Developed by Mommy's Best Games
Released for Xbox Live Indie Games (10/2010)
Also on PC
Explosionade is the third release from Mommy's Best Games (MBG) for XBLIG. After Weapon of Choice and Shoot 1Up, it was clear that these guys were putting out some of the best games on the service, and Explosionade doesn't disappoint. The game is a 2D run 'n gun with some platforming, where you'll play as a dude in a mech suit blasting everything while working your way to the exit. The game features the same art style as MBG's other efforts and looks far better than your average offering on XBLIG.
In Explosionade players take control of a mech suit while blasting your way through 40 short but action packed levels. The presentation is nice overall with detailed graphics and a zoom feature to help you see more of the playfield when needed. There's some written dialogue before stages every now and then, containing the kind of silliness we've come to expect from the developer. The title allows for a second player to join in on the action for some nice couch co-op. With this being an XBLIG release, there are no options for online co-op.
Explosionade features three difficulty modes: chilled, normal and serious. Different difficulties will have their own enemy arrangements, making for some decent replay value. After choosing a difficulty you also have the option to pick the game speed, ranging from 25% to 200%. Most levels are quite small and can be completed within a few minutes, though there are some secrets tucked away for those who like to explore. There are a total of 40 levels with the option to resume from whatever level you left off on when coming back. There are also 4 boss encounters throughout the game. The game isn't terribly challenging but is still a fun play, and they do have some nice options provided to help boost the difficulty if you so wish. Explosionade is easy to pick up and play due to the fact you're allowed to continue from the last stage you left off at via the main menu.
In addition to your regular firearm, which is conveniently mapped to the right analog stick for easy aiming, you also have a grenade launcher. You're allowed to fire up to three at a time, at which point you'll have to reload. In Explosionade you'll find gold bars scattered about and for every ten collected you'll earn temporary infinite grenades for some real explosive action. The grenades can blow up destructible walls, which will often open a new path in the stage. The game also has the Mommy's Best Games pies scattered about (sometimes hidden) on some of the levels, serving as the games collectibles.
The main menu offers a high score table which keeps track of the top 10 scores. There is also an awards menu, serving as the in-game achievements, but since this is an indie title you won't earn gamerscore for completing these objectives, but it is still a nice feature. The options mode allows you to customize your controls as well as a few various hud and brightness settings. In 2015, five years after the game's initial release on the 360, Explosionade would see a release on Steam, preventing this one from getting completely lost in time. The Steam version also has achievement support, so if you're into 2D mech-shooters you may want to give this one a look.
Final Verdict: Explosionade is a fun 2D mech-shooter/platformer offering up 40 levels of blasting action. Mommy's Best Games were easily some of the best devs putting out games for XBLIG!
Related Links:
Buy Explosionade - Steam
Explosionade - Official Mommy's Best Games Site
Explosionade Dev Delaying Release - Engadget.com
Explosionade - GameFAQs
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