I know I’ve already talked about 10 of the best (mostly retro inspired, definitely indie developed) games available for the Xbox Live Arcade, but that was before Space Giraffe and thus before the llamas, disguised as Yaks and via the Trojan horse of Lllamasoft, invaded your average unsuspecting Xbox 360. Or at least before I noticed it. For I am generally absentminded and for Space Giraffe is not only among the best, but the best game available for this very MS console. Actually, I’d go as far as saying this game should be reason enough for the truly hardcore and properly old-school gaming masses to go on and buy an Xbox 360. Yes, it’s that good. It’s for the Xbox what Tempest 2000 was for the Atari Jaguar. No, really. I swear. Have a look at the screenshots, try the demo, spent a few Xbox Live points and you’ll see.

After all, this is a game created by legendary game designer, bearded visionary, all around nice-guy Jeff Minter that evolves the concept of Tempest almost beyond recognition. Space Giraffe, you see, is a psychedelic shoot-’em-up spanning 100 levels all set against trippy backgrounds that synchronize with your very own mp3s and a game that features bonus levels, hidden modes and nifty power-ups. Brilliant!

Posted on January 28th, 2008 by konstantinos