At the end of each month, the IGN Xbox team likes to toss every recently released game on the floor, put on blindfolds, and take a ball-peen hammer to the small pile of games we've reviewed. Whichever game has the guts to stay in one piece wins the Game of the Month honors. Shoddy craftsmanship is not tolerated around these parts.
Ok, so maybe our selection process is a bit more rigorous and involves things like using our brains. Since most reviews are only looked at by a single person, score alone isn't enough to win the honors. Our pick for Game of the Month is the title that shines bright enough to blind each and every editor with its sparkle. This is the game that we all can agree on and agreement is not something we come to often. If you're looking for a single game to play that was released this month, this is where to go.
Why We Picked It: "With so many great 2D shooters out or on the horizon, it's time for Bizarre to step up its game and take Geometry Wars to the next level. This plays more like a greatest hits offering than a true sequel. But hey, it is Geometry Wars -- and Geometry Wars is fun. Worth $10? Definitely. The best thing since sliced banana bread? Not so much." -- Hilary Goldstein
Developed by Bizarre Creations
Published by Activision
Reader Review: "I've never seen colors in a videogame that are this bright. What is it about the 360 hardware that allows for lighting to be this bright? Can PS3 even compare in brightness? I personally don't think so. Controls feel tight. New game modes feel great. New multiplier is a plus. Hands down the new king of XBLA." (Read the full review.) Submitted by JumpyLuweegee
Runner-Up:
Golf: Tee It Up!
Why We Picked It: Golf: Tee It Up is a perfect fit for Xbox Live Arcade and does what it needs to do to earn a spot in your library. It may not be as varied or as crazy as some might have liked, but the two courses and smack talk that can come out of the action that transpires is great fun for all involved. -- Nate Ahearn
Other notables:
Though July brought plenty for gamers to spend their Microsoft Points on, August is where the action really starts to heat up. Braid, Bionic Command Rearmed, Fable II Pub Games and the long-awaited Castle Crashers are all launch within the next 31 days. Better save up your digital download dough. You're gonna need it.