Yesterday, Xbox 360 gamers were treated to one of the best PSN indie games released: Joe Danger. For those of you who remember the “good ol’ days” of gaming this newly minted XBLA version should remind you of the time honored classic: ExciteBike, only with more stunts and danger because it’s 2011 not 1984.

In any case, I already reviewed the primary portions of Joe Danger last year when it came out for the PSN and I loved it. Since Joe Danger: Special Edition is largely the same game I’ll simply point you to that review for most of the minute details. The Special Edition XBLA version, after all, is essentially the same game only with more levels and a few new characters. The former of which is what I’ll be taking a look at here.

So the biggest addition to Joe Danger is the new “Laboratory” mode which is, essentially, exactly what it sounds like: a bunch of levels based in a lab. It’s quirky, unique and very Joe Danger-esque.

Each one of these new levels comes with a zanier task than what you see in the normal levels. For example, one of the earlier levels has you avoiding a deathly spike trap by using a jump pad to launch yourself up and then using your booster to blast through it unharmed. Another has you physically rearrange the level prior to playing in it or else you won’t be able to complete it. Like I said… they’re wacky!

All in all you’re getting about 50 new levels out of the Laboratory that PSN gamers don’t have, so I guess waiting a year and a half longer turned out to not be such a bad thing after all.

Bottom line, Joe Danger: Special Edition is just as great as it’s elder cousin in form and function. Everything here screams style and fun and most gamers should be able to find some sort of entertainment in it. If you don’t have a Playstation 3 or never got around to checking the original out on PSN then I’d recommend getting this version over that one due to its added content.

However, the singular caveat to buying this is if you do have Joe Danger on the PSN then I would probably pass. While the Laboratory is nice and adds new stuff to an otherwise already-great game, there’s not really enough change in the core gameplay to really justify another $15. That money should probably be held in reserve for Joe Danger: The Movie, otherwise, Joe Danger: Special Edition is well worth the 1200 MS Point investment.

[XBLA, Hello Games]

-

DIYGamer Holiday Give Away! For each and every article we post we’re giving away an indie game.

This article’s game is Platform Hack for XBLIG!

Leave a meaningful comment below to enter into the drawing.