'Splosion Man Review for Xbox 360

System: X360 (XBLA)	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Twisted Pixel	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Twisted Pixel	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: July 22, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The game contains 50 levels divided between three different scenarios. Unfortunately, they're not all that different, and things start looking repetitive after just a couple of levels. Nonetheless, there's enough variety in the gameplay that even with the same backgrounds, enemies, and color schemes the game stays fresh. There are three boss battles, one at the end of each group of levels. I have to admit they were a little disappointing compared to the overall fast-paced gameplay. The strategy for the boss battles mostly consists in counter-attacking, and though this is considerably easy, the game is incredibly unforgiving and makes you start the battle from the beginning after the smallest mistake.

'Splosion Man screenshot

Once you're done with the game, you should really consider revisiting some of the levels and try to beat them on par. It takes a lot longer to beat them the first time through, but once you have a clear strategy and know how the levels are built, you should be able to pass them with flying colors - at least some of them. Plus, there are hidden cakes in each level that you should try to get, as well as a few unlockables like a premium theme, gamerpics, and accessories for your avatar.

This game could have probably used a custom level editor to create your own levels, but as an arcade game that just costs 800 MS Points, you really couldn't ask for a whole lot more. The most important thing is the game is fun, imaginative (to a certain point), and contains a good sense of humor and a quirky protagonist. If you have little patience for platformers, please, don't get it. But… if games like N+ are exactly your thing, don't think twice - get ready for 'splosive mayhem!

By Maria Montoro
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.8

Graphics
Even though the theme is simple and pretty much repeated throughout the game, 'Splosion Man is awesome, and the scientists are hilarious.

3.9

Control
Rushing all over the stage and exploding to bounce back and forth between walls is very satisfying. Controlling your impulse is the only tricky part.

3.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The game is accompanied by great background music, and the sound effects are fun and satisfying. It could have used a few different tunes though, rather than just one for single-player and another for multiplayer.

4.5

Play Value
50 levels of this incredibly addictive game don't seem like they're enough, but believe me, it'll take you a while to get through them. Also, you can try to beat your scores, other people's scores, and don't forget about finding the cake in each level!

4.0

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Single-player adventure: Play through 50 single-player levels split into three environmentally different chapters as Splosion Man escapes the underground Big Science Labs where he was created.

Multiplayer action: Jump into 50 multiplayer levels supporting up to four player co-op split into three different chapters.

Bonuses: Get free unlockable premium dashboard theme, gamerpics, and Avatar accessories.

Visual style: The personality and humor shine through in film-like cinematics and hundreds of in-game animations. Vivid and colorful graphics advance character animation and emotion.

Hours of fun: Splosion Man is a retail game's amount of content that can be downloaded from the comfort of your own living room.

Musical talent: The original music score is from award-winning composers Joshua R. Mosley (single-player levels) and John DeBorde (multiplayer levels).