Arkedo Series -- 03 PIXEL

Game Title: Arkedo Series -- 03 PIXEL

Platform(s): Xbox 360 Live Arcade

Stars (out of 5): 4 (For an Xbox Live Arcade Indie Game)

Content issues: None. As clean as a game can be.

Brief Summary: This game is a simple platformer. The main character, Pixel, is a cat that can walk, run, jump, and high jump. He can also climb ladders. Pixel works his was through a series of beautifully crafted pixel art levels until he reunites with his cat friends.

Like: This game has excellent, classic platforming. I love the super jump that the cat can do and I use it everywhere that I can. The moving platforms, spring boards, and hazards are all perfectly executed and a lot of fun. The modern take on retro graphics is very pleasing to the eye. This game has pixel art, but it's blown up and two tone. There are also artfully crafted backdrops to every level. The animations are the cat are fun and cute. There is a lot of attention to detail in this game as well, such as leaves falling when you chop down a tree, moving clouds leaving a little trail, etc. The music is catchy and works well with the art style. There are also signs throughout the levels that are either helpful, humorous, or both.

Dislike: This is a hard game. Many parts of the game have to be executed perfectly in order for you to succeed. Many times a tiny misstep results in starting over from the very beginning. There are far too few checkpoints, which adds to the difficulty level, and I dislike how the entire level is reloaded if you die. The programmers could have simply moved you back to the beginning of the level or to a checkpoint, reset the enemies, and away you go. Waiting for the level to reload is annoying. Another thing that I dislike is that the only thing that you can get from a treasure chest (after beating the mini-game) is having your health restored to full.

Replayability: Moderately replayable. If you have a bunch of games, you will probably never come back to this one once you have conquered it, but if your game collection is limited, then after a month or two this game would be fun again.