Assault Heroes 2

Take a basic control scheme, a format that is tried and true, a few new weapons and environments and you have the basic foundation for a game that should do well on Microsoft’s Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA).

Assault Heroes 2 is a rudimentary arcade shooter that is a briskly paced romp through 25 zones with each zone broken down into three levels. That translates to lots of action and scoring potential. Other features of the game include (culled from a press release):

• Enhanced Multiplayer Co-op – Quickly activate improved cooperative weapons to rain destruction on hordes of bazooka soldiers, kamikaze bombers and more

• Hi-jackable Enemy Units – Steal the attack helicopter, armored tank or mechanical walker from the enemy base for surprise attacks

• More Powerful Weaponry – Utilize a superior arsenal of weapons including the newly designed sub-zero ice cannon, homing missiles, rocket launcher and upgraded firearms from the original

• Frantic On-Foot Action – Survive on-foot warfare while equipped with all your weapons in expansive underground areas

• Monstrous Bosses – Face-off against challenging mechanoid beasts before they destroy you

• New Diverse and Interactive Environments – Blast through the Snowy Mountains, Rainforest and Outer Space with extensive destructible terrain from burning trees to shattering buildings

The game follows the basic format of moving from point A to point B to complete the level. A new space environment has been added to the mix and players will be able to upgrade weaponry as they progress through the game. There will be online leaderboards so players can compare their level scores with other gamers.

Assault Heroes 2 may follow a familiar game format, but it could also be the type of arcade gaming experience that fits in with the XBLA formula of accessible games for all ages. Look for Assault Heroes 2 to release in the summer.