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Racedrome Offroad was developed by Rendercode Games. It was released on March 27, 2012 for 80 MSP. A copy was provided for review purposes.

Rendercode Games has a history of 80 MSP hits. Concept Car Series 2010 and Avatar Racedrome were both solid releases, and we were really pleased with 2011’s Avatar Karting. Though we don’t do much in the way of XBLIG reviews any more we were more than happy to take their newest title, Racedrome Offroad, for a spin around the track. As the follow up to Avatar Racedrome the game moves things indoors and trades old Grand Prix-inspired cars for a set of wheels akin to dune buggy. Tracks are tight and varied, and two player versus is offered.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOhVZlxA80A&feature=youtu.be

The latest edition of Inside Xbox gives us a sneak peak at Valve’s addictive and uber-competitive shooter, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The video (which can be viewed above) shows off …
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TopWare Interactive have just announced Planets at War, a game described as “a strategic interplanetary conflict simulator”, developed by Targem Games. They have not released much information but their press release did state that the game will feature four playable races for players to choose from. Gameplay will include capturing planets and battling “mighty” bosses. That’s about all we know, though Targem did post the image above on their Facebook page too. More info is promised soon, so keep an eye out, you can check out the full press release for yourself below. Read More

Bored of Trials Evolution yet? Didn’t think so, but RedLynx have recently uploaded 4 new Supercross tracks for fans to play with. The new tracks are available to play …
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If, like many of the XBLAFans staff, you are eagerly anticipating the release of the 2D MOBA game Awesomenauts then you may want to take a good long look at the screens below. Ronimo have just posted these images on their Facebook page of the three maps that will ship with the game in two weeks.

The three maps are Sorana, AI Station 404 and Ribbit IV. Aside from having different layouts and visual styles each map also has a unique element such as AI Station’s anti-gravity field which will allow players to float around the area. AI Station 404 also has “Creep Releasers” on each side of the map, allowing teams to reinforce their attack. Ribbit IV has a “Solarboss” on each side of the map, which is an extra tough neutral enemy for teams to tackle and reap the rewards if they succeed. In the center of the Sorona map there is a giant worm who has taken up residence in a mineshaft, players can call on it by pressing a button on the map, causing trouble for anyone in the vicinity.

You can check out the maps for yourself below and be sure to head over to the Awesomenauts Facebook page for more info. Awesomenauts will be released on May 2 for 800 MSP. Read More

Bloodforge was developed by Climax Group and published by Microsoft Studios. It was released April 25, 2012 for 1200 MSP. A copy was provided for review purposes.

Crom isn’t very happy right now, and it shows. While out hunting, he returns to find his village in flames and his family murdered. He learns that the gods who want him dead did this and now, he must seek revenge. Bloodforge is the story of one warrior’s quest for vengeance.

Bloodforge is a hack-and-slash where action is ultimately key. You’ll go through different environments and kill more and more enemies to build up rage. It’s fun for the first couple of hours but quickly becomes formulaic and filled with nonsensical shouting by the end.
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Tomorrow we’re re-launching our Trials Tuesday. Today we’re giving you a sneak peek at our revamped format and how to get the best tracks available. Each week we’ll feature 2-4 custom tracks or skill games we think need to be on every player’s hard drive. For the aspiring creators, here’s what we look at when seeking potential Trials Tuesday feature candidates:

• Does it play well? We look at whether the checkpoints set up correctly, if it works for 2-3 different bikes, and if it feels like some thought was put into it.
• Is it unique? It can be hard to sift through the ho-hum levels, particularly in the Skill Games category where every other level is a incredibly minor change on the Icarus Factor or Hill Climb defaults. That’s not to say we don’t look at those, but rest assured if all you’ve done is add one extra ramp you won’t be featured.
• Are the medals set up well? In other words, are bronze, silver, and gold realistically attainable and spread out well?
• Is it quality? Are you someone who spent time giving your track or skill game pizazz with things like explosions, physics hinges and the like? Bonus points if so.
• Does it have a decent name? Tracks named “Test” or “Dave’s Aw3sUm Track!!1!11” need not apply.

And that’s really it. Long story short we’re looking for the best of the best. To submit your level for feature simply reply in the comments with your level name and gamertag so we can search for it. YouTube videos (if they are HD) are welcome, but we can record them if necessary (and if you’re a featured track). Hit the jump for our first featured track, available as a sneak peek.

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5th Cell have been hard at work on their upcoming new take on shooters with Hybrid. The Scribblenauts developer are working in 3D this time with an emphasis on …
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World Gone Sour was developed by Playbrains Studios and published by Capcom. It was released on April 11, 2012 for 400 MSP. A copy was provided for review purposes.

World Gone Sour is a fun and sweet little platformer with a weird story to tell. What we find is a dangerous world that exists for Sour Patch Kids as they journey toward their ultimate goal: The human stomach. During your journey you’ll find lots of lost friends who will help you along your way. Like any good platformer there are bosses, and in World Gone Sour they are integral to the story. Many aspects of World Gone Sour will immediately feel and look like games you know and love.

Feeling like games of the past isn’t always a good thing, but for the most part World Gone Sour keeps things simple and sweet. Double-jumping and wall bouncing are an absolute joy. You’ll find additional Sour Patch Kids who will follow you on your journey. They can help you swing, Indiana Jones-style, or sacrifice themselves to help you complete the level. The first time you impale yourself or throw one or your little minions into a fan blade and he is chopped to pieces, you can’t help but laugh. It’ll put a smile on your face that will stay with you the whole game.

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What we are playing is a weekly column published on Sunday. Select members of the team talk about the games they’ve been playing over the past week and which they’re …
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