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''Raskulls'' received above average reviews from critics, with several critics giving very positive reviews. It currently averages 72/100 at aggregate website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metacritic">{{Cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/raskulls |title=Raskulls for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=2011-01-01}}</ref> The reviewer from The Sixth Axis praised the game's humor and "cute graphics".<ref name="sixthaxis review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2010/12/29/review-raskulls/ |title=Review: Raskulls |publisher=The Sixth Axis |first=Alex C |last=Nofi |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2010-12-29}}</ref> Gamer Limit reviewer Chris Carter agreed and said the game has a "strong sense of humor" and "cutscenes [that] are adorable."<ref name="gamerlimit review">{{Cite web |url=http://gamerlimit.com/2010/12/gamer-limit-review-raskulls/ |title=Gamer Limit Review: Raskulls |publisher=Gamer Limit |first=Chris |last=Carter |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2010-12-29}}</ref> Tom Mc Shea of [[GameSpot]] also praised the game's humor. He stated "the comedic timing is done exceptionally well" and added ''Raskulls'' is "a game overflowing with quirky touches."<ref name="gamespot review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/raskulls/review.html |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=2010-12-30 |accessdate=2010-12-30 |first=Tom |last=Mc Shea |title=Raskulls Review}}</ref>
''Raskulls'' received above average reviews from critics, with several critics giving very positive reviews. It currently averages 72/100 at aggregate website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metacritic">{{Cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/raskulls |title=Raskulls for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=2011-01-01}}</ref> The reviewer from The Sixth Axis praised the game's humor and "cute graphics".<ref name="sixthaxis review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2010/12/29/review-raskulls/ |title=Review: Raskulls |publisher=The Sixth Axis |first=Alex C |last=Nofi |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2010-12-29}}</ref> Gamer Limit reviewer Chris Carter agreed and said the game has a "strong sense of humor" and "cutscenes [that] are adorable."<ref name="gamerlimit review">{{Cite web |url=http://gamerlimit.com/2010/12/gamer-limit-review-raskulls/ |title=Gamer Limit Review: Raskulls |publisher=Gamer Limit |first=Chris |last=Carter |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2010-12-29}}</ref> Tom Mc Shea of [[GameSpot]] also praised the game's humor. He stated "the comedic timing is done exceptionally well" and added ''Raskulls'' is "a game overflowing with quirky touches."<ref name="gamespot review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/raskulls/review.html |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=2010-12-30 |accessdate=2010-12-30 |first=Tom |last=Mc Shea |title=Raskulls Review}}</ref>


Mixed views were given in regards to gameplay. Many reviewers felt that the overall gameplay mechanics were solid, however some reviewers felt that it was at times repetitious. [[Joystiq]] reviewer Garratt Martin felt the game had solid mechanics and well designed levels.<ref name="joystiq review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/raskulls-review/ |date=2010-12-30 |accessdate=2010-12-30 |publisher=Joystiq |title=Raskulls review: Take my skull for a ride |first=Garratt |last=Martin}}</ref> Dakota Grabowski of [[GameZone]] praised the game's puzzle mechanics. Grabowski stated that the "best portions of ''Raskulls'' are when the game slows down and asks players to solve puzzles."<ref name="gamezone review">{{Cite web |url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/reviews/item/raskulls/ |title=Raskulls |first=Dakota |last=Grabowski |publisher=[[GameZone]] |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2010-12-29}}</ref> Grabowski did however feel that the game may not be able to hold a player's interest long-term.<ref name="gamezone review" /> The reviewer from Gaming Bits lauded the number of game modes available. He further felt the levels were "fresh, well designed and fun to play."<ref name="gamingbits review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamingbits.com/game-review-bits/raskulls-review/ |title=Raskulls Review |publisher=Gaming Bits |author=Geoff |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2010-12-29}}</ref> Mike Rose, reviewer for Strategy Informer, lauded the split-screen multiplayer, but noted that the online play needed adjustment. He gave some examples of his online experience; "if a player leaves partway through a race, they are not penalised, and you don't gain the experience points [...] only one other player stuck around until the end of our race - and that's only because they won!"<ref name="strategyinformer review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.strategyinformer.com/xbox360/raskulls/1352/review.html |first=Mike |last=Rose |accessdate=2010-12-30 |date=2010-12-30 |title=We play Raskulls... |publisher=Strategy Informer}}</ref>
Mixed views were given in regards to gameplay. Many reviewers felt that the overall gameplay mechanics were solid, however some reviewers felt that it was at times repetitious. [[Joystiq]] reviewer Garratt Martin felt the game had solid mechanics and well designed levels.<ref name="joystiq review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/raskulls-review/ |date=2010-12-30 |accessdate=2010-12-30 |publisher=Joystiq |title=Raskulls review: Take my skull for a ride |first=Garratt |last=Martin}}</ref> Dakota Grabowski of [[GameZone]] praised the game's puzzle mechanics. Grabowski stated that the "best portions of ''Raskulls'' are when the game slows down and asks players to solve puzzles."<ref name="gamezone review">{{Cite web |url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/reviews/item/raskulls/ |title=Raskulls |first=Dakota |last=Grabowski |publisher=[[GameZone]] |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2010-12-29}}</ref> Grabowski did however feel that the game may not be able to hold a player's interest long-term.<ref name="gamezone review" /> The reviewer from Gaming Bits lauded the number of game modes available. He further felt the levels were "fresh, well designed and fun to play."<ref name="gamingbits review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamingbits.com/game-review-bits/raskulls-review/ |title=Raskulls Review |publisher=Gaming Bits |author=Geoff |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2010-12-29}}</ref> Mike Rose, reviewer for Strategy Informer, lauded the split-screen multiplayer, but noted that the online play needed adjustment. He gave some examples of his online experience; "if a player leaves partway through a race, they are not penalised, and you don't gain the experience points [...] only one other player stuck around until the end of our race - and that's only because they won!"<ref name="strategyinformer review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.strategyinformer.com/xbox360/raskulls/1352/review.html |first=Mike |last=Rose |accessdate=2010-12-30 |date=2010-12-30 |title=We play Raskulls... |publisher=Strategy Informer}}</ref> [[GameZone]] 's own Dakota Grabowski found the game to be "periodically entertaining," saying, "it’s not the warmest cup of enjoyment to have but it definitely has the appropriate amount of flavor to keep players appeased." He found the game to be short, with the game's single-player being only a few hours, and the multi-player only offering so much. He ended his review saying, "With a lack of game types and replay value, Raskulls is a once-through puzzle-platformer that satisfies upon first impressions but fails to hold the attention beyond the first hour of play."<ref name="gamezone review">{{Cite web |url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/reviews/item/raskulls/ |title=Raskulls Review|first=Dakota |last=Grabowski |date=2010-12-29 |accessdate=2011-01-02 |publisher=[[GameZone]]}}</ref>
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Revision as of 09:04, 2 January 2011

Raskulls
Developer(s)Halfbrick
Publisher(s)Microsoft Game Studios
Designer(s)Daniel Vogt
Artist(s)Matthew Knights
Platform(s)Xbox 360 (XBLA)
ReleaseDecember 29, 2010
Genre(s)Platform game, Action[1]
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Raskulls is an action platform game video game independently developed by Halfbrick and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. It was released on December 29, 2010. In Raskulls players must navigate through platform-based levels filled with blocks of varying shape and size. The characters must use their brick-breaking wands to create the fastest route to the end of the level.

Raskulls received above average reviews from critics; it currently averages 72/100 at aggregate website Metacritic. Reviewers praised the comic character design, humorous dialogue and emotions, and overall gameplay. Many reviewers praised the number of game modes and the mulitplayer component as well, however some reviewers felt the game would not keep its novelty as it aged.

Gameplay

Raskulls is a racing platform game which features competitive gameplay for up to four players.

Raskulls is an action platform game where players must move through platform-based levels filled with blocks of different shapes and sizes.[2] The objective is to complete the level in the shortest time possible.[2] The Raskulls possess block-breaking wands, and the key to gaining an advantage is by using the character's wand against the blocks to create the most efficient path through the level.[2][3] When blocks are destroyed, remaining blocks fall and like-colored blocks combine in large blocks.[4] When four or more gray block come into contact with each other, all touching gray blocks explode.[4]

The single player campaign, known as Mega Quest, takes places over three game worlds. Players navigate from stage to stage using an overworld layout, similar to Super Mario World. Once a level is selected, the game switches to a side-scrolling, platforming game.[5] The game consists of ten game types which include Ammo Scrooge and Bomb Disposal.[5] Both offensive and defensive items can be acquired during gameplay to traverse through levels and defeat opponents. One such item, known as Boosties, can be collected within each level which fill the character's Frenzy bar. When when Frenzy is activated, the Raskull is powered with super speed while the Frenzy energy depletes.[2] Multiplayer is either online via Xbox Live or up to four players locally via splitscreen.[2] In addition to attempting to get the best time in a match, players can also use wands and powerups to throw other players off course or into environment hazards.[5] Players can also level up their characters after multiplayer matches.[6]

Synopsis

The game is set in the fictional world of the titular characters, the Raskulls. An evil race known as the Pirats have crashed-landed on the Raskulls' world in their search for the cheese planet. As the Pirats seek a source of fuel for their ship, the captain learns of an object known as the Shiny Stone; an object with incredible power. The pirates fail in an attempt to steal the stone, and the Raskull King devises a plan to catch their enemies. A tournament is created in which the winner will receive the Shiny Stone as a surprise.[7] The plan goes awry; the Raskull named Dragon emerges the victor of the tournament, but as he claims his prize the second place competitor reveals himself as the Pirat captain and steals the Shiny Stone.[8] The Raskull king sends the Raskull known as Ninja to recover a previously unknown second shiny stone from an ancient tomb. He is successful, and the king himself then sets out to recover the first stone from the Pirats.[8]

During his journey he encounters opposition from several territorial Raskulls. The king is forced to complete each of the challenges given to progress. He eventually arrives at the Pirats' downed ship and recovers the first shiny stone only to find out the the Pirat captain has stolen the second from his castle.[8] The two run into each other on their journey back to their homes. After an awkward conversation, the king is forced to battle the Pirat captain as he pilots a large machine. The machine is defeated and the king and the captain engage in fisticuffs, only to have both shiny stones escape their grasp and fall into a pool of lava. The lava erupts, sending the king, the captain and the Pirat's ship flying upward.[8] The captain kicks the king back to the ground and boards his ship as it reaches orbit. As the ship continues to gain momentum the crew discovers that the molten lava is actually cheese, indicating the Raskulls' planet was the cheese planet they were searching for. King falls back to the ground in front of his subjects, who sat watching the battle.[8]

Development and marketing

Raskulls was announced for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade on March 27, 2009 at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California.[9] Two promo images accompanied the press release and featured King and Dragon, two of the main characters.[10] Following the initial reveal, character profiles were distributed among the gaming media to demonstrate the game's art style and humor.[11] A teaser trailer was also released on May 13, 2009 which took a satirical view on traditional game trailers featuring "epic" music and bold statements, whereas the Raskulls teaser shows an abrupt change in tone as King is shown flexing his muscles in front of a mirror accompanied by elevator music.[12] On June 12 2009, Halfbrick released the first official trailer for Raskulls.[3] The trailer shows various levels, characters and gameplay modes, including snippets of multiplayer.[3] The game was originally slated for a Q3 2009 release, however this was later pushed back.[2] In mid-2009 Halfbrick held a contest in which community members could design their own Raskull based on a template given by Halfbrick. The winning entry was a police-themed Raskull which was added to the game.[13]

In February 2010, Halfbrick posted a poll in order to choose the official cover for the game.[14] The winning box art was announced on March 2, 2010.[15] On May 21, 2010, a Raskulls tournament took place at the Mana Bar in Brisbane, Australia.[16] It was next shown at Penny Arcade Expo East in Boston, Massachusetts in April 2010, where it was again made playable to conference attendees.[17] A second tournament at the Mana Bar is scheduled for December 23, 2010, where winners received a free copy of the game upon its release.[18] Raskulls is slated for release on December 29, 2010.[19] The game is also featured in Microsoft's Games for the Holidays promotion. As part of the promotion, additional content is made available if players also purchase A World of Keflings or ilomilo.[20] Players can also use the mascot from Destructoid, a video game blog, which can be unlocked during the game's Mega Quest campaign.[21] Raskulls was released for the Xbox 360 on December 29, 2010.[19]

Reception

Pre-release

In a preview of the game Cinema Blend described Raskulls as "Mario Kart + Castle Crashers + Bomberman".[32] It has also drawn comparisons to Mr. Driller.[33] It has been praised by various members of the video game media. David Hinkle of Joystiq felt that the blending of genres in Raskulls could be a "dangerously fun combination".[33] Destructoid's Jim Sterling also praised the game in previews, stating that it may be one of the "hottest XBLA titles this year."[1]

Post-release

Raskulls received above average reviews from critics, with several critics giving very positive reviews. It currently averages 72/100 at aggregate website Metacritic.[23] The reviewer from The Sixth Axis praised the game's humor and "cute graphics".[31] Gamer Limit reviewer Chris Carter agreed and said the game has a "strong sense of humor" and "cutscenes [that] are adorable."[27] Tom Mc Shea of GameSpot also praised the game's humor. He stated "the comedic timing is done exceptionally well" and added Raskulls is "a game overflowing with quirky touches."[25]

Mixed views were given in regards to gameplay. Many reviewers felt that the overall gameplay mechanics were solid, however some reviewers felt that it was at times repetitious. Joystiq reviewer Garratt Martin felt the game had solid mechanics and well designed levels.[29] Dakota Grabowski of GameZone praised the game's puzzle mechanics. Grabowski stated that the "best portions of Raskulls are when the game slows down and asks players to solve puzzles."[26] Grabowski did however feel that the game may not be able to hold a player's interest long-term.[26] The reviewer from Gaming Bits lauded the number of game modes available. He further felt the levels were "fresh, well designed and fun to play."[28] Mike Rose, reviewer for Strategy Informer, lauded the split-screen multiplayer, but noted that the online play needed adjustment. He gave some examples of his online experience; "if a player leaves partway through a race, they are not penalised, and you don't gain the experience points [...] only one other player stuck around until the end of our race - and that's only because they won!"[30] GameZone 's own Dakota Grabowski found the game to be "periodically entertaining," saying, "it’s not the warmest cup of enjoyment to have but it definitely has the appropriate amount of flavor to keep players appeased." He found the game to be short, with the game's single-player being only a few hours, and the multi-player only offering so much. He ended his review saying, "With a lack of game types and replay value, Raskulls is a once-through puzzle-platformer that satisfies upon first impressions but fails to hold the attention beyond the first hour of play."[26]

References

  1. ^ a b Sterling, Jim (2009-06-12). "Raskulls finally gets a gameplay video, we jump on its bones". Destructoid. Retrieved 2009-06-12.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Hinkle, David (2009-04-14). "Joystiq interview: Halfbrick Studios". Joystiq. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  3. ^ a b c "Raskulls". Gamesindustry.biz. 2009-06-12. Retrieved 2010-12-20. Cite error: The named reference "gameplay trailer" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b Sterling, Jim (2010-10-14). "Exclusive: Raskulls campaign developer walkthrough". Destructoid. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
  5. ^ a b c Hudak, Chris (2010-04-01). "Raskulls Preview for Xbox 360". Game Revolution. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
  6. ^ Bennett, Hollie (2010-09-07). "PAX 10: Raskulls interview with Phil Larsen". Destructoid. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
  7. ^ Larsen, Phil (2010-03-22). "Worldwide Release of New Raskulls Mega Quest Trailer!". Halfbrick. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
  8. ^ a b c d e Halfbrick (2010-12-29). Raskulls. Microsoft Game Studios.
  9. ^ Brudvig, Erik (2009-03-27). "Raskulls Coming to Live Arcade". IGN. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  10. ^ Sterling, Jim (2009-03-27). "Raskulls announced for XBLA, looks adorable". Destructoid. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  11. ^ Hillier, Brenna (2009-04-28). "Raskulls: costumed skeletons in puzzling platform fun!". games.on.net. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  12. ^ "Debut Teaser HD". GameTrailers. 2009-05-13. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  13. ^ Larsen, Phil (2010-01-11). "Design-A-Raskull Ended With A Police Raid". Halfbrick. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
  14. ^ "Raskulls box art competition! Vote and comment to win!". Halfbrick. 2010-02-17. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  15. ^ Mitchell, Richard (2010-03-02). "Raskulls box art decided, disappointing". Joystiq. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  16. ^ "Raskulls rocks the Mana Bar". Halfbrick. 2010-05-21. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  17. ^ "Inside Gaming Plus: Raskulls Interview with Phil Larsen at PAX East". machinima.com. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  18. ^ "Raskulls Christmas Competition". Mana Bar. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  19. ^ a b Mitchell, Richard (2010-12-02). "A World of Keflings, Raskulls and ilomilo dated for XBLA". Joystiq. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  20. ^ Orland, Kyle (2010-12-03). "Microsoft Offers Cross-Game Content For Holiday Promotion Purchasers". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  21. ^ Larsen, Phil (2010-02-03). "Mr. Destructoid Joins Raskulls!". Halfbrick. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
  22. ^ "Raskulls for Xbox 360 - GameRankings". GameRankings. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
  23. ^ a b "Raskulls for Xbox 360 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Metacritic. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  24. ^ Pinga, Kris (2010-12-30). "Raskulls Review". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
  25. ^ a b Mc Shea, Tom (2010-12-30). "Raskulls Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2010-12-30.
  26. ^ a b c d Grabowski, Dakota (2010-12-29). "Raskulls". GameZone. Retrieved 2010-12-29. Cite error: The named reference "gamezone review" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  27. ^ a b Carter, Chris (2010-12-29). "Gamer Limit Review: Raskulls". Gamer Limit. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
  28. ^ a b Geoff (2010-12-29). "Raskulls Review". Gaming Bits. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
  29. ^ a b Martin, Garratt (2010-12-30). "Raskulls review: Take my skull for a ride". Joystiq. Retrieved 2010-12-30.
  30. ^ a b Rose, Mike (2010-12-30). "We play Raskulls..." Strategy Informer. Retrieved 2010-12-30.
  31. ^ a b Nofi, Alex C (2010-12-29). "Review: Raskulls". The Sixth Axis. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
  32. ^ Kingley, Ryan (2009-06-12). "Mario Kart + Castle Crashers + Bomberman = Raskulls". Cinema Blend. Retrieved 2010-12-20.
  33. ^ a b Hinkle, David (2009-06-12). "The Raskulls bust some blocks in latest trailer". Joystiq. Retrieved 2010-12-20.

External links

Template:XBLA Summer of Arcade

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