Every week on Wednesday, Xbox Live Marketplace releases at least one new Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) game. May 13, 2009 Microsoft released two new XBLA titles - a top-down shooter based on skirmish matches in the Star Trek universe called Star Trek D-A-C for 800 MS points - and the only card game that not only allows cheating but condones it called Texas Cheat 'Em also for 800 MS points.
Read below for the Star Trek D-A-C review, and the Texas Cheat 'Em review to see if either are worth the 800 MS points.
Star Trek D-A-C Review - Online Star Trek Game
To say Star Trek D-A-C is based on the series of the same name might be stretching the definition of the word "based." In reality, this top-down shooter doesn't feel anymore Star Trek than Wing Commander Arena felt like Wing Commander.
Indeed, similar to Wing Commander Arena, Star Trek D-A-C offers a top-down shooting experience which primarily focuses on online multiplayer. The ships and powerups may be based on the Star Trek universe, but aside from that, Star Trek D-A-C offers no unique Star Trek feeling for fans of the series (or the new movie).
Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean Star Trek D-A-C is a bad game, it just means that fans should not expect much fan service, as the Star Trek elements merely feel tacked on.
Star Trek D-A-C Gameplay - Shooter Game Skirmishes
As far as the gameplay is concerned, Star Trek D-A-C offers a fun top-down shooter with a huge focus on multiplayer, but simply doesn't offer enough to keep the gameplay fresh.
No matter whether the player fights for the Federation or Romulans, only three different ship types are available for combat. Neither side has any unique qualities or abilities, and only a handful of powerups (lock-on torpedos, cloaking, etc) means the gameplay grows tiresome and repeditive quickly.
Only three modes of play for both online and off, with no options to tweak, makes the repetition even more prevalent. Star Trek D-A-C only offers skirmish modes, absolutely no story mode or mission mode. A shame, since a story mode could have added extra playtime and allowed for some decent Star Trek fanservice.
Star Trek D-A-C Presentation and Graphics
Despite it's flaws, Star Trek D-A-C is a well-polished game, with graphical effects more impressive than most XBLA titles out there.
The ships and backgrounds contain an impressive amount of detail, and the explosions and special effects are impressive without being obtrusive.
Star Trek D-A-C - Final Verdict: Pass
Although 800 MS points may feel like a deal for a well-polished top-down shooter loosely based off the Star Trek franchise, the lack of options and modes makes Star Trek D-A-C feel like a real bare-bones experience.
Those seeking more depth and longer playability should check out Undertow. Those looking for a satisfying Star Trek experience should simply pass this one up altogether.
Texas Cheat'Em Review - one of many XBLA Online Card Games
Another game with a heavy focus on online multiplayer, Texas Cheat'Em is a wicked variation of the Poker card game Texas Hold'Em, allowing players the ability to use various cheats, ranging from "X-Ray Vision" to see another player's cards, to swapping cards, stealing chips, and many more.
The concept adds a unique twist to Poker. Instead of simply calculating percentages, bluffing, and calling bluffs, players have a whole host of unique cheats to apply for a different layer of strategy. Poker purists may be put off by these "cheats," but even pure Poker enthusiasts should give these cheats a try. The cheats may not reinvent the wheel, but it does add a unique twist on an old, familiar card game.
Texas Cheat'Em Gameplay
Unfortunately, playing single-player is a dull and annoying experience. The AI can take 5-10 seconds at a time, which feels like an unnecessary long wait for next-gen consoles sporting triple-core / cell-based processors. Indeed, waiting for the AI to "think" feels like a thing from the past.
Anyone at all interested in enjoying Texas Cheat'Em should indulge in the online modes, as playing human opponents is a far more satisfying, and unpredictable, experience. Avatar support also adds to the online gameplay.
Texas Cheat'Em Presentation and Graphics
Texas Cheat'Em's biggest downfall by far is the lackluster presentation and UI. Space seems improperly utilized in this card game, which can make it downright difficult to even see the cards or tiny text when standing a few feet away, unless the game is played on an enormous HDTV.
Considering the majority of the time players will be looking at the cards, either on the table or in hand, the icons for the cards seem preposterously small.
Aside from bad UI, the graphics offer very little visual flair. While a card game hardly needs explosive visual effects, it should at least be easy on the eyes, which it's not.
Texas Cheat'Em Final Verdict: Pass
Only those who truly enjoy the cheat mechanics should buy the full version of Texas Cheat'Em for 800 MS points.
Despite being developed by Wideload Games (Stubbs the Zombie), this cheating man's version of Texas Hold'Em offers poor UI and presentation, and although the cheating mechanics are unique, it simply doesn't offer enough to warrant a purchase.
Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays New Releases May 13 2009 - Conclusion
Between the two releases this Wednesday, Star Trek D-A-C offers a more polished and enjoyable experience.
Neither title screams for a purchase, however, as Star Trek D-A-C's lack of longevity, and Texas Cheat'Em's poor presentation and UI, prevents these titles from achieving their true potential. Gamers should definitely try the Star Trek D-A-C demo and the Texas Cheat'Em demo before deciding on a purchase.
Interested in more Xbox Live Arcade game releases and reviews? Check out these articles:
Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays May 6 2009 - ARKANOID Live! - Space Invaders Extreme - Zombie Wranglers
Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays April 29 2009 - Virtua On - Banjo Tooie
Bradley Kairis - Bradley Kairis loves games, comedy, technology, politics, news and journalism. From the endlessly intricate strategies of Magic the ...
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