STAFF REVIEW of KrissX (Xbox 360 Arcade)


Monday, February 1, 2010.
by Ken Laffrenier

KrissX Box art If there's one thing I enjoy in my video games, it has to be gratuitous amounts of explosions. Whether a top notch shooter ala Modern Warfare 2 or an over the top racer like the classic Burnout Revenge, I can't resist flashy graphics and loud noises.

Which really makes me question why I find myself caught up with Blitz Arcade's (Blitz Game Studio's dedicated 'arcade' development team) latest offering to the Xbox Live Arcade. While this release is being produced with the assistance of gaming giant Konami, Blitz Arcade is most notable for their 'King Games'; the hit series of Burger King Adventure Games (the King series were originally meant for Xbox Live Arcade but instead sold in the chain stores because of the perceived quality).

KrissX (pronounced Chris Cross), is not my typical gaming experience. It was released to Xbox Live Arcade with virtually no fanfare and had most gamers feeling disconnected. Here we have a cartoon owl promoting a 'word style' game on arguably the most powerful gaming console available and during a revolution of gaming fueled by the likes of Mass Effect 2, Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed. Just what did Blitz, Konami and Microsoft expect us to make of this quirky title. After spending more than 2 hours straight on this one (and several hours overall), I think the parties involved wanted to remind us that gaming, after all the layers are peeled back, is still an intellectuals playground, populated by mind bending brain teasers.

At the core of this game is a sort of Scrabble meets the Sunday Crosswords. You are tasked with assisting Wordsworth the Owl to solve a series of puzzles. Game play modes include 'Quest', 'Time Attack' and 'Timeless', with the latter 2 modes being unlocked as Quest mode progresses.


Quest mode is simply a series of 150 levels(there are more than 3500 puzzles)showcasing the different puzzle modes. Most are designed like a crossword puzzle except that the letters are shown, all you have to do is swap letters to make the correct words. There are 'hint' balloons that pop up as you hover over individual word groups but they do tend to actually block some puzzles (further indicating the patient, thought provoking manner of the game). Other puzzle styles have a series of word rows and you must swap letters from words to create the proper series. Another style will have you solving an individual word scramble with the added challenge of completing it in a predetermined number of swaps. And yet another level will have you arranging letters in alphabetical and reverse-alphabetical order, again with the challenge of a predetermined number of swaps(this is much harder than is sounds). The Time Attack and Timeless modes are exactly as they sound; you play through a series of levels with or without a countdown timer.

Adding to the gameplay is the 'capture' aspect; as you complete puzzles special icons waft down and you are to tap the corresponding button. Correct sequences will add to your time and score. This tends to ramp up your attention as you find yourself wanting to get all of the icons. As you progress you are awarded with a seemingly endless supply of badges and achievements. Under many circumstances the novelty would seem underwhelming but the rewards are handed out in such a way as to keep you wondering what you can achieve next. The early levels are not very challenging but as the game moves along the challenges, and the modes become increasingly difficult; it wasn't long before both my wife and I were working on puzzles together (which as a gamer was a pleasant surprise).

With KrissX being offered for 800 gaming points, the 'price point' does seem a bit high on the surface, but those who give it a chance will be surprised by the addictive nature. While I have no doubt that anyone that picks up this title will find themselves many levels into it and contemplating the ever popular 'one more level' mantra I, personally, have to question the future of my gaming experiences. If I am so drawn to this game will I ever be truly happy again with the mind numbing pace of past gaming titles....Well of course I will be, but it's great to see developers mining all of the Xbox 360 capabilities not just trying to push the limits.





Overall: 7.8 / 10
Gameplay: 8.0 / 10
Visuals: 7.5 / 10
Sound: 7.7 / 10

Comments

Site Statistics

Registered Members: 81,170
Forum Posts: 725,969
Xbox One Titles: 6,502
Xbox 360 Titles: 1,086
Xbox 360 Kinect Titles: 95
Xbox 360 Arcade Titles: 586
Original Xbox Titles: 987
Staff Reviews: 2,612
Member Reviews: 10,339
News Articles: 16,557
Screenshots: 39,558
Xbox 360 Achievements: 45,112
Xbox 360 Faceplates: 2,016
Cheat Codes: 1,706

Latest News

Bulwark: Evolution Out Now on Consoles

Bulwark: Evolution Out Now on ConsolesThis major free update, which has already been successfully launched on Steam, brings a new layer of depth, strategy, and innovative gameplay mechanics to the immersive world of Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles.


Thrustmaster Unveils T.Flight Hotas One

Thrustmaster Unveils T.Flight Hotas OneThrustmaster’s best-seller is back with a new look featuring the official license of Microsoft Flight Simulator. This complete, precise and easy-to-use hands- on throttle and stick (HOTAS) is the ideal companion for Microsoft Flight Sim 2024







See News Archives

Community Forum Activity

KeyWe Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 28574 Views

2021: XBA is still here
Post by shrew king
40 Replies, 275777 Views

Watch Dogs: Legion
Post by Nato King
0 Replies, 128873 Views

Xbox Series X or S
Post by Nato King
5 Replies, 147190 Views

Spellbreak Grand Magus Pack (3) and Starter Pack (7) Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 133482 Views

I pay $ 1000! I search the Element 54 Canadian launch Team signaturen Faceplate
Post by Smill
0 Replies, 157604 Views

Xbox one no signal
Post by debrartin
0 Replies, 146577 Views

do you remember?
Post by SnoochyBoochy
3 Replies, 220433 Views

i haz xbox
Post by SnoochyBoochy
0 Replies, 177337 Views

Claiming the first thread of 2020
Post by Kraft
7 Replies, 269040 Views

Important! I pay $ 1000! I search the Sweden launch and the Element 54 Faceplate
Post by Smill
3 Replies, 151915 Views

Squad Up
Post by samslophead
0 Replies, 261924 Views

TERA Skinned Xbox One X Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 181383 Views

Starfield Release expectations?
Post by DJ tx
4 Replies, 314470 Views

Issue with Xbox live on Xbox home
Post by rcmpayne
0 Replies, 169951 Views

© 2000-2024 XboxAddict.com - All rights reserved. All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft. XboxAddict.com is not affiliated with Microsoft.

Made in Canada
Site Design by Cameron Graphics