Top 5 Must Have Games for the Zune
I know, I know, Zune games was on my list of 8 things I don’t want to see on the Zune, however, I have slightly warmed up to the idea. A few weeks ago I played games on the Zune for the first time and while the controls can be a bit awkward there still is some potential for some decent games especially if you are talking about more simple and “low action” games.
There are two key aspects to Zune game play that these games can focus on: Zune to Zune wi-fi and its ability to tap into your music library. With the recent firmware release games can now available to anyone though the XNA developer's kit. This would be the best time to rally behind your favorite games for the Zune. Here is a list of top 5 must have games for the Zune. What other must have games are on your list?
Peggle
OK if you have something to do next three days, stop reading now. A Peggle addiction is not always a pretty sight and possibly one of the most addicting quick fix games I have ever played. Peggle draws you in with the melodious “bings” and “bongs” of a shiny metal ball scoring your way to absurdly pin-ball-like large scores. I need my Peggle Fix and I need it to go. If I could make a suggestion, make sure it’s the Valve Half-Life Edition.
Snood
To throw in a nice puzzle game to the mix, Tetris might be the obvious answer, but honestly Tetris is played out. So looking for a more obscure but classic puzzle game lands us upon, Snood. This game is one of those guilty pleasures that can suck you into several hours of play. Those goofy looking alien heads of Snood would definitely be a welcome addition to the Zune.
Low REZ
So it would be the QVGA version of that Dreamcast-turned-Xbox-Live classic, REZ HD. Playing this game on a 1080p in a dark room will give you serious vertigo and is probably the most amazing visual trips you can get without taking drugs. So saying that I am a bit hesitant to put RES HD on a low res hand held, but REZ HD is such a fantastic music meshed game that you have to at least try. There may be some issues for the Zune 30’s non-touch controls since the game would work so well with the analogue Zune Pad of the second generation Zunes. With some great sounding and noise isolating IEMs, Low REZ might be bring back the entrancement of the full res version.
Audiosurf
Audiosurf is a no brainer must have, sporting a very unique blend of puzzle, racing, and audio. The game creates unique race tracks based on the music tracks you select so the game is unique to the type of music you listen to. This is a no brainer because it would be a perfect game to tap into your vast library of music on the Zune. If you haven’t played this game, you should really check out a demo and see how this would be an awesome edition to the Zune.
Pocket Tanks
The best way to take advantage of the wireless Zune to Zune in a simple and utterly amusing is with a velocity based shooter. The basis is simple, choose your angle and choose your velocity. Worms is more of a modern example but these types of games have been around for a long time in simple single shot cannon version to more complex and strategic multi weapon versions. Worms was good, but I found the graphically less complex Pocket Tanks way more fun.
Comments
sumx4182 on May 6, 2008 5:18 PM
You went from not wanting games to having a top games list! haha.
Either way, I fucking love Peggle...I have beaten the game and all the challenges, I just have to 100% about a dozen levels and I'll have it completed. But this was on my old laptop, I hope I can transfer the saved game over to my new one somehow....
Sam Watson on May 6, 2008 6:13 PM
Meh. I agree, I would have preferred to keep games off my zune, but now that theyre here im sure ill end up buying them. Audiosurf would make a great addition, I didnt even think about that.
Jack4L on May 6, 2008 11:13 PM
NHO! We need Solitaire, Minesweeper... Uhh, Freecell - Mmmh, Hearts. OH and Spider Solitare!
So 4 hour of 5 are card games, its the MS way.
cdjohnson2 on May 7, 2008 12:10 AM
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and go with two facebook games that already have the "social" built right in. Jetman is extremely addicting, and it would be really awesome to be able to check your Warbook while your away from the computer.
Also, if the games aren't cheap I probably won't bite. Because right now I don't buy anything from the Zune Marketplace.
JDGAFFLIN on May 7, 2008 3:18 PM
Pac-Man.
John Frieman on May 8, 2008 3:24 AM
I would have to say my top 2 games would be Donkey Kong and Dig Dug - seriously old, but serious fun! :)
Ash on May 8, 2008 11:15 AM
That's some serious vacillation, Grahm. ;P
Grahm on May 8, 2008 6:27 PM
i fought it as long as i could, but im still fighting to keep out a clock ;)
ps. nice vocab =)