What can I say, 80 Microsoft points and WOW WOW WOW. High quality 3D graphics everywhere....creepy and fun.
Starting outside the castle after an amazingly fast loading screen you will be greeted with a couple of warm welcoming things. After finding the key to the castle door and your candle, you are ready to start your adventure. I noticed a gold picture frame that records all the people you play with online, more about that later. Also, make sure you save your game on a lit torch by clicking the A button. The first thing I did when I walked down the creepy hallway was play a game of checkers against the first portrait - Margorie the Seamstress. Beating her then unlocked a gate so I could adventure onwards. I found a new torch, lit it, and saved my progress. In my opinion exploring the 3D castle is the best part of the game. After beating a few more opponents I moved on to the second floor.
Opponents here got harder. While exploring the castle and facing opponents you will have the opportunity to buy spells and traps to use on the board. I also experienced a few opponents rage quit after I started beating their asses. They can only rage quit after you beat them once already. I can't describe the satisfaction after owning the crap out of a tuff opponent that has beat you beforehand. After a couple more hours of gameplay I had almost finished the second floor. The castle has so many hidden surprises and creepy things that I couldn't put down my controller. Then I played a little bit online.
Once you play online, you're History Portrait in the castle becomes active, and you can see all the people you met and defeated online . And you can control it - very cool. Also I have been playing all the lessons in the Playbook for extra gold, and it really helps your online gameplay !! There also is a lot of story if you care to listen to Creaky, and he has a lot of things he can do......when he lets you trade items with him he sometimes runs out of things – and that's when you let him explore to find more gold and rare items for you. Back to single player....and finally beat the game.
When I beat the stuffing out of the final King (more than 1) you will be faced with a puzzle that is hard as hell but not impossible. When the vault like door is opened the end game surprise is fantastic. When you think the game is over…. ITS NOT!!! I have so much more stuff to do and it was all satisfying. I racked up so much gold by the end of the day I was able to buy all the keys at Creaky's Shop. Those were expensive as hell. If you go down stairs to the Catacombs you will get lost so bring Creaky just in case you can't find your way out. There is so much to this game you will be amazed. This game being only one dollar is a must buy for sure.