Jetpac Refueled
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Rare
Microsoft Points: 400 ($5.00 USD)
Before Rare went on to create now-classics such as Donkey Kong Country and Goldeneye, it started out like many British developers did, with two school-age brothers designing games on a home computer. Originally released in 1983, Jetpac was a huge hit on the GX Spectrum. For years, the easiest way for console gamers to experience this space classic was to own a copy of Donkey Kong 64; it was an unlockable game within the cartridge.
In the vein of Geometry Wars Evolved, Rare has retooled the classic title with Jetpac Refueled. It's an updated version of Jetpac with enhanced graphics but the same fun core gameplay. It's also a mindlessly fun space shooter that should be easily digestible for everyone from the hardcore to the old-school. For a generation that hadn't experienced the game at all, it's a very welcome introduction; the original Jetpac is also included, with a few achievements tossed in as an incentive. For five bills, we can't argue with this purchase, especially after having some very fun multiplayer sessions over Live between North and South offices. Thumbs emphatically up.
Luxor 2
Publisher: Mumbo Jumbo
Developer: Mumbo Jumbo
Microsoft Points: 800 ($10.00 USD)
Mumbo Jumbo is among one of the most prominent publishers in the casual games market, besides PopCap Games. Its sequel to the 2005 puzzler Luxor made its debut last Wednesday on Live Arcade. It's a fairly fun title that takes on the same fundamental marble-elimination mechanics that have driven titles such as PopCap's Zuma, Mitchell Corporation's 1998 Puzz Loop and last year's Magnetica on Nintendo DS. While we initially weren't exactly thrilled by what Luxor 2 offered in terms of originality (heck, at this point, Mitchell allegedly threatened to sue PopCap for ripping off Puzz Loop, but nothing's happened), it grew on us. It's a time-waster more than a fulfilling Live Arcade experience in the vein of Jetpac Refuelled, but for those who've cashed in their 200 points on Zuma, it's a journey worth taking again.
What Luxor 2 might lack in originality, it makes up for in presentation. While Zuma went for a pseudo-indigenous American theme, Luxor 2 apes our preconceived ideas of Ancient Egypt with no semblance of shame. The biggest difference, however, is that Luxor 2's visual and music presentation is cleaner than PopCap's title. While some Zuma owners might be perfectly happy with one iteration of what is fundamentally the same game, achievement hunters and gamers who've never played this genre would be well suited to download Luxor 2. Thumbs up.
Phew. That wraps up yet another edition of Download That! In our next installment, look forward to wrap-ups of some eagerly anticipated new titles, including Bizarre Creations' Boom Boom Rocket on Xbox Live Arcade, and Mortal Kombat II on PlayStation Network. Also, if you're a fan of some of the classic titles we've profiled, be sure to check out some of our Planet sites, such as Nintendo Database and Lylat Wars. In the meantime, we'll be burning through Wii Points and filling our PlayStation wallets. Happy gaming!
Download That! is written by Sterling McGarvey, who wonders what would happen if Sega suddenly decided to resurrect Alex Kidd for a next-gen platformer.
