profitable business, growing your own cotton to then turn into clothing, especially when you become wealthy and famous enough to manage your own town. You can increase your rank through wealth alone, but if the quiet life of a merchant doesn't suit you there are always missions to take on from the local governors. This can involve hunting down pirates, entering into fierce ship battles (with a combat system reminiscent of the Sid Meier's game), or simply picking up lost cargo afloat in the Caribbean.

You can purchase a letter of marque to help in one nation's wars, or simply prey on unsuspecting ships and earn the fear and respect of the locals. All of these actions take place on a beautifully drawn map of the Caribbean, so you won't get bored sailing from place to place. Even in port there's a variety of things to do, including gambling at the inn, funding celebrations in your honour or donating money to produce new cannons to protect a dock.

All in all, there is enough in Port Royale 2 to keep most players amused for a long time. At £2.99 you really are getting a great deal.

"Do Not Be Fearful" Mantra of a Caribbean Sailor

Spelunky

Produced by: Derek Yu

Price: Free

Format: PC

Genre: Platformer

Source: Spelunky World

I'm starting off my newest blog with a personal favourite. I discovered this game a few months back and I'm pleased to say it has provided me with entertainment on a regular basis. Best of all, it's free, so there's no reason not to try it.

Spelunky is best described as a 2D platformer possessing roguelike qualities, in that the levels are randomised and death is permanent. The game incorporates the simplicity of the former with the brutality of the latter, but the tight controls mean it's hard to blame the game when you die. You take on the role of the titular Spelunky. He can run, jump, crouch and throw stuff, as well as use a variety of tools and weapons. Believe me when I say there is a lot to see in this game (especially for a free title). You start each level with rope and bombs, but as you progress you'll acquire tools ranging from the mundane, pickaxes and handguns, to the obscure, teleporters and magic staffs. Enemies are equally as varied, from snakes to yetis, and even UFOs.

Needless to say there is a lot of replayability here, especially because every time you play the levels are procedurally generated. Starting a new game you might find a snake pit, a Golden Idol, or simply an underground store where you can buy items, or attempt to rob the shotgun-wielding shopkeeper (and thereby earn the wrath of every other shopkeeper you meet thereafter). The best thing about Spelunky is that every experience with the game will be unique, and you'll still find it surprising you, even after months of playing it.

The informative tutorial helps you learn the basics, but it's your own experiences that will help you master Spelunky. Progression will be slow to start, but eventually you'll advance far enough to buy tunnels which allow you to skip ahead a few levels. You'll soon learn that this is a feature to be thankful for. Completing the game from start to finish without dying is a daunting task, and one I still seek to achieve myself.

Spelunky is a game to approach with a sense of adventure. In fact, I believe the creator summarises it the best:

"Don't be afraid to die! But also don't be afraid to live! Happy Spelunky-ing" Derek Yu