Oh no another Minecraft “clone!” Or so I expect to hear from various fans at some point with regards to CastleMiner Z. The fact is, however, that CMZ is actually a bit different than most Minecraft-likes and it’s for that reason that I’ve decided to highlight the game for this week’s Xbox Live Indie Picks.

CMZ is, as one would expect, a voxel based game where you can mine and build things. Really, it’s pretty much just like their own XBLIG title CastleMiner. The difference is that this game is focused around surviving a zombie horde by building and crafting weapons to protect yourself with. Throw in some online co-op and it’s no wonder that the game is currently surging in the XBLIG charts.

Check it out below!

(As always the list below is sorted chronologically from release)

CastleMiner Z
(240 MS Points)

CastleMiner Z is an online coop survival horror game in a block based environment. Travel with your Avatar with your friends in a huge spanning and ever-changing world while defending yourself from the zombie hoard. Mine the world for resources, to craft the weapons that you will need to survive.

[Link]

Growing Pains
(240 MS Points)

Merging classic platforming with psychedelic visuals and a pumping sound track Growing Pains will blow your mind as ‘the vessel’ continually grows while you play. Featuring 9 levels with 3 difficulty levels that completely change how you play and the ability to share high scores and replays with your friends and the rest of the world Growing Pains is an experience not to be missed.

[Link]

Masters of Influence
(80 MS Points)

Challenge up to 3 other players, including stunning AI, for total domination of the board. Collect resources, assault other towers, and use the terrain to eliminate the opponents!

[Link]

You’re All Diseased!
(80 MS Points)

A shoot em’ up game where the player commands a white blood cell to fight off hordes of attacking viruses and diseases.

[Link]

Zombie Slaughter is Fun
(80 MS Points)

Most zombie games are about survival. Not this one. These zombies are hungry but they’re not stupid and will try to escape. Your job is to stop that. Cruelty is rewarded. Mercy is punished. Play by yourself or with a friend to see who is the meanest zombie killer!

[Link]

Firing Range
(80 MS Points)

Test and improve your FPS aiming skills! You’ll need both reflexes and skill with all kind of weapons to get the best world ranking. Includes lots of dynamic camouflage sets to fully customize your weapons!

[Link]

Invasion
(80 MS Points)

A mysterious force invades earth. Cover terrain on foot, jetpacks, and bikes as you blast your way through legions of invaders in explosive fashion.

[Link]