Cheap fun for Xbox 360 - Live Arcade offers 21 inexpensive alternative games

Cheap fun for Xbox 360 - Live Arcade offers 21 inexpensive alternative games

After parting with $300 or $400 to buy an Xbox 360, many gamers don't have the cash to splurge on a new library of games. Thankfully, the Xbox Live Arcade offers an assortment of titles that are easy to pick up and play and that appeal to an array of different audiences, especially to the gamers who might not be excited about the hard-core firefights that many Xbox 360 games offer.

The arcade's offerings range from popular puzzle games like "Bejeweled 2" to card games like "Hearts" to remakes of retro classics like "Gauntlet" or "Joust."

And there are no trips to the store. Games are downloaded through the Internet via Xbox Live's Marketplace and are stored on the console's hard drive or memory cards. The games sell for fraction of the cost of the $60 price tag slapped on most packaged retail releases and are purchased using Microsoft points. (For reference, 400 points equals $5.)

Many games offer multiplayer action via Xbox Live, though all the titles offer an online leaderboard so you can see how your high scores stack up with the world's best at a particular title.

Here are five of my favorite Live Arcade games, all rated E for everyone. But you don't have to take my word for it: All of the games available on the Arcade offer free trial versions, and I highly recommend downloading the games and trying them out before making a purchase.

"Hexic HD": This hexagon-packed puzzler is a bonus for all Xbox 360 owners who pick up a hard drive for their system, as it comes pre-installed on the hard drive. It was crafted by the creator of "Tetris" and it shows: It's insanely addictive and fiercely challenging at its harder levels. Hours have slipped away trying to figure out how to rotate the game's hexagons to make shapes that gain you more points and goodies. (Free on the Xbox 360 hard drive) ****

"Geometry Wars Retro Evolved": It's like retro gaming with high-definition special effects. The game sounds simple: Your tiny little ship, which looks like a C with laser blasts shooting out of it, blasts a bunch of polygons, circles, snake-like worms and other geometric baddies until ... well, until you run out of lives. Which, oddly, can happen really quickly. It's kind of like the classic game "Asteroids," but with nonstop fireworks and breakneck speeds. The game is a total rush; nimble twitch skills and quick thinking are the only ways to escape a speedy demise. This one's a no-brainer for quick fun everyone will enjoy. (400 Microsoft points) ****

"Feeding Frenzy": In this aquatic action game, a gamer starts out as a small fish that grows bigger and bigger until it is near the top the food chain and can feast on just about all of undersea life in sight. But it seems there's always a bigger fish looking to have it for lunch. As the game progresses, the fish learns different techniques, too (like the ability to inhale prey as they try to flee). It's a fun game and the cartoonish appearance looks pretty good in HD. It does seem a little pricey for single-player filet feasting, but it's also very addictive. (800 Microsoft points) ***

"UNO": In my youth, I remember sitting around the kitchen table and playing this card game with my family. I still play it with my kids today. And now the classic card game comes to Xbox Live. And for the cost of a deck of cards, you can play online via Xbox Live against thousands of other like-minded gamers. And you don't have to shout "UNO!" at the television screen. That is, unless you want to. "UNO" will also support the Xbox Vision camera when it's released in September, allowing gamers to see video of the other players during a game. It's also a great way to unwind and chat with your friends. (400 Microsoft points) ****

"Marble Blast Ultra": This game's a great mix of action and problem-solving. Gamers who liked the "Super Monkey Ball" series will probably dig this one, too. You roll your marble through a three-dimensional obstacle course -- one loaded with pitfalls and power ups -- until you find the exit. In addition to the challenging dozens of single-player levels, "Marble Blast Ultra" also touts a robust, frenzied multiplayer game that has 8 players jockeying for the top spot in a variety of games. (800 Microsoft points) ****

GAMES AVAILABLE ON LIVE ARCADE: ACTION ARCADE

Feeding Frenzy, 800 points

Geometry Wars Retro Evolved, 400 points

Marble Blast Ultra, 800 points

Mutant Storm Reloaded, 800 points

Wik: Fable of Souls, 800 points

BAR SPORTS

Bankshot Billiards 2, 1,200 points

CARD AND BOARD

Hardwood Backgammon, 400 points Hardwood Hearts, 400 points Hardwood Spades, 400 points UNO, 400 points COIN --OP CLASSICS

Gauntlet, 400 points

Joust, 400 points