Assault Heroes

Ever since Geometry Wars revolutionized the Xbox Live Arcade, there's never been another true killer-app arcade game, until now. Assault Heroes could quite possibly be the biggest hit since geo-wars. The game puts you as the last surviving member of some special forces unit, devoting themselves to keep the world safe. The game doesn't have much of a story, but it does involve some top-secret evil corparation that's trying to take over the world, and your mission is to stop them dead in their tracks. The game's missions take place in a variety of zones, which are all in varied enviroments such as a beach, a city, the ocean, a rainy jungle, and the facility of the evil corparation. These zones are broken down into levels as well. Assualt Heroes is all about vehicles, as you will be using them throughout 95% of the game. You do have the option to step out of your vehicle, mainly to collect power-ups (that can't be reached in vehicles), and to explore underground layers. Heroes features two different kinds of vehicles - an assualt buggy, and a boat. They both control in similar ways. The controls are just like the ones from Geometry Wars. You use the left analog stick to drive and steer, while you use the right stick to shoot. The vehicles feature 3 different types of weapons - an all-purpose chain-gun which mows down infantry with ease, but is limited against heavy armor. A flack cannon with a slow firing-rate, but shreds through heavy armor like a katana through a ripe watermelon. And a flamethrower, which burns like a lighter throgh alchohal-soaked tissue! All of these weapons can be upgraded by finding power-ups, which give the weapon a faster firing-rate, or just more overall power. It's also fortunate that you have infinite ammo and recharging health, because this game is INTENSE! Enemy infantry, tanks, jeeps, helicopters, and airplanes fire at you from all directions, and you don't have much to think about what's next. Thankfully, the game's overhead camera lets you clearly see all the action. If things get too crazy, you can fire off a nuke which kills everything in sight. There are also grenades for your killing pleasure. Overall, this is a very solid game that everyone should get a chance to play. With its colorful graphics, upgradable weapons, fast-paced intense gameplay, cool bosses, and rewarding achievments, this is the game that should be on the top of everyone's arcade wish list!