Many of you commented on this article we published several days ago. The general train of thought behind it was that Microsoft had announced precious little retail games for 2011 to get the fans excited, whereas the PS3 was really going to hit its stride.
It was a fair point, but having a look at the digital download scene changes the landscape drastically. On the horizon are some stunning looking titles for LIVE, and we take a look at the ones that have caught our eye. It should be noted that several of the titles will also be headed to PSN.
Radiant Silvergun
I could wax lyrical about Treasure’s Radiant Silvergun all day, and it is still the yardstick by which other vertical shooters are judged. At its core lies an interesting weapons system whereby all seven weapons are available to you from the start, and can be used at any time. These weapons level up the more you use them, earning you additional points. Heading exclusively to Xbox LIVE this year, it will feature online or local co-op, and still looks as hard as the offspring of Wolverine and a Geordie lass.
Video Source: YouTube
Dungeon Defenders
Heading to the PSN and LIVE this year, Dungeon Defenders is Trendy Entertainment’s cross between a Tower Defence game and an Action RPG.   Fending off wave after wave of monsters and protecting your crystal core is your task, by taking control of one of several character classes, each with a different way of attacking. With customisation, multiplayer, and even Move support for the PSN version, it looks an absolute riot.
Video Source: YouTube
Necromachina (AKA Moon Diver)
Wow. Heading to both the PSN and LIVE, this looks like what might be produced if Devil May Cry, Castlevania, and Metroid got put in a blender, and then the pulp formed into a videogame. In terms of plot, I’ll let character designer Roberto Ferrari fill you in:
“It is the dawn of the 22nd century on the third planet from the sun. Humanity, broken free from its eschatological thralls, now watches as a lone boy stands before it. Within his hands, he controls the power of Mephistopheles – a force which can breathe life into that which has none. Animated machines devour the helpless; buildings shower the streets with storms of glass; cups, trains, bridges, whole towns – the remnants of civilization are transformed into bloodthirsty beasts whose only purpose is to wield the hammer of judgment.
The boy’s name is Faust, and he will not stop until he has cleansed the planet of humankind and claimed it as his own. Centuries have passed since his advent, and the world now holds its breath as the End of Days draws ever closer. Yet hope is not lost. Hidden among humanity’s last remaining survivors, an elite unit of specially trained ninja known as Moondivers has been lying in wait for orders from their Shogun to embark on one final mission to reclaim the planet. Today, those orders arrived.”
Video Source: YouTube
Outland
Announced a few months ago, Housemarque’s ‘Outland’ is described as a cross between platformers such as Prince of Persia and the colour-switching of shoot ‘em up Ikaruga. Switching between light and dark forms is essential to survival, as the games protagonist will take damage from opposite-coloured bullets but will be impervious to those of the same polarity. It also looks stunning.
Video Source: YouTube
Bangai-O HD Missile Fury
D3 announced a LIVE exclusive HD remake of ‘Bangai-O’ a while ago, promising the game will ship with over 100 levels and a level editor tool which will allow you to share your levels with friends.
On paper Bangai-O sounds like a simple shooter, but it is insane. Defining the phrase ‘Bullet Hell’, the franchise is well known for demanding the impossible from the player, as hundreds upon hundreds of bullets fill the screen. It’s niche, but looking oh so good.
Video Source: YouTube
Hybrid
Heading to LIVE this year, 5th Cell’s Hybrid is a bit of an unknown quantity.  Announced as a multiplayer online third-person shooter, it is set in a post apocalyptic world amidst a war between two factions: the Hybrid and the Paladin. Rumours are rife regarding some form of innovative new gameplay mechanic. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Video Source: YouTube
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
I’d be lying if I said I fully knew what Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet was about. Details are fairly scarce, but this LIVE game is from the brains at Fuelcell Games, and looks amazing to say the least.
Video Source: InsanelyTwisted
Fez
Don’t let the fact that Fez looks like ‘Bionic Commando: Hello Kitty Edition’ put you off, as the LIVE game has already won the “Excellence in Visual Art” award at the Independent Games Festival in 2008. A platform game at heart, it utilises optical illusions (such as those found in Echochrome) to help/hinder your progress.
Video Source: YouTube
From Dust
Heading to PSN and LIVE, Ubisoft’s ‘From Dust’ lets you play God, as shape an island as you see fit and protect its inhabitants. It’s not plain sailing though, and you will be expected to fight off natural disasters (although this does grant you access to new powers).
Video Source: YouTube
Cheer up, 360 owners; suddenly things don’t look so grim.
beeje13
Why not? the platform is good enough, 2011 is the year of kinect and arcade.
Sounds great for casual/family gamers, plus third party games can more than satisfy core/hardcore gamers.
icuyesido
Haven;t heard of any of them before, Fex looks good though.