Have Game, Will Play: A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda Ex
A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda Ex is a side scrolling action platformer from Extend Studio and Aksys Games. It is the latest version of a game with the same name, the EX is likely due to the inclusion of DLC available on Steam.
A.R.E.S. immediately reminded me of a very popular franchise that started on the NES/Famicon staring a certain weapon augmenting robot. So defeating enemies to gain new abilities felt right at home. Using your weapons in any direction with the right analog stick was quite a welcome discrepancy. If you are a “purest”, despite this being a completely different game, you can use the X button to fire your weapon directly in front of you. New weapons, armor and other abilities encourage backtracking. The levels don’t overstay their welcome so finding a platform or area you couldn’t reach earlier is relatively simple.
The game is admittedly derivative, I found that very familiar and comfortable. Some slight difficulty understanding some of the boss’ patterns, or lack thereof, coupled with some less than perfect jumping physics weren’t enough for me to not enjoy A.R.E.S.
Developer: Extend Studio, ORiGO Games
Publisher: Aksys Games
Genre: action platformer
Price: $14.99, Buy it at $10
Platform: Xbox 360, XBLA, Original version on OnLive, Desura, Steam
http://www.aksysgames.com/2013/10/02/a-r-e-s-extinction-agenda-ex-for-xbla-now-available/
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