In the early 1980’s, we had Dig Dug, Frogger and Donkey Kong. These early arcade classics helped kick off the initial video game craze and established themselves as legendary titles that will forever appeal to nostalgic gamers. Arcade consoles were put up in commercial businesses, restaurants, movie theaters and other places where people may need to kill a few minutes time. They were a commodity technology that created some immortal titles.

The 1990s brought us Virtua Cop and Mortal Kombat, initiating a new wave of arcade games that were extremely complex, technical and pushed the content boundaries compared to the titles of the previous decade. Graphics improved, expectations rose, and the arcade platform had to compete with increasingly intriguing home video game consoles. Fighting games took center stage with arcade success, playing to the head-to-head competition aspect that arcade gamers in the 90s relished.

These days, our concept of arcade has been redefined once again. Not only do we have modern-day versions of full-on arcade game units, but every gamer has the ability to bring a new type of “arcade” into their home via downloadable content. The new arcade – the Xbox Live Arcade – has brought a refreshed meaning to the word, and a new breed of games that could go on to become the immortal “arcade” titles of the ’00s. Today, arcade is about gaming with others in our own homes – whether locally or over the internet, via a library of games that span beyond anything we could have previously imagined.

While XBLA makes available upgraded versions of classic titles like Bubble Bobble, Arkanoid, Dig Dug and so on, developers push to create games for release that take advantage of modern technology, online multiplayer bandwidth, voice communication, high-definition televisions and instill a new sense of what “arcade” means as a downloadable, online platform. Sure, arcade machines still exist, but the identity isn’t what it used to be, and the term “arcade” is now evolving to encompass a different meaning.

Ultimately, the definition of arcade is now not so cut and dry, but represents a wealth of very individual, very unique titles that span genres and continue to innovate – often while still containing throwback elements to the heydays of arcade.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular games that dominate XBLA, see the variety of titles that constitute the platform, and how they’ve modernized the idea of arcade:

Shadow Complex

Epic Games – 2009

Shadow Complex is a 2.5D game, meaning the player can navigate two-dimensionally in a three-dimensional world. Taking elements from side-scrollers of the past, Shadow Complex functions as a 2009 version of a 1980s concept. The idea of utilizing old-school development techniques in innovative ways is popular in the new arcade.

Small Arms

Gastronaut Studios – 2006

Small Arms is a fighting game, a platform game and a shoot em up all at once. Often compared to arcade classics like Power Stone and Metal Slug, Small Arms defines itself by being an early title to creatively use the Xbox 360’s two-joystick controller for player movement. The game is focused on multiplayer, as the player has to compete against others even when playing solo. Small Arms takes old arcade premises and applies a twist, using new control structures for classic head-to-head action.

Worms

Team17 Software – 2007

One of the most downloaded games on XBLA, the 2007 version of Worms is an upgrade to an old classic series that started in 1994. It has become an online sensation among XBLA players who want complex combat on a simple platform. While it would have made for a pretty boring arcade concept back in the 1980’s, the slow but tense pace of Worms is a perfect counterpart to many big-action retail titles, and a very popular arcade option.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved

Bizarre Creations – 2005

Once holding the record for the most downloaded XBLA game, this game was designed as an arcade game within a game (Project Gotham Racing 2). It has many elements of a classic arcade title in its premise – a bunch of crazy stuff happens on screen, and you move around a “ship” as you shoot the crazy stuff and attempt to survive as long as possible. The game (and now its sequel) take this concept many steps further through various game modes and playing fields that utilize modern technology to its fullest. Classic arcade fun made new.

Castle Crashers

The Behemoth – 2008

The best-selling XBLA title of 2008 and Best Game of the Year winner at the XBLA awards, Castle Crashers is an independent title that has taken arcade by storm. It’s a silly side-scrolling beat-em-up with RPG elements. Over a million people have now downloaded the title.

Castle Crashers also showcases an element of modern arcade never before possible – the add-on. Featuring two DLC packs, players are able to add to their arcade experience and build upon what was originally available with the game.

Carcassonne

Sierra – 2007

Another popular genre within the arcade are puzzle and card games, and Carcassonne is not alone here. Also in the family are titles like Uno, Catan, Marble Blast Ultra, Peggle, and Bejewled – all digitizing the classic idea of the board/card game. Carcassonne is an adaptation of a physical board game from Europe, and comes to the XBLA as a turn-based strategy board game where players compete to build the biggest cities.

The Maw

Twisted Pixel – 2009

PAX audience choice winner and (of this writing) a finalist at the Independent Games Festival, The Maw puts you in charge of an alien named Frank and a blob named Maw that rolls around the world feeding on stuff and evolving. It is a 3D action adventure game that is renowned for its beautiful cinematics, cutting-edge graphics and composed score. It is not only an example of arcade titles mirroring 3D action retail games, but shows the standard of quality that often goes into titles designed specifically for arcade use. The Maw is a lengthy game with a lot of characters and downloadable content. It is a far cry from the idea of arcade that existed decades ago, but has become a staple in the new arcade player’s library.

Braid

Number None – 2008

Braid is the highest critically-rated title on XBLA. It showcases a brilliant story, artistic imagery, completely unique controls and yet retains many traditional elements of a platform game. It is also part puzzle game, as the story unravels by the character finishing levels and receiving jigsaw puzzles that reveal the tale. Oh, and we mustn’t forget there is also time travel. What Braid excels at being is a combination of genres and innovation, bringing about a title that would have made no sense nor been possible in the past, but through XBLA can become one of the highest downloaded arcade titles to date.

Rez HD

United Game Artists – 2008

Rez HD is another title that draws on classic arcade elements and focuses on solo play. Designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi once commented on this new evolution of arcade, saying “”I always dreamed of a high-def wide screen and very good sound. Now the future has come.” That future is Rez HD. The game is a rail shooter where you travel along a path shooting objects that fly by and attempt to attack you, slowly evolving your “avatar.” Each section ends with a boss battle and then you progress. The format is very old, but the execution is very new.

Assault Heroes

Wanako Studios – 2006

Perhaps one of the most predominant games spawned from old-time arcade, Assault Heroes is a top-down shooter where you drive vehicles or run on foot through swarms of enemies, mowing them down and trying to stay alive. It’s classic arcade gameplay to the core that is very comparable to the 1987 arcade title Time Soldiers.

‘Splosion Man

Twisted Pixel – 2009

One of XBLA’s 2009 “Summer of Arcade” titles, it was selected to define XBLA as a hip, awesome new sidescrolling action platformer. It is another title showcasing extreme uniqueness in concept, control and execution for a downloadable platform. It has a sense of humor and can be extremely difficult, and made its way into tens of thousands of people’s home Xbox Arcades in its first week of release. It’s a good thing this game isn’t coin-op, or it’d cost a fortune to get through.

Portal: Still Alive

Valve – 2008

A first-person “shooter” puzzle game isn’t something that you come across every day, but that’s what Portal is. Originally released in a commercial bundle, it was ported to XBLA and had some features added, soon becoming a huge arcade success.

The cake may be a lie, but the depth and variety of titles developed for the new arcade isn’t.

Sure, big boxy arcade games will always exist. Great establishments like Dave and Busters will ensure that development for physical arcade platforms continues and life continues to breathe into the genre. But with the new arcade, digital, internet-hungry gamers can bring titles from every genre right into their consoles, game with others, and compete for that high score without the use of quarters. The new arcade allows boundaries to be pushed, technology to be utilized and genres and ideas to be crossed in ways never before possible, and it is taking gaming to an all new level.

Related posts:

1. WiiWare Launched in the UK
2. 80’s Retro: R-Type on your mobile
3. Win a Mario themed VW Beetle

I hope you all had a chance to check out my KISS MusicSkins review. Besides the iPhone version of their skin, MusicSkins also sent us a PSP style to check out. This skin fits on both the front and back of the Sony portable gaming console. It is designed to customize the PSP and provide scratch protection as well.

As mentioned in prior reviews; MusicSkins offers a wide variety of vinyl coverings for various electronic devices. They have licenses with various bands, personalities, and companies providing a huge gamut of choices. So if you want to trick out your Sony PSP then MusicSkins is what you need.

Info:

MusicSkins for PSP

MusicSkins are the premier music and music related device skins on the planet. Our skins are made from premium grade 3M vinyl and adhesive technology so they apply easily and remove without leaving any residue. We also use a high gloss over laminate, which adds durability and a photo quality finish to our skins.

Our durable skins are made of premium vinyl, which will defend your device from the harshest scratches. The special adhesive is completely removable and leaves no residue so you can easily switch your MusicSkins for the latest release. MusicSkins add almost zero bulk so your device will still integrate perfectly with almost any case, bag, dock, iTrip or armband.

MusicSkins LLC is the leader in music and music-related, high-quality, vinyl skin products. We envision all MP3 players, laptops, and phones as portable canvases for art and individuality. Our focus on music, art, culture and personalization has created a stylish way for musicians, DJs and artists to become closer to their fans while providing a low profile alternative to bulky cases. From Hip Hop to Country, Art to Fashion, and everything in between, there’s a MusicSkin to suit every taste.

No Scratches
MusicSkins protect your precious device with a durable anti-scratch, anti-UV coating.

Easy On… Easy off
3M Adhesive technology prevents bubbles and allows easy application and clean removal.

Premium Materials
MusicSkins are Made In The USA. Ultra Premium vinyl sets us apart from all other skin products.

No Bulk
Ultra-low profile means flawless integration with all accessories including docks, iTrip, cases, bags, and armbands.

What’s in the Box?:

The PSP version of the MusicSkin arrives packaged within a clear plastic sleeve. Through the front of the package we see the skin. Unlike the iPhone version, the PSP skin comes in two parts – a front and back segment. For my review I received the Red Robot by the artist known as explodingdog. Behind the skin is a cardboard backing with descriptions of the skin’s properties and examples of skins on other devices.

This MusicSkin for PSP is composed of a special designed vinyl film from 3M named Controltac. It has a specially scored surface on the back which allows any bubbles to be easily rubbed away without having to remove or reapply the skin. Controltac is the same vinyl film used by several quality skin design companies. So you know it is some good stuff.

Installation, Performance and Comparison:

Application of the MusicSkin for PSP is a little more complicated than applying the one for the iPhone. Unlike the iPhone version which is a unibody piece, the PSP MusicSkin has both numerous openings for the PSP buttons and controls and is divided into three segments for the back of the PSP.

It is important to be aware that there are two types of PSP skins, one for the PSP 1000 a.k.a. the fatty and the PSP Slim alias the PSP 2000.

Even if you are experienced with the application of skins, you will probably have to reapply or reposition the MusicSkin for PSP several times before you’re satisfied. Remain patient as you try and apply the PSP MusicSkin and you will be rewarded with a cool and unique look to your PSP.

One thing I did notice when applying the skin to the back of the PSP is the side pieces did not overlay exactly with the back of the PSP. Also the MusicSkin covered the battery door basically gluing it into place with the adhesive decal. Thankfully the MusicSkin is made of Controltac making it simple to remove and reapply; thus making access to the battery door not a real big issue.

The MusicSkin is easily removed and can be stored on the original backing if you wish to change skins or go without one on your device. There is no sticky residue when the MusicSkin comes off and the back remains sticky even after multiple re-applications.

So here is my PSP all tricked out with the Red Robot MusicSkin. The PSP looks pretty sweet doesn’t it? The application took a couple of minutes as getting the MusicSkin to sit properly over all the buttons and controls took some patience. The one flaw in my application is the top part of the skin does not sit straight with the top edge of my PSP screen; there is a slight bowing. This does interfere with the viewing of my game screen.

Having a skin on an mp3 player is slightly different than on a gaming console as the feel of the skin may have an affect on ones ability to game. I am happy to say that the MusicSkin does not negatively affect the feel of the PSP and gaming with it on was no different than without it.

Conclusion:

If you want your portable gaming system to stand out from the crowd then you can not go wrong with the MusicSkin for PSP. It is relatively simple to apply, easy to take off and does not damage the PSP when removed. There are several hundreds of designs to choose from; ranging from bands to companies to artists and more. If you want to be even more unique, now MusicSkin now allows the creation of personalized skins.

Pros:

+Simple to apply
+Numerous design choices
+Lack of residue upon removal
+Re-useable
+Easily removed

Cons:

- none

I would like to thank MusicSkins for the chance to review the MusicSkins for PSP and for their support of iGadget Life.

Related posts:

1. MusicSkins for iPhone 3G
2. MusicSkins for 13” MacBook Laptops
3. Musicskins Pin-Up Toons Kimmy Bunny for iPod Nano (4th Gen) Gets Reviewed

XBox Live are running another Xtival over the weekend of the 1st – 4th May ‘09 that will allow all you (European) Xbox Live Silver members to experience some Online Gold for free during the special event.

There are even bigger competitions and tournaments to rock, and loads of exclusive HD movies, music and game downloads to check out – so round up all your friends and get ready for what is set to be the best Xtival yet!

Xbox LIVE Gold available at no additional cost from midday (GMT) 1 May to midday (GMT) 4 May. Requires Xbox 360 console, broadband access and a Silver Xbox LIVE account.

Related posts:

1. BT Fon & BTBroadband = Free WiFi
2. Broadband Upgrade
3. Free DELL Laptop with AOL Broadband

The new handheld will launch in Japan on the 1st November for just over £100, with Europe sometime early next year.

The Nintendo DSi, which will be available in white and black, is more a refinement to the hugely popular DS Lite than a complete overhaul.  If it ain’t broke why fix it?

They have whipped out the GBA Slot allowing the unit to be 2.6mm thinner, increased the screen size by 17%, added a 3.2 megapixel camera on the back, added onboard memory as well as an SD Card slot to the side.

There have also been some subtle tweaks to the layout of things on the DSi, with the power button now moving to below the joystick. The LEDs have moved from the right to the left of the unit with an addition of a separate WiFi indicator. There is also a second camera on the hinge between the two screens.

The Nintendo DSi will now be able to play music, will come with its own web browser and through a new DSi Store you will be able to download content.

Its not the apple-esque look we have been teased with in some sexy looking mock-ups recently, but I think that these subtle refinements and additions will carry on Nintendo’s crown as the best in portable gaming for some time to come!

Related posts:

1. Nintendo Announcment at E3 Tomorrow
2. Nintendo Channel Launches on Wii
3. Nintendo DS Color & Brain Age 2

I wonder what they will have up their sleves? See the Nintendo E3 coverage here..

Related posts:

1. Nintendo DS Color & Brain Age 2
2. Tomorrow is iPhone (UK) Day!
3. BBC iPlayer on Nintendo Wii

The new channel which is free to download from the Wii Shopping Channel, allows you quick and easy access to a whole host of Nintendo gaming related information ranging from game trailers, TV Ads and exclusive interviews, to the latest gaming releases, a gaming feedback system and also a DS Download Service.

Want to keep up with the latest releases for your Wii and DS?, now you can with the Nintendo release schedule, giving you access to Wii, DS, Virtual Console and WiiWare launch dates.

Share you thoughts on the games that you own and play by filling in the quick questionnaire.  The system will automatically find out what games you have played (for more than an hour) on your Wii and gives you the option to feedback to Nintendo what you think of them.

Have a DS?  Then you will love the addition of the DS Download Service an area when you can download demo’s or additional content for your Nintendo DS.

All you need to do is turn on your DS, select Download Play, and then select the demo that you want on your Wii – it will then be transmitted to your DS, easy!

Currently the line-up is Big Brain Academy, Brain Training, Checkers from 42 All-Time Classics, Mario Kart DS, Maths Training, Sight Training and Picross, with more to be added.

There is already quite a bit of content on the Nintendo Channel on launch, and you can expect this to grow and evolve in time.

This is a must have for any Nintendo enthusiast!

Related posts:

1. Nintendo Wiiware
2. BBC iPlayer on Nintendo Wii
3. More Brain Training with Nicole Kidman

Stand out from the crowd with these funky new colours!

It would seem that the DS is still going strong, they just need to release more decent games, instead of all the pap that is currently being spewed out..  Horses, Hamsters, Babies.. enough already!

Related posts:

1. Coming Soon: Nokia Download! for PC
2. The Gadget Show Live Coming to the NEC
3. More Brain Training with Nicole Kidman

Yes, that’s right you can now download new games straight to your Wii with WiiWare.  Unlike Virtual Console which brings you the best in classic games found on older consoles, WiiWare brings you best new games at affordable prices.  You won’t find these games anywhere in the shops, they can only be played after buying and downloading them from the Wii Shop.

Check out the library of WiiWare titles, including Final Fantasy Crystal Cronicles: My Life as a King, TV Show King, Lost Winds and Toki Tori to name but a few..

There are a few games that I have been reading about in the recent Nintendo Magazine that have caught my eye, one being the Final Fantasy game, but also Toki Tori.  I was addicted to this game way back in 2004 on my Orange C500 Windows Mobile.  I cant wait to download it.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgazv9XDm5k

I think that WiiWare is going to be a success, if the lauch line-up is anything to go by.

Related posts:

1. Nintendo Wiiware
2. Best Video Game of All Time – Zelda: Ocarina of Time
3. Win a Mario themed VW Beetle

As you should be aware Nokia (re-)launched their N-Gage platform at the beginning of April finally bringing decent mobile gaming to a handset near you.

Apple are due to open up their iPhones with a new App Store at the end of June when the iPhone 2.0 Firmware is released – and that, as they demoed at the March 6th Event of course means games..

My recent purchase of an iPhone, luckily before they all sold out and everybody stopped selling them, was jailbroken before within moments of getting it home.  This of course enabled me to try out some of the apps that people have been building already.  One app I came across, that caught my eye, can only be described as the future of gaming.  Take a look at the video below:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR6i4dRzoeA

Slick 3D graphics, and simple, effortless controls.

I can’t wait to see the offical App Store open and see just how Apple will do gaming.  Let’s hope that they don’t pull the same trick as Nokia and lock the game to a single handset.

Related posts:

1. Steve Jobs visits Apple Store on iPhone Day
2. Nokia N95 Vs Apple iPhone
3. iPhone 3G – Gadget of the Year

Well now I am fortunate to be able to share with you hands on access with a pre-sales Nokia N78 handset that has just arrived today.

The sales package for the Nokia N78 I received came with a pair of Nokia MD-4 Mini Speakers which you can only get exclusively if you buy your N78 from the Nokia Online Shop.

Check out some some photos of this sexy looking handset below (click for larger pictures on Flickr):

Here is the Nokia N78 with an N95, N82 and an Apple iPhone – just how is this new handset going to compete with these already established market leaders?

The Nokia N78 is the first handset to get the new S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2.  You can check out the new look in the unboxing video below, where I also give a quick tour of the handset:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v/NIoAvZZ3YA8

The Nokia N78 features include:

- 2.4 Inch QVGA Display
- Integrated A-GPS
- Integrated FM Transmitter
- 3.2 Megapixel Camera
- Automatic Location Tagging
- WLAN & HSDPA
- Nokia N-Gage
- Supports Widgets
- And a rather nice 1200mAh Battery!

So there we have it – the handset has just arrived and I thought that I’d share the moment with you, with a quick video and some pictures.. In the coming week I’ll be testing the new N78 to see what it really is like and how it compares to the other mobiles.

If you have any questions you would like me to answer about the Nokia N78 leave a comment, or get in touch via the Contact Page.

*Images have been watermarked to prevent fraudsters from trying to sell fake N78’s on eBay!

Related posts:

1. Nokia N95 8GB Unboxing Video & Pix
2. Nokia N95 Example Pictures & Video
3. 3 Skypephone S2 – Unboxing Video