Starzzle (X360)

Starzzle is a unique new Xbox Indie puzzler that incorporates cartoonish graphics with an upbeat and cheerful style to deliver an original and fun gaming experience. 

Release Date: Apr 18, 2011

Created by the Spanish Indie Games studio Bionic Thumbs, this zany yet challenging Xbox Indie title can be enjoyed by all ages--and although the controls can be a bit awkward, it still provides enjoyable gameplay. 

Starzzle is a charming Xbox Indie puzzler developed by Bionic Thumbs that incorporates whimsical humor with a positive atmosphere that can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Don’t let the graphics fool you–although it appears to be a kid’s game, the Xbox Indie title is actually quite challenging in it’s dynamics. The game takes a cartoonish style and uses it to compliment the top-down 2D maze-puzzler gameplay and makes use of simplistic yet appealing graphics.

Players must collect stars in each level, progressing onward to the next only when most of the shiny, gleeful stars are collected. Overall the game is refreshing and the puzzle mechanics are quite unique–let’s not forget the excessively cheerful music and the constantly-moving atmosphere that imbibes a sense of joy within the player.

Starzzle is more of a maze-puzzle type of game that uses a unique path mechanic that only allows players to move up, down, left or right. Players must plan their moves and think before they start the level, and sometimes the only way to know the correct method is to try it a few times.

I personally like the mechanics involved and it’s challenging, but it may be too tedious for some players. Despite the mixed feelings some may have, I believe Starzzle is an impressively challenging and fun Xbox Indie title.

There are four different worlds each replete with a number of stages for players to solve, with every level becoming progressively more difficult than the last. Each world has it’s own particular theme, and the environments and atmospheres for every one are as dynamic as the first.

This game makes good use of making players refine their problem solving techniques as the game only allows for movement in four directions–it’s impossible to move in a circular or diagonal path. This dynamic is unique and makes the game somewhat challenging as players must fight their own instincts of grabbing the nearest star before planning their next move–strategy is key in this game, and some may have to utilize trial and error to complete later stages.

Starzzle also makes use of Challenges, which are basically like Awardments in other Xbox Indie titles and like Achievements in retail Xbox 360 games. Each challenge is different and requires players to complete a certain task to unlock it. The worlds themselves remind me of early NES/SNES titles with the layouts and design–this nostalgic factor enhances the entertainment that this game can offer.

Final Truth:

The overall exuberant tone of this game is quite entertaining and humorous–using rather enjoyable visuals like cartoonish characters and animations to reinforce the overall feel of the game.Starzzle‘s unique style, gleeful musical tracks, and puzzle dynamics all come together to form an original and fun Xbox Indie experience. While some gamers may not enjoy the tedious and trial-and-error maze-like puzzles in the game, I’d recommend this title to all gamers who enjoy puzzlers that make players think strategically.

+ Addictive & Enjoyable

+ Appropriate for All Ages

+ Many Stages to Play

+ Humorous and Whimsical Cartoonish Style

- Somewhat Challenging Puzzles

- Awkward Controls on Some Levels

Sanctum (2011) (PC)

Sanctum is a first-person shooter tower-defense game where you must protect a town from mysterious alien creatures.

Release Date: Apr 17, 2011

Sanctum is a First Person Shooter Tower Defense game where you take the role as Skye, an elite soldier sent out to protect her hometown, Elysion One from hordes of mysterious alien creatures.

To succeed you have to construct and upgrade defensive structures. What makes Sanctum unique from other Tower Defense games is that when the havoc starts, you jump right into the action with your own weapons and play a key role in the defense. Sanctum has taken the best features from First Person Shooters and Tower Defense games to create something totally unique.

Key Features:

- Experience a brand new mix of genres!

- Team up with a friend in co-op mode!

- Develop your own strategy and build your custom mazes

- Play through beautiful environments with unique strategic possibilities

- Powered by Unreal Technology, Sanctum is one of the world’s best looking independent developed games!

- Coming DLC and content updates.

System Requirements:

OS: Windows XP SP2, Vista, 7

Processor: 2.0+ GHz Core 2 Duo

Memory: 2 GB

Hard Disk Space: 3 GB free hard drive space

Video Card: Shader Model 3 – compatible video card

DirectX: 9.0c or higher

Sound: DirectX

Brain Jump (X360)

Jump start your brain! Exercise your math, words and puzzle skills across 11 different games. Give your thumbs a rest and give your brain a workout by playing this game.

Release Date: Apr 16, 2011

Namco Bandai has announced that Body and Brain Connection for Kinect has hit store shelves. Players of all ages must think fast and act even faster as they answer math, logic, reflex, memory and physical related questions using the full-motion capabilities of the Kinect for Xbox 360 sensor. From the originator of the video game brain training craze, Body and Brain Connection challenges players to exercise both mind and body in the most cerebral and energetic party game ever.

Body and Brain Connection was developed under the supervision of renowned Japanese neuroscientist, Dr. Ryuta Kawashima. In addition to his neurological work in Japan, Dr. Kawashima has also supervised the development of several best-selling games. His previous efforts with video games proved to millions of gamers around the world how fun it can be to train your brain in minutes a day with simple brain puzzles. His latest research shows that, in addition to simple daily mind exercises, brain activity is also jump-started by physical movement; thus resulting in Body and Brain Connection. The unique full-body motion Kinect for Xbox 360 sensor allows a player’’ body and mind to work in unison as they get off the couch to work out problems in their heads and complete the answer with specific physical actions.

Body and Brain Connection includes numerous activities in both single player and multiplayer modes. A daily tracker will ensure that players are up-to-date with their current progress as they solve past-paced exercises as quickly as possible. In addition, up to four friends can compete in fun and engaging activities as they strive for the fittest brain. To stimulate players’ minds post-launch, downloadable content (DLC) will be available featuring additional exercises and challenges. Details regarding the DLC will be released in the coming weeks.

360 Video Poker (X360)

Experience the thrills of video poker and dare to risk it all on the Hi-Lo mini game.

Release Date: Apr 15, 2011

Video Poker accurately simulates the Vegas-style video poker machine known as Jacks or Better. After making a bet, you will be dealt five cards. You select which of these five cards to hold, and redraw the rest to try to make the best poker hand possible. A hand with a pair of Jacks or better wins.

The built-in Strategy feature, which you can turn on and off at any time, will provide recommendations for how to play given the hand you were dealt, and will give you hints on how to improve if you fail make the best move. This guidance will help you learn how to play the game, and how to maximize your payouts.

Video Poker tracks how much you win or lose and how often you play the best possible hand.

Undead Empire (X360)

Undead Empire for Xbox LIVE Indie Game.

Release Date: Apr 15, 2011

You read the title right when our friends at Big Rook Games are giving away some major prizes due to the release of Undead Empire for Xbox LIVE Indie Game. I can say with the footage I’ve seen this looks to be a promising and fun game. Who doesn’t enjoy a game that features ZOMBIES!? You’ll be in total shock at what is available if you play and get the top scores on the game modes given in the poster below.

I’m going to cut right to what is available if you purchase the game and try to get top scores. If you’re one of the ones wanting to win a Kinect then simply get the highest score in Story Mode and you’ll be the one who wins a new Xbox 360 Kinect! I own a Kinect myself and you’re missing out on the great games that have released for the device. You can play many games such as Joy Ride, Dance Central and many more. You can also control your Xbox with just movements, watch movies  or just telling your Xbox what it should do.

The 2nd place winner will winner will 1600 Microsoft points code if they rank Second in Story Mode though if you want to try your best you can keep on trying to get the highest score. Now for the third prize you’ll also win a 1600 Microsoft point code by obtaining the highest score in Survival Mode. Having two chances to win some Microsoft points is great since I know everyone will need more points to buy more games.

Now if you’re thinking this a lot to give away for an indie game then you’re mistaken even more prizes are available to win. If you’re a gamer like me and will be needing to add more time to your Xbox LIVE account the creator of the game will be choosing 3 people at random to win 3 months of Xbox LIVE.

I know you’re probably just sitting there thinking about all the prizes listed and thinking to yourself, “how long do I have?” You’ll have till April 25th, 2011 at 11:59pm to play the game and get your name on the leaderboards. Now get out there purchase this 80 msp game, which is only ($1.00) and try to win the great prizes listed below.

NLL 11 (X360)

The National Lacrosse League's new Xbox 360 game
Release Date: Apr 15, 2011

NLL 11 is scheduled to hit the Xbox LIVE Indie Marketplace later this spring. For those not familiar with the sport, indoor lacrosse is hard-hitting, high-scoring, and very fast-paced. It combines the best parts of hockey, basketball, and soccer all into one. If you're a sports fan and have never seen a National Lacrosse League game, you're missing out big time. Not to worry! The league broadcasts all of their games 

Developed by Crosse Studio in conjunction with Stir Fry Games, NLL 11 improves upon last year's release with a completely revamped game engine, better graphics, and new gameplay features such as fighting (check out the video to the left) and line changes.

The game features all ten NLL teams and the league's 230 players, a completely new game engine, franchise mode, player statistics, celebrations and much more. For the first time, NLL11 also includes fighting in the video game. For the second straight year, the cost of the game is $5.

The first version of the game, NLL Lacrosse 2010, was named the "Best Indie Sports Game" of 2010 by Kotaku.com, a leading website in the video gaming community. NLL Lacrosse 2010 was among games such as MLB 2K10, NBA 2K11, NCAA Football 11 & EA Sports MMA as winners of the Sports Video Games of the Year.

"Line changes will be done manually this year," said Carlo Sunseri, founder of Crosse Studio. "You can also edit who is on each line. On top of that, there is fatigue which actually makes lines changes necessary to your success in the game."

Line changes were one of the more frustrating aspects of last year's game as players seemed to come and go almost at random. This change is definitely a step forward in the NLL video games becoming respected a yearly franchise. It should be noted that no sports franchise became an industry juggernaut overnight. It took years of fine-tuning and refinements.

NLL Lacrosse 2010 was the first indoor lacrosse video game since Blast Lacrosse was released on the PlayStation in 2001 and won Kotaku's "Best Indie Sports Game" award last year. With a multitude of new improvements and features, NLL 11 should build on this success.

Time of Fury (PC)

Time of Fury is a WWII wargame.

Release Date: Apr 15, 2011

In World War II every single aspect of war was crucial: from troop movements to supply, from logistics to diplomacy, from innovation to careful use of terrain. Many games have tried to replicate the depth and complexity of this global conflict and only a few have managed to give an all around experience to players.

Epsom - It was the time of defiance, the time of life and faith, the time of wrath. It was the time of men against men, nation against nation. It was the time of planning and strategy against anger and rage. A Time of Fury. 

In World War II every single aspect of war was crucial: from troop movements to supply, from logistics to diplomacy, from innovation to careful use of terrain. Many games have tried to replicate the depth and complexity of this global conflict and only a few have managed to give an all around experience to players. 

Today Slitherine and Wastelands Interactive are proud to announce a new game that will truly replicate all these aspects. The developers of the highly successful Time of Wrath are back to the European theater of war with an ambitious project that will allow players to truly experience what it was to be a decision maker of the period. 

Time of Fury spans the whole war in Europe and gives players the opportunity to control all types of units, ground, air and naval. Not only that, each player will be able to pick a single country or selection of countries and fight his way against either the AI or in multiplayer in hotseat or Play by E-Mail. This innovative multiplayer feature will give player the chance to fight bigger scenarios against many opponents, giving the game a strategic angle that has no equal in the market. The game uses Slitherine's revolutionary PBEM++ server system. 

"We are proud to have signed this ambitious yet challenging and exciting project", said Iain McNeil, Development Director of Slitherine. "There aren't too many developers around that are able to deliver such high quality titles whilst keeping an eye to an ever developing market and Wastelands is one of these for sure". 

Beta testers for Time of Fury are currently being recruited at Slitherine's main site at the following link: http://slitherine.com/beta_test/time_of_fury. 

Leszek Lisowski , Leader Designer at Wasteland Interactive said: "We are very excited about the ability to work with world leading publisher of strategy games. This gives us the opportunity to deliver this easy to learn and hard to master title to all those who value a deep historical setting and accessible gameplay combined with the possibility to modify almost every aspect of the game". 

The game will be available in spring on Slitherine (www.slitherine.com) and Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) sites. For more information about the game, check out the official product page: http://slitherine.com/time_of_fury 

About Slitherine Ltd. and Matrix Games Ltd. 

Slitherine Ltd. and Matrix Games Ltd. are the world's leading video games producers and publishers of historical and strategy titles. Since 2000, both brands have published literally hundreds of games with many award-winning titles in their portfolio spanning all digital and console platforms. Slitherine is also involved with book publishing, and board gaming and work with a wide array of key licensing partners such as HISTORY, MILITARY HISTORY, Horrible Histories, Showtime, BBC, Osprey, Scholastic, Casemate Publishing and many others to deliver the best blend of historical accuracy in an exciting and entertaining way. The two companies merged in May 2010 and formed the world's largest organization specializing in this niche but important market sector. Slitherine's mission over the coming years is to lead the way in innovation and growth in this expanding industry sector.

Guerilla Bob (PC)

Guerilla Bob is a comedic dual-stick shooter.

Release Date: Apr 15, 2011

Guerilla Bob was once a decorated soldier. But following his disgrace due to the lies of former childhood friend John Gore, a heart that once beat out of pride now thumps only for revenge. Gore is going down. You're going to help Bob do it. 

A new twin-stick shooter for the iPhone, Guerrilla Bob is loaded with shades of classics like Robotron, but benefits enormously from one of the genre's cleanest controls schemes. Using two fat virtual sticks that are sensitive enough to line up precise shots, you rip through seven stages of maddening little enemies, such as machinegun troopers, bomb-throwers, and gas tank-carrying kamikaze soldiers. The twin-stick controls let you smoothly circle targets large and small while filling the screen with bullets, rockets, and flames. From time to time, you encounter larger targets such as tents that generate enemies until you destroy them with repeat fire or boss soldiers. 

As Guerrilla Bob, you'll plow through similar-looking towns way too often, though, which is one of the few disappointments. Greater mission variety would have been an enormous boost for Guerrilla Bob, because when you do finally reach an area with some twist on the general run-and-gun mechanic, such as the river rafting episode, the game really comes alive. 

I do wish Guerrilla Bob was a little more tactical about weapon and power-up deployment, too. There is no surprise and strategy for picking up new weapons or boosts, such as speed and damage multipliers. They are just… there. A system where you had to risk a tough foe to get a sweet weapon or save up in-game currency to splurge on a damage booster before a boss battle would add a lot to Guerrilla Bob. 

However, there is no question about Guerrilla Bob's humor and superlative art. This is an exceedingly attractive little game that never takes itself seriously. The enemy designs are quite good, especially some of the bosses such as Sam Butchfeller, a chainsaw-wielding maniac. 

Guerrilla Bob includes a Survival Mode to play after hammering through the main game, where you plow through wave after wave of enemies. 

Guerrilla Bob is a fun twin-stick shooter. It offers some of the best controls in the genre. However, I wish developer Angry Mob Games had added more stages with greater variety and introduced some sort of system that made getting new weapons a real reward. As it stands, though, Guerrilla Bob is still a fun little shooter with lots of character. But Guerrilla Bob 2 could be so much more.

Armada 2526: Supernova (PC)

Supernova is the first expansion for Armada 2526.

Release Date: Apr 15, 2011

The first expansion for the acclaimed 4x turn-based strategy/real time tactical blend Armada 2526, Armada 2526: Supernova gives you more to explore, more to exploit, more to exterminate and expands you’re gaming horizons by letting you challenge your friends via LAN or PBEM play.

There are new star and planet types to discover, and more than 30 special features to make each star system distinctive. You may encounter tachyon storms, psychic plants, primitives or find abandoned alien technology that advances your own research. Two new races, with their own ships and special characteristics, await your discovery. Befriend them, play as them, or exterminate them as you wish.

A new trade system lets you construct networks to trade valuable commodities between the stars, both between your own worlds, and with other players. Alien relics, rare minerals, tourists, or even natural anti-matter, your freighters carry them all. Choke an enemy with trade embargoes, or blockade their planets with stealth ships operating behind the lines. But trade and tourism bring less welcome visitors too. The new espionage system lets you plant spies to gather information or steal technological secrets, or drop special forces that can sabotage defenses before an attack.

Fifty new technologies open up new strategies and tactics. Confound your enemies with hard to detect stealth ships, jam their missiles with electronic warfare, build fighter stations to defend your planets, and blitz defenses with stormtroopers. Research Gaia to make everyone happy, or grind them under your heel with a variety of more powerful warships and upgrades weapons.

Vagrant Hearts (PC)

Vagrant Hearts is role-playing game the people have always been left behind, their interest and beliefs is of no significance in times of war

Release Date: Apr 14, 2011

In a world scared by wars and conflicts, where power is the ultimate solution for lords and kings, the people have always been left behind, their interest and beliefs is of no significance in times of war. There is one organization, called The Brotherhood, which was built by wise individuals with the purpose of the aiding the people, to satisfy it's needs. After many years of struggling, the people of Azulel can finally see a tiny light at the end of the tunnel.

The sisters Scarllet and Beatrice have lived their entire life in their hometown Ganto. After their mother passed away due to a fatal illness, they both became even closer to each other. As the years went by Beatrice started to discover her "gift", the ability to heal anyone from anything with a simple touch, she became the village's healer and such ability eventually caught the interest of the Brotherhood. A guardian from the organization was sent to Ganto Village, where Scarllet and Beatrice are waiting to start a journey that will change their lives forever

Squinkies (DS)

Players immerse themselves in the Squinkies world playing as Squinkies Princess in search of their lost Squinkies friends.

Release Date: Apr 12, 2011

Players immerse themselves in the Squinkies world playing as Squinkies Princess in search of their lost lovable Squinkies friends. Successfully completing a mini-game will free Squinkies which will then be added to the player's collection. The games are easy to engage and fun to play including: Squinkies Match, Squinkies Puzzle, Squinkies Pool, Squinkies Chains, Squinkies Paint or Squinkies Chomp.

With over 250 Squinkies to find and collect, the game is packed with hours of engaging game play. Magic coins can also be earned as bonuses to collect more Squinkies. Just like the toy play sets, players can insert the magic coins into an interactive Gumball Playhouse to add new Squinkies to their collection. All collected Squinkies will be cataloged in their interactive Bubble Bank, complete with animations, music and sound effects.


MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Activision (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Blip Toys today released details for the upcoming videogame based on the phenomenally popular children's toy, Squinkies, recently voted as one of the best new toys at Toy Fair in London. Available this April on Nintendo DS, Squinkies brings the squishy, pint-sized characters to life on a magical adventure. 


Players immerse themselves in the Squinkies world playing as Squinkies Princess in search of their lost lovable Squinkies friends. Successfully completing a mini-game will free Squinkies which will then be added to the player's collection. The games are easy to engage and fun to play including: Squinkies Match, Squinkies Puzzle, Squinkies Pool, Squinkies Chains, Squinkies Paint or Squinkies Chomp. 


With over 250 Squinkies to find and collect, the game is packed with hours of engaging game play. Magic coins can also be earned as bonuses to collect more Squinkies. Just like the toy play sets, players can insert the magic coins into an interactive Gumball Playhouse to add new Squinkies to their collection. All collected Squinkies will be cataloged in their interactive Bubble Bank, complete with animations, music and sound effects. 


Squinkies will be available this April on Nintendo DS. This game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

About Blip Toys 

Established in 2000 and headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Blip Toys is a fast-reacting, trend-driven toy manufacturer. The company is focused on developing innovative new products that appeal to both boys and girls. Blip Toys strives to produce high quality products at great values. Blip Toys current product line includes Squinkies, Whimzy Pets, Zubber, Hair Balls, Zoom-O, Friends Boutique, and other popular toys for boys and girls. The company also produces Lego branded children's furniture and play mats under license from the Lego Group.

About Activision Publishing, Inc. 
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. 

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan.

International Toy Fair’s 2010 Girl Toy of the Year Award Winner, Squinkies™, is now available for the Nintendo DS™ family of handheld systems.Squinkies includes four ultra-rare, lovable Squinkies exclusively available only through purchase of the videogame.

Squinkies incorporates the adorable world of Squinkies and adds in an exciting adventure for players to experience. Players become the Squinkies Princess searching for all of her friends in The Land of the Squinkies. As the player completes various mini-games and solves dynamic puzzles, more Squinkies are found and added to the players’ growing collection . With more than 250 friends to collect, players are sure to find all of their favorite Squinkies friends throughout the entire adventure.

Two sets of four exclusive, ultra-rare Squinkies will come bundled with the initial release of the game giving fans the chance to add to their collection. Faithful fans are also rewarded with codes in specially marked Squinkies toys which will unlock new content within the game.  Fans can collect up to ten different codes for a Squinkies adventure that is out of this world!

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

LEGO Battles: Ninjago (DS)

LEGO Battles: Ninjago for the Nintendo DS is the follow-up title to the successful LEGO Battles video game.

Release Date: Apr 12, 2011

LEGO Battles: Ninjago is bringing its own brand of Spinjitzu to North America and Europe this week. TT Games producer Vince Grogan appeared in a puff of smoke, so we hurled shuriken-sharp questions in his direction until he fled.

Nintendo Life: What's the first thing we should know about LEGO Battles: Ninjago?

Vince Grogan: LEGO Battles: Ninjago is the sequel to the successful LEGO Battles. It allows you to play your way through the story of the first Ninjago series. You get to play as a group of young Ninjas protecting the world of Ninjago or you can play as the army of Skeleton Warriors that are set on destroying it. LEGO Battles: Ninjago is both an action adventure and a strategy game that allows you build and create custom armies and battle them against the AI or against a friend.

NL: What exactly does "Ninjago" mean?

VG: It’s what players must shout when they commence battle when they play with the Ninjago Spinner play sets. You can shout it while you’re playing the game if you like, but I can’t promise it will make you any better at the game.

NL: What about Spinjitzu, and how in-depth will this game explore it?

VG: Spinjitzu is an almost forgotten ancient art form which allows a highly trained Ninja to summon a powerful tornado with devastating effects. Each Ninja’s tornado is different: for instance Kai, the red ninja, has a Fire Tornado which burns any enemy it touches. In LEGO Battles: Ninjago you can upgrade each Ninja with different weapons which will create different Spinjitzu attacks

NL: How does this improve on the original LEGO Battles?

VG: In LEGO Battles there was one Hero unit allowed in each army which meant only one unit that could cast spells. LEGO Battles: Ninjago allows you to create an army with seven Hero units all with their own unique set of powerful spells. Also, Hero units can now be upgraded to gain better weapons and amazing spells.

NL: Can you tell us a little bit about the actual gameplay of Ninjago?

VG: The game is all about building a strong base while constructing an army capable of defeating your opponent. Your units are split into two types: Builders and Heroes. Builders can build and repair structures, as well as collect resources. Resources can be spent on building Hero units which can then be upgraded to gain extra abilities. Unlike our other LEGO games, instead of controlling one character, you’re in charge of controlling all the characters in your army. You can order them about by selecting them and touching on the screen where you want them to go or by touching an enemy to attack them. Once you have a healthy group of Hero units, you can use your weapons, spells and abilities against your opponent and try to take down its base.

NL: What's it like to develop a game having the dual screens and touch screen functionality the DS system brings to the table?

VG: It’s always exciting developing for the DS as it is so different to any other system. The touch screen is great because it gives players complete control of their army. They are able to select single units by touching them or group units by simply sweeping over them with a selection box, it’s really simple. The addition of the top screen allows us to display all the information players’ needs regarding the battle without cluttering the main game screen.

NL: Do you see the LEGO Battles games as fitting into the LEGO repertoire, or more as games of their own unique style that star characters from the world of LEGO?

VG: All of our LEGO games belong to the same world of fun and adventure. However, each has its own unique feel and style. Therefore the style of this game is heavily influenced by the exiting and vibrant world of Ninjago.

NL: What makes LEGO Battles: Ninjago unique in terms of the real time strategy genre?

VG: The game is unique as it is a strategy game and an action adventure game all in one. Being a LEGO game, it’s possible to pick up and play, but at the same it still has lots of depth and tactics that you would expect from a strategy game. Plus, only a LEGO game would allow you to build and create an army of Ninjas and Skeletons, and many other LEGO characters. We even have a Mexican Wrestler!

NL: How does the 2-player function work?

VG: Battle Mode allows you to play against a friend. In this mode, you can create a custom army from all the characters you have unlocked and battle against a buddy. You can choose from four different game modes including two game modes from the previous LEGO Battles game: Annihilation, Capture the Flag, Brick Race and King of the Hill. You can also play against the AI in each of these game modes in addition to two new game modes which are called Goliath and Survival.

NL: What are the development and production teams most proud of in creating this game? Were there any surprises or major breakthroughs along the way, or drastic changes from the original idea?

VG: The most notable improvement from LEGO Battles is the graphics. The team did a fantastic job making the characters so much more detailed and each and every building look like it’s made out of LEGO. In fact, it’s entirely possible to build each building in the game from LEGO which is something we are very pleased about. Another area we are very proud of is the cutscenes; they really bring the whole world to life and tell the story of Ninjago perfectly. They also look fantastic for a system like the DS and are full of the fun and humor that you would expect from our cutscenes.

NL: Is there an emphasis on building and customization in this game, as the LEGO branding would suggest?

VG: Absolutely, the whole game is based on creating your own custom armies and building bases for them to protect. Each tower you build can be upgraded with different elemental effects. Your Hero units can change their weapons and special abilities at any time during a battle. Additionally, you can collect different characters to mix and match into your army. You can even have Skeletons fighting alongside Ninjas!

NL: Is there anything you'd like to tell our Nintendo Life readers in closing?

VG: Yes, as with all LEGO games, we are proud to offer hours of gameplay for the player to explore. There are 42 Story Mode levels plus endless amounts of armies to face in Battle Mode. There are also LEGO Red Brick and Minikit collectibles to be found, 25 conquests to be completed and 30 characters from your favorite LEGO ranges to unlock.