XBLA: Deal or No Deal vol. 4

One of the big problems with the Xbox Live Marketplace is it has no competition.  If you want to buy an Xbox Live Arcade game you have to pay the price that Microsoft has set.  Because of this, there are a ton of overpriced games that need to be adjusted.  Here's a brief selection of games that fit the bill as well as some great under-priced games also available on the service:

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix

The issue that I have with the follow up to Puzzle Quest is less about the game and more to do with the price.  Sure, I could spend some time talking about how Galactrix is just a longer retread of the original game; however, that's probably what a lot of fans of the original game were interested in.  My problem is that this game was released for a whopping 1600 pts. ($20).  In a marketplace where gamers can pick up four games that are just as good as Puzzle Quest: Galactrix for a total of 1600 points, keeping this game so expensive is an embarrassment.  Hell, what is even more puzzling (get it), is gamers can buy Puzzle Quest 2 and save 400 points for something else (PQ2 is newer and better reviewed than Galactrix).  Maybe this is D3's problem or maybe whoever is running the Xbox Marketplace isn't paying attention to their prices.  Nevertheless, having this game at a ridiculous price of 1600 points is insane.

Space Giraffe

I remember the hype for this game just like it was yesterday.  Heralded developer Jeff Minter was bringing his genius to the Xbox Live Arcade and all would be amazing in the world.  After some delays and plenty of mystery regarding the release, Space Giraffe was released into the world.  And with a collective groan, gamers threw their controllers across the floor and demanded for better games.  The core problem with Space Giraffe is that what happens and why it happens is utterly inexplicable.  Lights flash and pulse with no rhyme or reason and progress is even harder to ascertain.  Points are given with bizarre explanation that only Minter would be able to explain.  If ever there was a game that you can blame entirely on drugs, Space Giraffe would be it.  Not only did this game not live up to the hype, it defines why gamers should be forever skeptical of what they hear or read. This game is priced at a measly 400 pts. ($5) and even that is over-priced.

Despite all of the criticism I am placing on these XBox Live games, here’s a fantastic game with perfect pricing for the thrifty gamer:

N+

One of my favorite games ever released on XBLA, N+ is an incredibly inventive and challenging game that can be played for endless hours.  Players pick up the controls of simple ninja and attempt to navigate multiple levels of traps, enemies, and gold.  As the game progresses, the levels become exceedingly challenging and at moments incredibly frustrating.  N+ is one of those games that asks you to play the same level 300 times before you can get past it.  While some might see this as pure insanity, the achievement of finally completing that challenge after 300 attempts is endlessly gratifying.  Even more sadistic is the realization that after you complete that level there are another 20-30 levels that are even harder still waiting in the wings.  Priced at 800 pts. ($10), N+ is one of the best games available on the service and well worth your hard earned credits.

That's all for this time out.  Look for another new dose of under-priced and overpriced games in the future.  If you'd like to suggest any great deals, please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .