The Dishwasher: Vampire Smile

★★★★★
Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Action
Price: 800 MS Points/Rs 550 (X360)

This oddly named titled is the sequel to 2009’s The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, both created by the one-man team of James Silva. Yes, you read right. One man. Something that’s worth noting given the attention of detail put into the game.
With a pulp, graphic novel art style that has enough bloods platter to keep Dexter indefinitely busy Vampire Smile is a 2D action game that has you donning the role of one of two heroes ”“ the aforementioned Dishwasher or Yuki, a prisoner aboard a spaceship ”“ in a quest of revenge that has you having to shorten the lifespan of three evil leaders. And like every good tale of revenge there’re hoards of enemies to slaughter, a seemingly infinite body count, tons of combos and, of course, crazy weapons. Oh and the obligatory plot-twists too.

Wreaking carnage is easy and fun, with one button to grab your opponent and another to slash them up. Throw in clever use of triggers to wield guns and magic and you have an arsenal of absolute cool at your disposal. It’s all very accessible and interesting to use with gory, satisfying results. There’s a ton of weapons to choose from including staples like guns, swords and magic to more interesting additions like a block of metal adorned with barb wire and attached to a pole known as the Violence Hammer and a giant injection labeled as the Painkiller for more visceral, twisted thrills.

Every bit of Vampire Smile is wrapped in stylistic trappings. From the gritty art direction to the finishing moves, everything is done to seem over the top but appears perfectly fine in the game’s universe. The entire game is draped in black and white, with blood making itself present in its customary red hue when required. Needless to say this is one game that warrants its mature rating.

All in all, you can do very little wrong with checking out Vampire Smile. It’s one of the more refreshing titles available this year on Xbox Live Arcade or otherwise. Worth a look in if you’re a fan of 2D action games or just in the mood for something out of the ordinary.