Yet another great in-depth game review for you, guys. This time, it’s going to be (yet again), an Xbox 360 Indie game. But no, there aren’t any guns. There’s just blocks- lots and lots of blocks. And no, it’s not Minecraft. Maybe some other time. This right here is one of the best known Indie games out there called ‘Castle Miner’. It’s pretty fun, if you like creating things in amazing graphics. With over 200 blocks, this cheap 80 microsoft point game is a great antidote in killing the time.
Good graphics. Unlike minecraft, the graphics in this game are great. Though they ARE blocks, they have great textures with shading. They are perfectly made, and show much effort in each block. The water is greatly made, very realistically crafted -not only is there water, it reflects everything- and has good simulation you’d expect from real water (when you jump in, you float up.). So, no need to worry about graphics- it’s all there.
Yeah, pretty awesome isn't it?
16 max multiplayer. There are two modes: singleplayer, and multiplayer. In both ways, you get to choose your choice of biome/landscape upon map creation, and then you have the chance of saving it as well. There isn’t much lag depending on your connection, and the host has the options that can be reached easily in the menu that a game like this could need: To turn protection on (where players cannot build), kick a player, or ban a player in case someone has a ‘breaking’ mood. Every player has the option to teleport to another, as well. Not to mention the possibility to fly to easier create things. It was all considered carefully, clearly.
Many, many blocks) Upon trial mode, there is only one section of available of blocks- but upon unlock, you get all of the blocks. However, they can still be ‘unlocked’ by doing certain things; but since they are already available, there isn’t much use to that. Every creation you have in mind can be made thanks to the wide variety of blocks available.
Biomes). As noted earlier, Upon new map creation you have your choice of biomes (landscapes) that you can choose to start building. Each has its own features and looks, and each has its own new landscape (obviously). So, no need to build in the same dull place- it’s up to YOU where your next big creation will be!
An example biome.
So really, overall this game has everything you could want from a 1 dollar indie game. If you like creating things with your friends, or by yourself, then this would be a great pick. Here’s my rating:
5 stars. If you like to create anything your imagination can cook up, this is the best Xbox game out there. Including Minecraft.
Get it now at the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/CastleMiner/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258550900
Mike's Gaming blog 