Good Xbox Games You May Be Missing...

[RamPanther]

Hello, everyone! I thought I'd take a few moments and share some Xbox gems that don't receive nearly enough respect. Some are rough around the edges, while others are as fluid as mercury.  I hope you'll all give these titles a second (or first) glance.  They deserve their 15 minutes of fame.

Dai Senryaku VII: ($20 new)

A fantastic new turn-based strategy release for the Xbox.  I cannot rave about this game enough!  400 units, an excellent map builder,  a huge campaign, free form play, multiplayer options, aggressive AI and SAVE AT ANY POINT options. This the big daddy of games like Advance Wars and Massive Assault. The graphics are not xbox-worthy, but this is the best strategy game on any console platform at the moment.  If you love strategy games, you MUST give this title a test run.

Reviews: http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/583046.asp?q=dai

Buy:  http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/244817.asp


Deathrow: ($20 new)

A futuristic sports title that is fast, furious, and supremely violent. This is one of the original Xbox release titles that did not receive nearly enough accolades.  Win by finesse or beat the other team into submission.  Smack people around with an electrified disc, and then kick them in the back of the head.  Having a hard time scoring? Kill the other team! The game has tons of options and some very fluid controls. Play arena matches against Ninja, Convicts and Mutants. Andrenaline junkies only! This game moves FAST!  One word of warning- the first hour of the game is daunting. The computer will eat you alive until you understand how to adjust to the speed and treat your team properly.

Reviews:  http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/560434.asp

Buy: New copies at Amazon.com



Phantom Dust ($20 new, available in March)

After playing the incredible Japanese demo, I was hooked. Phantom Dust is an action/tactical title that boasts some beautiful eye candy, and tons of skills ("cards") to acquire and abuse.  Although the game focuses on multiplayer, there is a solid 100+ mission single-player portion to conquer.  Phantom Dust is a great $20 addiction.

Reviews: http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/918888.asp

Buy: http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/255669.asp


Wrath Unleashed: ($20 new)

This is the weak link of the group, but still a solid, unusual title. Part intense fighting-action, part hex-based fantasy strategy. Throw in a dose of magic and blend.  The game has some wonderful elements that give it more depth then can be seen at face value.  Wrath Unleashed is a diamond in the rough that is worth $20.  

Reviews:  http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/914875.asp?q=wrath%20unleashed

Buy:  Amazon.com


Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath:  ($50 new)

Its hard to believe this game is selling poorly because it is so damned good.  This is one of the best FPS games for the xbox. It has a unique setting, outlandish characters, and some great live ammunition (I mean that literally). Who wouldn't want to be a bounty hunter? Apparently most people.  Its hard to believe that Microsoft dropped this quality title, but based on initial sales it looks like they made the right choice.

Reviews: http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/915256.asp?q=oddworld

Buy:  http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/246237.asp


Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders ($20 new)

Dynasty Warriors on steriods. Better graphics. More units. More strategy. More upgrades. The control scheme takes some time to master, the voice-overs are grating, but the combat is simply awesome.
KUF 2 has already been announced.

Reviews: http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/475761.asp?q=kingdom%20under%20fire

Buy: http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/243962.asp

[Devil]

Dai Senryaku VII: ($20 new) - Got it
Deathrow: ($20 new) - Had it
Phantom Dust ($20 new, available in March) - Gettin it
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath: ($50 new) - Got it

All good choices!

[RamPanther]

The Devil is one class act.    (Hmmm...that doesn't sound so good...)

[stiffler]

I already own Deathrow, KoF: The Crusaders, and Oddworld: SW.

I am definately going to get Dai Senryaku VII when I see it and plan on Phantom Dust when it's released.

Since I dig your tastes I am going to see if I can't find a copy of Wrath.  I'm always up for something a little different.

I love this topic, by the way.  Hopefully others will hop in with their bargin bin babies.  I'll have to check my collection for some lesser-known titles and hopefully have something to add.

[Devil]

Thanks Ram!

I'll try and see if I can add any value with a few titles of my own...

Voodoo Vince maybe?

[rrmorton]

Psi Ops!

http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/914552.asp?q=psi%20ops

[AgtFox]

Voodoo Vince maybe?

This is an excellent choice, although I know many didn't like it.

[RamPanther]

Voodoo Vince is alot like Wrath Unleashed in the sense that it showed alot of promise, but fell short of being a great game.  I've seen VV for $5-10 new. That is an absolute steal for such a solid game.  (if platforming is your thing)

Its definitely one of those titles where you want to see a second game, just so you can watch the developers refine their skills and learn from their mistakes.

Psi Ops!

Enjoyed this game, too. I had only a couple complaints with it:

1) Those forced training levels with each new skill.
2) Those damned invisible mines

[coopasonic]

Just what I needed, a list of more games to buy... Die Seinfeld 7 looks like my kinda thing

[RamPanther]

I'm really hoping people will support Dai Senryaku. The Xbox (all consoles, actually) could use more hardcore strategy games like this. It is a very complex but addictive game, similar to what you would expect on a PC.  Gamespot gets the nuances absolutely correct:

There are nearly two dozen different types of terrain, many of which can provide units with various degrees of cover against attacks. For example, an infantry squad holed up in a dense forest can be very difficult for most foes to flush out. Most every type of unit packs multiple weapons, too. You wouldn't expect that infantry squad to be effective against some attack helicopters, but infantry can pack surface-to-air missiles, in addition to rifles. However, each weapon has limited ammunition, so the infantry had better make its SAM shot count. You'll need to keep an eye on your units' fuel reserves, too.

A support truck can resupply fuel and ammunition out in the field, or units can retreat to a friendly occupied city to replenish their fuel and ammo, as well as their numbers. A unit's facing is also an important factor. Most tanks' armor tends to be much weaker on the sides and in the back, so a well-orchestrated flanking maneuver can be used to inflict heavy damage while sustaining minimal casualties. About the only thing you won't need to worry about is the weather, which is constant and has no impact on battle.

Action occurs at all altitudes. While jets dogfight high in the sky, submarines hunt one another under the sea. Helicopters can hover just above ground level, while aircraft carriers support ground forces from the coast.

I really have only three complaints with the game:

1) No changing weather patterns

2) With so many types of units, they can be difficult to distinguish.
(Thankfully, hovering your cursor over the unit gives the necessary info)

3) I'd love to see a more cohesive, personable storyline added to the game.

[Chrisoc13]

Agreed completely on Death Row and on Oddworld. Deathrow came out of nowhere, and left just as quickly. I have spent hours playing that game with my friends. Its a great game to play when you get a group together. Not as much for me when playing alone.

[Chrisoc13]

And wow, just looked up the info on Dai Senryaku VII, I need to try that out, stat! That game looks pretty sweet. I havnt seen it anywhere or even heard about it.

[Bullwinkle]

Can anyone tell me how long, on average, the missions are in Dai Senryaku VII?  I do like strategy games (especially good ones for $20), but I find I don't have the time I used to (or, honestly, the patience, which may put this one out of the running for me).

[TheMissingLink]

You can save at ANY TIME during your mission.  Comes in very handy

The first mission took me about an hour...but I'm an idiot and overlooked something.  So perhaps less than that.

[Chaz]

Sega Soccer Slam and Kung Fu Chaos are two of the neatest mulitplayer games I've run across in a while.

[Lockdown]

Great thread.  

I am interested in hearing about the map creator part of this Dai game.
Is it like a scenario editor where I can set up my own battles?  From reading one review, it sounds like you can... but I'm not sure.

How is the A.I?  Are there difficulty levels for morons like me in all modes of the game, or just the campaign?

What about camera control?  If I want to zoom out to get a good view of the "world map", can I do that?

I read one review which sounds pretty good.  But I would like to hear more from someone who's played it.


LD

[rrmorton]

Invisible mines, rampanther? Did you forget about your night vision goggles?

[RamPanther]

Is it like a scenario editor where I can set up my own battles? From reading one review, it sounds like you can... but I'm not sure.

How is the A.I? Are there difficulty levels for morons like me in all modes of the game, or just the campaign?

The map editor is extremely easy to use, and allows you to create your own battles.

It allows you to adjust:

Terrain
Units
Players
Countries
Funds
Fuel
Allies
Max # of Turns
Difficulty
Map Name

When playing the Free portion of the game, you can adjust the difficulty level by changing the options listed above. For example, if you pick the map "Normandy Beach", it asks if you wish to adjust the settings before play.

What about camera control? If I want to zoom out to get a good view of the "world map", can I do that?

The left and right trigger zoom the game. You can zoom out to where the hexes are absurdly small (full map view), or zoom in to the point where one unit takes up a third of the screen. You can shift the viewing perspective with the right analog stick. Scrolling across the map is done with either the D pad or the left analog stick. I personally use the D pad because the analog stick is overly sensitive for my tastes.

[TheMissingLink]

I really like the camera system (to answer your question, Lockdown) as you use the right analog stick and the two triggers to zoom in and out.  It's slick as snot.

[RamPanther]

Invisible mines, rampanther? Did you forget about your night vision goggles?

I used that Psi ability that allows you to see the mines, but for some reason I found them amazingly hard to bypass in certain areas. In one particular area I died about 10 times in a row despite creeping at a snail's pace.

Still a good game, however. I love using my powers to slam enemies into their friends and then quickly toss them over the side of the building

[stiffler]

I bought Wrath today.

Still looking for DS VII...

[ATB]

Invisible mines, rampanther? Did you forget about your night vision goggles?

I used that Psi ability that allows you to see the mines, but for some reason I found them amazingly hard to bypass in certain areas. In one particular area I died about 10 times in a row despite creeping at a snail's pace.

Still a good game, however. I love using my powers to slam enemies into their friends and then quickly toss them over the side of the building

All I know is that I died more time on those mine levels than I ever have in any game ever.  It was one of the most frustrating sequences in a game I've ever played through in my entire life.  Still gave the game a solid B and would definitely go for a sequel.

[depward]

Voodoo Vince was a pretty quality game.  And I pretty much enjoyed it.  But there was a part that somewhat resembled the original Max Payne dream sequence's "walk on this little tight rope" part.  Except the little lines you're supposed to walk on shined in the beginning and then dissappeared, making you have to remember which was to go.  Needless to say, it was frustrating as hell.

But beside that, I really liked my time with VV.  I would recommend it for 10$ definately.

[Bullwinkle]

Voodoo Vince was one of the most underrated platformers on the Xbox, you're right, depwad.  You might also check out Scaler for $20.  Doesn't have the charm of Vince, but its platforming is excellent.

[Bob]

You should be able to find Wrath Unleashed at Best Buys for $10.

[Lockdown]

Thanks for the answers guys.

I will find this game ASAP.  I may not play it in depth for awhile, as all the Baseballs are now coming out, but it sounds too good to pass up.

Two final questions...  

1.  Will I be happy with the stats on each unit?  IoW... say I hover my cursor over an Apache (for example), can I click a button that brings up a stat screen for armor ratings, speed, ammo, rank, etc.. etc...?  And does it give you enough information where you feel like, "Yeah, I understand the strengths and weaknesses of this unit just fine." ?

2.  Is it strictly One vs. One?   Or can I set up a map with US, China, USSR, and Israel all battling each other for world domination, ala Risk?

LD

[RamPanther]

1. Will I be happy with the stats on each unit? IoW... say I hover my cursor over an Apache (for example), can I click a button that brings up a stat screen for armor ratings, speed, ammo, rank, etc.. etc...? And does it give you enough information where you feel like, "Yeah, I understand the strengths and weaknesses of this unit just fine." ?

2. Is it strictly One vs. One? Or can I set up a map with US, China, USSR, and Israel all battling each other for world domination, ala Risk?

1 The unit information is very detailed, and can indeed be accessed with the press of a button. They are:

-Price of unit
-# of units remaining in squad
-class
-stealth rating
-standard movement abilities
-rushed unit abilities
-Load Type
-current detection range
-Current firepower rating against fighters, helicopters, vehicles, infantry, ships, submarines
-movement costs based on terrain type
-ammunition levels
-units current level (E to S)

When entering combat it also addes the following stats:
-possible hit rating by percentage
-terrain rating
-unit composure


2. You can set up allies. It does not need to be one on one.

I hope this helps. Incidentally, the first production run was only 20,000 units, so I wouldn't wait too long to snag a copy. It won't be a collector's item, but it may become difficult to find.

[mytocles]

I've only liked two "button-mashing repeat the level until you get Perfect rating" games in my life.  one was LOTR Two Towers, which many people liked.  the first Crimson Sea (XB), however, seems to have been bought by me and ten other people.  as painful as button-mashers are for me, the game has to be something that really grabs me or i won't go very far with it.  Crimson Sea did  that - at least until it got too hard to play further (i think i got 3/4 or more through it before i crashed and burned on a boss i couldn't get by).  

it's pretty much everything i don't like in games, but it was recommended by someone i trusted, so i tried it.  it looks Japanese-anime-ish, with the pretty-boy lead character and a sidekick who you have to research the Web to find out if it's a girl or a boy. there are other characters later, who you arrange in a pattern around you, based on their abilities.  it has insane action - but one unique feature, in that if you die often enough in the same level - 3 or 4 times maybe, you can enter an easier mode.  the bosses are unbelievable, too - if you like boss battles you should give this a shot.

it's a sci-fi title, with some nice weapon selections, some RPG elements, tons of strange insects and creatures, a little puzzle stuff, some jumping around, some mazes, etc.  -  really,  a little of everything.  add the challenge of figuring out how to complete each level to get a good rating, therefore more money and weapons, and i'd say it's one of the toughest games i've ever played (and not given up on in an hour, lol).

be careful if you decide to try it - i've seen it at GameStop, and similar places, for twenty dollars plus, but you can get it on eBay or Amazon for about ten or fifteen bucks.  another note: there is Crimson Sea for the Xbox - and Crimson Sea 2 for the PS2 - go figure.

[stiffler]

another note: there is Crimson Sea for the Xbox - and Crimson Sea 2 for the PS2 - go figure.

I believe that Crimson Sea 2 has all the cutscenes from the first game unlocked at the beginning so new players can catch up with the story.  I want to get CS2 but haven't yet found it under $30.  I am not too happy with seeing the first on the Xbox and the sequel on the PS2.

For another overlooked platformer, check out Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy.

I might be in the minority here, but I also enjoyed the cosmic battle between feline and porcine kind portrayed in Blinx the Time Sweeper and Blinx 2: Masters of Time and Space.

I'm slowly adding to my bargain collection, as I picked up Kung Fu Chaos today.

[Lockdown]

I hope this helps. Incidentally, the first production run was only 20,000 units, so I wouldn't wait too long to snag a copy. It won't be a collector's item, but it may become difficult to find.

So last night I go to my local GameStop to pick up a copy of Homeworld 2 for my nephew as a gift, and while I'm there, I ask my buddy about this Japanese War Game, and if they have it in stock.  He says, "Oh, that game.  Well, believe it or not, I special ordered it for another person awhile back, and he never came in to pick it up, so here you go, our one and only copy."

HE SHOOTS ... HE SCORES!!!!

Every once in a great while, I actually catch a break.  Thanks for all the help in making my decision.

LD  

[RamPanther]

I hope you like it lockdown! I really think DS7 a fantastic game. Definitely worth $20. (I would have even paid $50)

[Harpua3]

I just got second sight and psi ops both for $30.00 new. Both are really worth it so far. Not perfect games, but LOTS of fun each.

[stiffler]

I just got second sight and psi ops both for $30.00 new. Both are really worth it so far. Not perfect games, but LOTS of fun each.

It's interesting to see the different approaches to a common mechanic (psionics).  That's a nice deal for two fun games.

[Driver]

I've gone back to Full Spectrum Warrior now that the two Epilogues are free to download.  Since it's been so long, I'll probably go through again on a higher setting.  

I just wish there were more options for multiplayer than co-op -- I could never find a person to take on a mission with.