I remember when we were hyping up Castle Crashers. It was one of the few co-op games we knew were going to be a stand out title. Four player online, easy pick up gameplay, and graphics that just ooze style. Then the game was released, and our hopes and dreams were dashed. What we got was a great couch co-op title that severely lacked any workable online.

For the game that was the pinnacle of Microsoft's Summer of Arcade promotion, it surely hasn't got a lot of love from Microsoft. In fact, if you go by what the developers of the game are saying, it's mostly Microsoft's fault that we've been waiting over 3 months for this title. We've even had a recent update from the developers regarding the patch.  Here is a quote from the developers that was posted on Xbox 360 Fanboy: 

 

"We're working with Microsoft to get the title update out as quickly as we can. Sadly, we can't get into details about the certification process, but we've resolved the game's issues with data loss and networking in addition to other bugs. We can't really comment on the release yet as we're not allowed to talk about it because of Microsoft, but the update's release is definitely reaching the end of the process.



We've received great support from our fans on our forums in identifying issues. That feedback has helped out a lot and we're really honored to have such an awesome group of fans in the community."

Looking back at the development blog, there was a post about the update being done and "in certification" on October 27th. We had posts regarding the update being work on on September 24th and October 12th. Both assured us the fixes were "nearing completion." So if the patch was in certification on October 27th, why hasn't it come out yet?

From all accounts certification is an 8-10 day process for content and updates, including demos and such. Many developers have voiced their displeasure with the process, but it does serve a purpose. So what could possibly be the hold up on Castle Crashers? My guess is the stuff simply isn't fixed. It's probably being bounced back and forth between certification and development and Microsoft just wants it done right so they don't have to deal with this again.

It's really unfortunate, Castle Crashers could have had some serious legs, but I know plenty of people who the very mention of the title turns them into a fit of rage. They fill ripped off. They bought the game for online co-op and it missed that boat entirely.

We've actually had codes to giveaway for this game for some time now, so now is a good a time as any to give them away. Simply leave a comment here and we'll choose the winners at the end of the week. Perhaps by then a miracle will happen and it'll magically pass certification.

I'll give it a whirl D:

Mike Kelehan says...
I'd certainly play it if I got a code.

I actually have this, but would give the code to a friend if I won one.

I really just wanted to weigh in on the game. If you intend on playing locally, this is still one of the best coop games on XBLA. We ran it into the ground, replaying levels, going back through the story with different characters, finding and unlocking all the goodies, etc. It's also a game that my daughter still fires up when she has some friends come over.

I'm sure glad I didn't buy it to play online though.

That's odd, James has been hyping this game he even quit playing Co-op with me and played Castle Crashers all the time....well until Left 4 Dead came out.

Is it me, or do I mention Left 4 Dead a lot? Seems like there's a lot of threads and buzz about it. It's hard not to.

Too bad James doesn't have his 360 otherwise he probably be playing Castle Crashers or Left 4 Dead right now.

Anyone else that plays Castle Crashers have anything to say about this?













Left 4 Dead

LarsenNET says...
I'd love to try a free copy!

mrnastybutler says...
I'd love to play the game. The flash version on Newgrounds was great.

I'll take a code if you give me one. I'd only play local with my kids anyway.

It is a shame they've taken so long with it. Left4dead has totally taken over my co-op gaming now!

Free copy would be great, I have been waiting for them to fix the problems with the game...

I already own the game , but its nice of you guys to give away some codes so that others can play. The game is a ton of fun.

I liked the demo, give me a code; I ain't payin' for no broken game.

Worldcrafter says...
I already own (and love) this game, but I have a friend who recently got a 360 and would love to give him a code. The game is pretty solid if you're playing with a friend locally, but I haven't braved the online co-op for fear of losing my progress. Easier (and more fun) to drag a friend to my house than replay a wiped character.

Wanted to buy this since it came out, but I've been waiting for the patch like some others. Count me in for a code.

Can anyone elaborate on the online issues? Is it gameplay or just networking?

Throw me in the hat for a code. I wouldn't mind playing, especially after the patch (finally) comes out.

I wanted to buy this game, but then all the news about the general bugginess of it made me think it would be best to wait until things get patched. Well, IF they get patched, at any rate.

But this would be a great game to pull out at parties, instead of having to suffer through another round of Mario Party.

There was a group of people who were meeting-up to play, so I suggest checking out the meet-up thread in the Xbox Arcade Section.

I'd love a free copy.

I love the game, wish they had a gift feature so I could buy it for a friend.