You can't help but love this game

User Rating: 9.5 | Castle Crashers X360
Let me start off by saying, BELIEVE THE HYPE!! IT IS TRUE! THIS GAME IS AMAZING!!!!
I'm mainly saying this because Battlefield 1943 was hyped up a lot, and in my opinion wasn't that great. So when one of my friends referred me to this game, I was a little worried, I'll admit, that this game wouldn't be very good and I'd just end up wasting my money.
I was wrong.
I was wrong, and I'm proud to admit it.
This game is great.

First thing you'll notice are the cartoonish visuals, which you shouldn't allow to fool you. This is by no means a strictly-children game. Once you get into the violence, you'll see. I'm not saying that this goes completely "Gears of War violent" but fairly gruesome for a "T for Teen" game (ESRB rating).
Also, this may be a "DUH" thing for you, but it was a slight surprise for me. This is NOT an RTS (Real-Time Strategy). I was a little fooled by screenshots where I saw the army running and all, and that was half the reason I was worried this game wouldn't be good, since I'm not a big RTS fan. But you control your one character in a beat-em-up style gameplay mechanic.
The side-scrolling action is fun and really bring memorable moments for the solo Campaign.
This is an RPG in ways, as well. After fighting enough, you'll eventually level up. Then, the next time you die [after leveling up] you will be able to assign points to your skills (Strength, Defense, Magic, Agility.... I'm nearly certain that's it). You also pick your weapon based on the attributes for each one. There are also "Pets" that give special perks to your character and (here's the RPG aspect) you pick which one you want based on its special attribute.
I wouldn't really classify Castle Crashers as an open-world kinda game. This is how it works... After you beat the very first level, you enter the map. You move your character around the map and pick which level to go in. You can play ones you have already beaten, as well as beat a new one. I'd classify that as more of a "Level Select" for ones you've already finished. Also, you have to go in a certain order somewhat... You'll see what I mean when you get the game.
The story is simple. Bad guys came to your Kingdom and stole an idol that your people worship, and four other Kings stole a princess from your Castle (each different King stole a Princess). You are a knight. You get it all back. The princesses are more of a side-thing, but eventually you get them all. The main quest is to get the idol.
You pick which knight you want to play as (after a while, you unlock other characters). But each character starts over in skills. For example, one of my knights is level 20-something. I haven't played as any other knight so far so all of my other knights are level 1 for now.
This game does have some humor, but some of the jokes are intended for a younger audience, but they can be amusing for the young-at-heart. Or you can laugh at all the funny looking monsters, if your a cartoon fan.
There is online multiplayer, but it isn't that great.... It's a lot better when playing with friends, since Matchmaking usually loads pretty slow when gathering players (most Arcade titles do, but this one does a lot). The multiplayer consists of three modes: Castle Crashers (it's just a co-op Campaign with up to four players), All You Can Quaff (eating competition.... Button mashing), and Arena (fight to the death PvP). Good news is it can also be played locally with people on the same console, if you're having friends over.
One downside is that sometimes fights can be extremely difficult, and you can only carry 5 health potions at a time. Although, it does add that encouragement to level up, so you can defeat the boss with your higher skills.
Speaking of bosses, there's lots of them. They vary a lot. Big, small, easy, challenging, frustrating, and funny.

I suppose that's it.... In short, this is a great game for anyone looking for fun. Although, be warned: You will be attached to this game for a long time.