Underground Kings: The 25 Best Xbox Live Indie Games
By Nick Marroni | Feb 11, 2011 | 11:30 am | Permalink
Xbox Live Indie Games (XBLIG) is the premier source for quality, creative console gaming; ever since Microsoft began the program for small developers in 2008, it's become the place where retro is king, the little guy wins, and 3D is the exception rather than rule. It's the open mic night of the brave new digital entertainment world. And it's huge. So while it's not impossible to jump right in and find some great stuff, we happily jumped in and surveyed the landscape just for you and yours' personal edification and enjoyment. After checking out 161 of the (as of this writing) 1,639 games available on the service—that's 9.82% of the entire catalogue—this is no mere list, it's damn near gaming gospel. Oh, and there's nothing on here over five bones, with most happily residing on the dollar menu. Time to put those spare MS bucks to good use. Get to clickin'!
By Nick Marroni
Matthew Doucette February 11th, 2011 at 08:01 PM
Oh yeah! Nice review!! Thanks!
Deejay February 12th, 2011 at 02:34 AM
I've not heard of half of these games, which is a crying shame. A great run-down, and it's great to see some of the more interesting XBLIGs getting some much-deserved attention. It's criminal that Xbox LIVE's dashboard does such a thorough job of making sure people will never find this stuff.
Dave February 12th, 2011 at 08:09 AM
I'll just complain about the lack of Revolver 360 in the list.
Kobun February 12th, 2011 at 09:56 AM
No Pixel or Applejack, either. Nice list for sure, but I'd definitely would make some edits myself. It is still great to see how much the quality of XBLIGs has improved since its launch allowing for such a topic to be debated and with a cutting room floor littered with great games as well (MotorHEAT!).
Nick Marroni February 12th, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Hey, Dave and Kobun. Pixel! is a well-deserved #10 on the list. Apple Jack and Revolver360 both got serious playtests, but didn't make the cut. MotorHEAT, I'll admit, I haven't heard of till now, but I just grabbed the trial. Thanks for checking out the list.
Kobun February 22nd, 2011 at 04:38 AM
Arg, I did overlook your Pixel pick. Sorry about that! As much as I loved how stylish and fun Pixel is though, Apple Jack is the superior platformer and much longer to boot. Still a nice list even with that oversight. :p
Balrog February 12th, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Thanks for putting Curse of the Crescent Isle on there! I recommended this list to some friends, I would have included Miner Dig Deep and a few others but that's just me.
Peter February 12th, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Some great choices here- these games are making me want to go hook up my Sega Master System again. I especially loved the Cthulu music video for Cthulu Saves the World. Great article, Nick!
Xalterax February 15th, 2011 at 05:03 PM
You liked Hypership as number 1 but no mention of Break Limit. Heh, if you haven't tried Break Limit you should. =)
Ken G. February 16th, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Some great-looking games here I've never heard of. I'm off to download! Thanks!
gomee July 25th, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Thanks for putting Curse of the Crescent Isle on there! I recommended this list to some friends, I would have included Miner Dig Deep and a few others but that's just me.
andhow April 19th, 2012 at 12:25 AM
Really? One fucking review per page? Id rather east SHIT than sift through 25 pages of ads. no THANKS