Since I got an Xbox last fall, the Xbox Live Arcade has become one of my favorite features. Similar to the Wii's Virtual Console, it allows you to purchase and download certain games from years past. I've compiled a list here of my favorites. Note that these are only the ones I've played (be it in the past or on XBLA). Let's get things started here.


Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved
Price: 400 MS Points

One of my all time favorites, I first played this over the summer when it was released on Steam. When I got my Xbox I promptly re-bought it so I could relive the madness. For those that haven't played, this game is a fast paced arcade shooter, and when I say arcade, I really mean it. There are no levels, only points, and the game gets progressively harder as you survive hordes and hordes of enemies. It's quick and easy to pick up, but rewards expertise. Your score can really skyrocket the longer your survive, and with the XBLA leader board there is a good sense of competition.

Would totally buy again.


Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night
Price: 800 MS Points

I picked up the original release of this one on the original PlayStation. It wasn't my first Castlevania, but it quickly became one of my favorites. This was the first in the series to adapt the Metroid play style, thereby coining the term "Metroidvania". You were set lose in a giant castle, fighting your way through mobs of undead. The game features beautiful sprites; every enemy is brilliantly drawn and animated. At times you would reach certain areas you couldn't pass, but would later find a skill or special move that allowed access. Not to mention the gratifying feeling of collecting the best items in the game, leveling up your character and proceeding to dominate Dracula at the end. To top it all off, upon completing the game under certain circumstances, the castle will pull a 180 and flip upside down, creating a New Game+ like no other.

Truly one of my favorite games ever. Buy it now if you've never played it.


Metal Slug 3
Price: 800 MS Points

Matt and I discovered Metal Slug for the first time a few years ago. We were blown away by its simplicity, but overwhelming challenge and entertainment. Metal Slug 3 is no exception in the series. This game will kick your ass so hard you won't sit right for a week. But don't get me wrong here, the game is incredibly fun at the same time. Along with the ability to play simultaneous multiplayer, there is no reason why you shouldn't give it a chance if you've never indulged yourself.


Rez
Price: 800 MS Points

Ah, Rez. I've been meaning to pick this up lately but haven't gotten around to it. It was released in the early 2000's for the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2, and is quite possibly best known for its controversial accessory, the Trance Vibrator. This peripheral ... well you know ... vibrated in sync with certain actions in the game, leading to its use for other things not usually related to video games. Ahem. Moving on, since Rez's release it has developed a cult following that it well deserves. Do your best to picture Lumines for the PSP as a shooter. Beautiful, trippy visuals and awesome raving techno music. Everything you do in this game will make a sound effect that grooves perfectly with the soundtrack. You will make some awesome music in this game, all while flying through cyberspace and shooting down enemies.


Other Notables include various classics including Sonic, Ecco the Dolphin, Doom, etc, along with some original games such as Puzzle Quest (which I have yet to play but have heard very positive feedback). If you've yet to play any of these, or anything you heard a good amount of positive hype for, I recommend you pick them up! XBLA has a growing library that consists of some very notable games. If you never got the chance to play them on their original systems, go for it now!