View Full Version : XBLA - Band of Bugs (800pts) - Red Kingdom DLC is Up
vlv723
06-18-2007, 01:50 PM
Our good old friend Major Nelson just announced it.
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/bandofbugsxboxlivearcade/
LinkinPrime
06-18-2007, 01:57 PM
Still not sure about this one....will wait for demo. The 800pts price tag seems to be a standard now.
ThatDamnDave
06-18-2007, 02:16 PM
Still not sure about this one....will wait for demo. The 800pts price tag seems to be a standard now.
Which is a shame because $5 is a real impulse buy price point. $10 isn't that much and granted all of the $5 games aren't going to be Geometry Wars, but there's still gotta be a market for less featured $5 games out there someplace.
I wouldn't pay $10 for this, given the game play vids I've seen, but demos can always change minds (Pac Man CE).
lordwow
06-18-2007, 02:19 PM
Was hoping for Carcassone this week.
RelentlessRolento
06-18-2007, 02:46 PM
either this or carcassone was what I wanted, so I'm happy :)
looks like it uses the vision cam:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/bandofbugsxboxlivearcade/
thrustbucket
06-18-2007, 05:52 PM
About time this comes out. It was finished in March (just to give you an idea of how XBLA works).
Happy to see it. I bet we will see Caracassone next week.
This game should be a sleeper.
Sporadic
06-20-2007, 10:19 AM
Apparently this game is amazing.
Anybody download it?
vinhjdao
06-20-2007, 11:28 AM
I'm on the fence for this one until we hear from the reviews.
terribledeli
06-20-2007, 11:53 AM
I haven't played too far, but its been enjoyable so far. And clocking in at 34 MB, it really shows you what good developers can pull off without resorting to a bloated memory size.
CAG 79
06-20-2007, 11:57 AM
I don't know how to feel about this game. It's not bad and it's fun but I cannot bring myself to pay 800pts. for it. At 400pts. I would've definitely bought it.
deadite76
06-20-2007, 12:11 PM
I'll have to check this out later.
fathamburger
06-20-2007, 01:12 PM
For me it's nice to see a Tactics game, but I really can't gel to the bugs theme.. and the game does have the Kaloki touch but it's lacking the ingredient x to the fun polish that really made Kaloki for me..
I think it's gone a tad over to the "cheap knockoff" of a fully fledged japanese Tactics game and not been different or innovative enough. I don't know about it yet.. definitely waiting for reviews, I wouldn't mind buying it though since I really like Ninjabee and have met some of the devs at GDC before.
EDIT - actually I just read about two things that are about to push me over. MULTIPLAYER for a tactics game, including co-op scenarios and the level editor which I glanced at but didn't think much of, how you can whip up new maps easily and play them with your friends. I may not be too impressed with the core game but multiplayer might push me over.
LinkinPrime
06-20-2007, 01:58 PM
I don't know how to feel about this game. It's not bad and it's fun but I cannot bring myself to pay 800pts. for it. At 400pts. I would've definitely bought it.
My thoughts exactly!
DesertEagleXIX
06-20-2007, 03:00 PM
Man, I'm on the fence about this one. I go have some spare points, but I was waiting for Bomberman Live; does anyone know when it comes out?
LinkinPrime
06-20-2007, 03:02 PM
Man, I'm on the fence about this one. I go have some spare points, but I was waiting for Bomberman Live; does anyone know when it comes out?
Early July so a couple weeks or so.
BustaUppa
06-20-2007, 03:19 PM
Still not sure about this one....will wait for demo. The 800pts price tag seems to be a standard now.I think the general theory behind it is that "new" games are 800 while "enhanced ports" go for 400. The exceptions seem to be the "enhanced ports" from the CD-ROM era onward (CastleVania, Alien Hominid, UMK3), which get bumped up to 800.
Under the "new" category you've got the brand new properties, along with the revival-type material like Worms and Pacman CE (old IP's with new games that were basically built from scratch for XBLA).
And then you've got things like Lumines that are just plain silly.
This vague pricing scheme isn't set in stone obviously but it seems to be the general trend. We have got a decent amount in the "new" category lately so that 800 pricetag is starting to seem all-to-familiar. Now that I think of it, a lot of the games in the pipeline (that we know of) seem to be in that category. At least those Genesis Collection games are supposed to be 400, right?
thrustbucket
06-20-2007, 03:28 PM
This vague pricing scheme isn't set in stone obviously but it seems to be the general trend. We have got a decent amount in the "new" category lately so that 800 pricetag is starting to seem all-to-familiar. Now that I think of it, a lot of the games in the pipeline (that we know of) seem to be in that category. At least those Genesis Collection games are supposed to be 400, right?
Actually each developer more or less sets the price for their game. Microsoft just won't let you go below 400 points, and they won't let you choose some astronomical price. But the developers decide what they think their game is worth and what they need to recoup development costs.
But there is no guideline about ports costing X and new games costing Y.
thrustbucket
06-20-2007, 04:02 PM
Xbox magazine reviewed it a month ago and gave it an 80%.
http://gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/938058.asp
BustaUppa
06-20-2007, 04:10 PM
Actually each developer more or less sets the price for their game. Microsoft just won't let you go below 400 points, and they won't let you choose some astronomical price. But the developers decide what they think their game is worth and what they need to recoup development costs.
But there is no guideline about ports costing X and new games costing Y.Yeah true. Seems to be the trend but it's definitely not set in stone. If nothing else it's just something I can use to rationalize a price for myself. Like "ohhhh 400 woulda been nice, but hey it's a new game right????"
I guess Geometry Wars is the quintessential example of how it all really works. With MS setting the bare minimum and the the dev team working from there, like you said.
How many players does this one support? I'm a sucker for games that support local 4-player.
Sporadic
06-20-2007, 04:20 PM
Yeah true. Seems to be the trend but it's definitely not set in stone. If nothing else it's just something I can use to rationalize a price for myself. Like "ohhhh 400 woulda been nice, but hey it's a new game right????"
I guess Geometry Wars is the quintessential example of how it all really works. With MS setting the bare minimum and the the dev team working from there, like you said.
How many players does this one support? I'm a sucker for games that support local 4-player.
Looks like it's 1-4 locally and 1-8 online.
---------
I just played the demo and it looks like another hit from NinjaBee.
Only thing I don't like about it is the camera.
RelentlessRolento
06-20-2007, 05:06 PM
The camera is fixed when you get to a point in the tutorial. The triggers sqitch it ala FFT.
I am enjoying it very much and now wish XBLA had more tactics games.
I might give this a try after I actually play Catan, which I purchased and have yet to try.
contej85
06-20-2007, 05:28 PM
Bought this after trying the demo for about 5 minutes. I think I'll get more play from this one than I have anything else on arcade other than Worms, and probably Bomberman. The game is definitely novice friendly, but with just enough depth that FFT and FE players like myself can still enjoy it in burts. Plus, online multi!
NWgamer666
06-20-2007, 05:33 PM
Come on ya'll, give me some reviews of the online play! Can it hold a candle to Catan? Does it allow me to make retarded comments like "Sheep for wood," "Brick-hoooouussse!" and "Ore whore." If this is at all like Catan I'm buying it.
Is there combat, or is it about resource gathering or both?
Come on ya'll, give me some reviews of the online play! Can it hold a candle to Catan? Does it allow me to make retarded comments like "Sheep for wood," "Brick-hoooouussse!" and "Ore whore." If this is at all like Catan I'm buying it.
Is there combat, or is it about resource gathering or both?
Mind you, I don't have any hands-on time, but it's basically a Tactics game, a la Final Fantasy Tactics/Tactics Ogre/Onimusha Tactics et al, so there would be no resource management. I don't get the impression it's much like Catan at all.
RelentlessRolento
06-20-2007, 05:53 PM
not like catan at all since the genres are almost different. BoB plays like a simplified version of FFT with less though on leveling up and management and more focus on the combat at hand.
Catan is more about manipulation and good use of communication with alot of planning ahead.
fathamburger
06-20-2007, 09:12 PM
Well I'm playing Fallout Tactics now, yup it's old but I need both a Tactics fix as well as a Fallout fix (no matter how bad) after finally getting around to finishing Fallout 1 and 2 earlier this month so I guess I'll be skipping BoB for now. Just too average for me. However let us know how the online multi is, that might rekindle my interest.
Sporadic
06-20-2007, 09:15 PM
The camera is fixed when you get to a point in the tutorial. The triggers sqitch it ala FFT.
I am enjoying it very much and now wish XBLA had more tactics games.
I played past that point and I still hated it.
It was too easy for enemies to be hidden behind a hill.
velvet396
06-21-2007, 04:27 PM
never played a tactics game before... good idea to jump in on this?
porieux
06-21-2007, 04:38 PM
This game lasted about 3 minutes in my household before being deleted LOL.
I'm sure it's a fine game if you are into that sort of thing.
thrustbucket
06-21-2007, 05:08 PM
This game lasted about 3 minutes in my household before being deleted LOL.
I'm sure it's a fine game if you are into that sort of thing.
So what were you able to experience about it that you didn't like after 3 minutes other than a bug theme?
SAB-CA
06-22-2007, 04:13 AM
Figure I might as well leave my thoughts. After being on the fence myself, I decided to get the game.
For 800 points, this has to be one of the best values on XBLA! (Before we get Bomberman, anywho.)
>20 stage "Maals story" single player mode.
Heck, that'd right there would be longer than many XBLA games... I've
encountered stages that last 5 to 15 minutes so far.
>Stage creation can be pretty in depth when you notice all the details the
game has. For Example, higher level units get some pretty useful skills that
really define the classes. Different terrain types really seem to matter (We
discovered tonight that you apparently cannot be shoved when standing
on Sand), and by combining the items, space types, and various doodads,
you can really set up some fun "challenges" for your games.
-Every game mode (save for missions, I think) can be played local or online
multi, which is quite cool. I have yet to try spider hunters, but I did do
Elimination online and Escape offline... all cool when designed well.
Really, I've payed 20 bucks for old Playstation games that had less gameplay than this one offers, with it's multiplayer. While I easily got over the "Goofy Bugs" theme, I do wish we'd see something of this calibur from a good ole Japanese SRPG maker. A Shining Force, or Generations of Chaos or something built off this games ideas would be fantastic.
(Oh, and note, the offline Single player has some classes not offered in the map creator, from what I've seen so far... such as the Ninja Bee, and your Hero, Maal. However, I'm only in single player stage 11, so there may be more.)
RelentlessRolento
06-22-2007, 04:22 AM
I love the design, especially the voice acting.
SAB-CA
06-22-2007, 04:38 AM
On the design, In a way, it's so... Nintendo.. lol. The characters have alot of personality in their animations, none of them feel as if they lack emotion. No real voices, just a bunch of "voice sounds". Being this is 360, I didn't mind that here, for us, it's all original! XD
I especially like Maal's little "Ha ha ha!" Laugh that he has at the end of the sentence sometimes, and that "agressive clicking" the Egg Bearer makes when he speaks. And the Ninja Bee is still awesome, lol.
So just in case, let me note I have nothing aganist the design in the least (quite the contrary), it's just not the kinda design I associate with this kinda gameplay. I'm so much more used to Strategy gaming with... giant swords, cute white mage girls, and elven archers....
...part of me just can't help wishing this was Shining Force, though, y'know?
porieux
06-22-2007, 04:44 AM
So what were you able to experience about it that you didn't like after 3 minutes other than a bug theme?
I can tell that I do not like that style of gameplay at all; I find it extremely tedious.
Nor do I like any kind of real time strategy game or RPGs with turn-based combat.
Like I said, I'm sure it's fine if you like that kind of game.
tiredfornow
06-22-2007, 04:47 AM
guess this game just wasnt my type, played it for a good hour or so and I couldnt get into it.. it's okay though, wasted points are okay.. :(
Sporadic
06-24-2007, 01:22 AM
Just beat the game.
Pretty fun, it took about 4 hours.
Seems like it would be the game to play online. Anybody else have it?
RelentlessRolento
06-24-2007, 01:35 AM
Just beat the game.
Pretty fun, it took about 4 hours.
Seems like it would be the game to play online. Anybody else have it?
I do. Feel free to invite if you ever are up to it.
Sporadic
06-24-2007, 01:45 AM
I do. Feel free to invite if you ever are up to it.
Cool, sent you a friend invite.
I should be on tomorrow.
terribledeli
06-24-2007, 03:22 PM
I've got it too. But my schedule is haphazard due to stupid assholes not showing up for work.
I just got 200/200 my first ever.
thrustbucket
08-06-2007, 03:50 PM
Wish more people played this. It's really not as bad as IGN said.
contej85
08-06-2007, 04:05 PM
Wish more people played this. It's really not as bad as IGN said.
Send me a friend request, I love this title.
Me to, I Heart this game.
Daywalker
08-07-2007, 01:39 AM
This game is awesome. Online is a blast... didn't expect it to be. Getting gold on mission 9 or 10(whichever one where you have to step on the 3 flashing blocks) is so damn hard at least for me.
thrustbucket
08-08-2007, 02:09 PM
New DLC is out. Not bad at 250 points.
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/811/811442p1.html
And a cool level design contest.
UK, August 8, 2007 - A fresh load of downloadable content for Ninja Bee's insect-based strategy game Band of Bugs has wriggled onto Xbox Live Marketplace, including new levels and troops for you to squish. Plus, to make things even more special, the developer is launching a special level design competition to commemorate the occasion.
Entitled the 'Red Kingdom pack', this new content moves the creepy crawly action away from the Western Kingdom to the Southern Kingdom and adds two new troop types - artillery and cavalry - along with 10 missions. It also contains new main characters with special powers, a higher level cap and even a few Achievements.
Alongside this, Ninja Bee is updating the game's level designer with desert tile sets and items including stone huts, rock formations and more cactus types. In celebration, the developer is holding a competition to see which player can create the best home-made stage.
To enter, craete your level then post a description and screen shots on the official Ninja Bee forums. Members then vote for their favourites before Ninja Bee employees play through the top three stages and ultimately decide which one is the best. Winners get 4,000 Microsoft Points and a special edition Ninja Bee T-shirt. All levels must be entered by August 16.