xbox live indie game reviews

Orbyx: Mystical Orbs of Chaos is, in my judgment, the community game equivalent of nickel slots at the casino- very simple, minimal skill involved, yet, somehow, inexplicably addictive. Despite its lack of complexity (or action, at times), this game is somehow incredibly entertaining. Maybe it's the old-school arcade feeling you get from the barrage of sound effects that makes this title truly engaging or maybe it's just the thrill of watching a projectile recklessly ricochet ... it's hard to say.

At its core, Orbyx is a simple Plinko-style game. You take careful aim, then shoot your ball out and hope for the best. In some levels (the best ones, in my opinion), you get a bit of a pinball feel, as the game lets you control the bumper that normally caroms across the bottom of the screen, allowing you to keep your combos stacking as you bump the ball back into play for some more 'Chaos'. For most other levels, the strategy involves a bit of timing if you wish to earn a free play by directing your ball into the moving platform below.

Each of the 30+ levels contains a collection of normal green orbs, a black orbthat reverts all of your turn's progress if you hit it, a bunch of special golden globes and the five letters of the word 'MAGIC'. Basically, your objective is to clear all of the gold orbs in each level, while combo-ing with any other level elements (green obs, bumpers, walls, etc.) to max out your score. To trigger supreme 'Chaos', simply spell out the word 'MAGIC' to activate any of the four selectable character's magic powers and wreak havoc throughout the level. If you're expertly maneuvering for maximum clearance points, try to trigger your spell as you knock out the final golden orb, then sit back and watch the fireworks as your scores goes through the roof!

Orbyx is truly an excellent title for an ADD mindset. Unlike many games with an arcade atmosphere, it doesn't rely on frantic button-mashing or lightning-fast reaction times to hold your attention. Instead, it feeds you a steady diet of bouncing balls, changing colors and ringing sounds after you launch your ball into the field of play. If you're searching for joystick-mangling, quarter-consuming action, this really isn't up your alley. However, if you enjoy a game that you can play in the most casual manner, as you multi-task around the house or just plain space out, Orbyx is an engaging adventure that will captivate you will thrilling sights and sounds while challenging you to aim carefully and plan meticulously.

This Plinko-inspired mayhem would make Bob Barker proud. If chaotic trajectories are your cup of tea, the price is definitely right.