The XBLIG marketplace can be a funny spot. Between the Avatar massage apps and generic side scrollers, there are quite a few hidden gems. More than anything, it allows developers to think outside the box and mine the depths of their brains to reward us with unique titles, thanks to the low barrier of entry, minimal financial risk, and genuine creativity. Last Dragon Standing is one such example, as it reinvents the formula of air hockey we’ve come to know and love as children.
As the name implies, your goal is simple: be the last dragon standing. To do so, players must slide their dragon from left to right, defending their nest eggs found immediately behind them, while firing projectiles toward the opponents’ eggs. There are 4 dragons on screen at once, one corresponding to each side of the screen, and each can be controlled by the AI or a local player. Deflecting projectiles is possible as well, simply by sliding your dragon into the projectile’s path, which also turns the projectile into one of your own color.
Along the way you will accumulate points as well, either by successfully destroying eggs or hitting the wandering villagers and buildings located in the crossfire. Points are then used for upgrades between stages, such as increased the rate of fire, a greater number of eggs, and invulnerability to enemy power-ups
Power-ups are what really make the game interesting and add to the controlled chaos in a number of ways. One of them turns every projectile on screen to match your own color, thereby greatly increasing the odds in your favor, if only temporarily. Additionally, another one adds a protective barrier around your eggs. You can store the power-ups in your inventory and save them for later too.
Last Dragon Standing doesn’t look like much at first glance, but it’s well worth your time if you’re looking for a an entertaining party title which gamers of all levels can instantly grasp. This fall, Skyrim isn’t the only universe that has Dragons worth slaying.
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Last Dragon Standing was purchased for review. It can be found on the Xbox Marketplace for $1 (80 MS points), and there is also a free demo available.
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