Introduction:Extreme Gamer is taking a look at our first Xbox Live Arcade game, Outpost Kaloki X. This strategy tycoon styled game is pleasant surprise along side others classics like Gauntlet, Joust and Smash TV. Stick around and read our review of Outpost Kaloki X and find out why this is the second most download game on the Xbox Live 360 Marketplace.

The Game:Outpost Kaloki X from developer Ninja Bee is a delightful strategy game that can get surprisingly intense. It's all about micro-management, interstellar drama and pleasing the strange creatures that inhibit outer space. Kaloki gains points in all of the above mentioned areas and the gameplay comes off as fun and addictive. Trust me on that one, once you get started it will be hours before you say you've had enough. and then it's just one more game.. and one more after that. Like any good strategy game you can play each mission/scenario X amount of times and never have the exact experience. Kaloki is challenging and gamers looking for a brain buster that's fun, Kaloki is your game.

So what's it about?! Well, Outpost Kaloki X puts you in the roll of a manager of sorts of space station with goals pertaining to pleasing customers, and building special buildings/items. Outpost is a 3D title, so you will be rotating around your station constantly while making changes and adjustments as you play. Each scenario is different, but they all have a common goal which is usually timed. When that clock ticks down and you only need a little more to finish a challenge, you will start to sweat. Luckily you can save at any time, so use that to your advantage, and save when you are close to objectives.

One aspect which sets it aside from other sim-building games is that it doesn't matter how you position your buildings. They can go in any order; however you wish which goes along wit the easy interface and simplistic game mechanics. Kaloki never delves too far in depth, but that doesn't mean you can't over calculate, anticipate, and analyze during the game. You will have to be on your toes because the action can get intense and while dealing with station management you will also have to deal with demands from the special characters, power supply issues, repair, and outside attackers. At first Kaloki seems pretty tame at first, but by the time you hit the upper levels you will be spinning.

The major concept behind running a successful outpost is mastering supply and demand. The whole game really is a balancing act which needs to be perfected to clear some of the later levels. It's this easy, two colours, two shades. Bright red on the side hud means current demand, dark red is trend for the future. The green is your level of supply. Now all you have to do is balance them between the proper outlets and you'll be a winner.

The main thing about balancing your stations is upgrading. Each area from science, to entertainment has a number of new upgrades that boost the rating of your station along with a high level of value for your customers. I found that once you built a new station like a Malt Shop, there is no reason to keep the old version around unless you're maxed out with high level entertainment, then you might want some low budget for venues your customers. Each customer will have bars indication what they are looking for in the station, and you will get comments from the top bar, either negative or positive. Keep this in mind because its helpful in gauging your station to success.

Like most strategy games Outpost Kaloki can eat up your time while playing. Each mission can run from 40min to 5min to complete the objective, and then you have the addictive factor, and additional downloadable content. Ninja Bee has already released a few free scenarios for Kaloki. One staring Fish McFisherson called the "Fireworks Level", "Love Story" for the romantic in you, and "Bounty Hunter" complete with nasty robot aliens. Hopefully the content keeps coming until the make a new build of this game, if they have plans. Value for your buck! Indeed.

Lowdown:If you have a 360 and like strategy games, you need to spend the few dollars on this absolutely outstanding strategy game. Outpost Kaloki X is easy to learn and highly addictive. It's one of those games you'll come back to after the luster of the new Xbox 360 games pass.

So download the demo, check it out, and you will know if your thing. Just remember that the demo of Outpost Kaloki X provides a good look at the games mechanics, but it's only a portion of the experience.

Final Score: 8 / 10

FEATURES:

• Unique gameplay: For the first time on the console, play a tycoon-style game.
• Truly challenging: Don't let the easy-to-learn game hide the fact that even serious gamers will find it a great challenge to beat the game in gold medal time.
• Light-hearted fun: Dozens of wacky characters and hilarious story lines will keep you laughing and provide hours of entertainment.
• Big band music: The soundtrack helps set the tone for this truly unique game.