XBLA release: Splosion Man

Splosion ManWe have an unexpected surprise popping up on the XBLA release – Splosion Man. Initially, it was set for 5^th of August but seems like the folks have shifted the dates around a bit. On that note, those of you who were keeping tabs on Summer of Arcade releases, check out the list here and see if there are any more changes.

Onto the game. Splosion Man looks like a big simmering ball of fun. At least playing the game seems like a blast. Basically, you play this fiery man who can make everything around him explode and go kaboom! Yea, it's basically a mutant created in the lab which makes me wonder if it hugged a viral chamber and wailed 'Mama' a few times before running off to kill every evil scientist in sight. By the way, that is your objective; making it out of the creepy laboratory.

I must admit, there are a lot of fun aspects to this game. His funky explosions have not become boring yet. Try pressing 'A' a few times rapidly and watch him waft up with that giant fiery cloud. Your basic movement also depends on his ability to give out deadly explosions. So you see him flinging from wall to wall and propelling himself onto the next platform. It's cute and fun at the same time. The artwork is reminiscent of the crazy scientist look of Evil Genius with a bit of TF2-style exploding flesh bits thrown in for good measure. Try blowing up a few scientists; the debris looks suspiciously like steak, doesn't it?

A lot of folks have complained about the camera angles. I can see what they mean. There are certain bits in the game where you subconsciously fiddle with the right thumbstick, hoping for the camera to swoop around an annoying ledge for a better look at the little guy's dilemma. However, it has not proved to be a great hindrance to the game yet. Do note that I only played around for a little bit and I might very well be grinding my teeth if I got stuck later on in the game due to this feature.

Well, Splosion Man was developed and published by Twisted Pixel and is available for 800 MS points. Go on, check it out.