Game Lesson 101: When a game begins with a character head-banging to medieval music, you know you’re in for something special.

That being said, I just watched an owl poop itself to death. It's important that you know this because whether or not you find bathroom humor funny will determine how you'll like a new game called "Castle Crashers" by the indie development team Behemoth (Alien Hominid) on XBox Live Arcade. Catchy name, what's it about? Well, I'm glad you asked, it's an old-fashioned beat 'em up side-scroller with some RPG elements on the side.

SideNote: You know, Xbox Live Arcade never really caught my attention before, I always saw it as the place to try out some cheap old school classics, but Xbox is looking to change all that by adding some fresh, new simple games to the mix.

Gameplay: Gameplay is pretty simple. Everyone in town is happily rocking out at some ye olde festival when some King’s daughters were kidnapped by some evil-doers. Your main character is a brave knight sent out to rescue all the princesses. from castles scattered around the map, fighting enemies with different colors, shapes and sizes along the way in deserts, forests, and many other locations. Pick the armor color of your super fighter, any color (they're basically all the same although they do have different magical abilities, such as ice, fire etc.) and you will be on your way to unleash the pain and save the day! Basically all you have to do here is beat up on whoever stands in your way.

Sounds like it can get a lil monotonous and repetitious doesn't it ?Well, it doesn't. How you might ask? Well, that was done by simply adding some RPG elements to the mix. You see, killing enemies earns experience points, which will level up your character, and points can be spent on goodies such as Damage, Magic, Defense, and Agility. These four choices unlock more abilities and combos, really giving the game a new spin. Call it a slight character-creation extra, if you will.

Does your blood just boil for competition? (Really? You know you really should get that looked at!) Well anyway, good because "Castle Crashers" gives you cool head-to-head multiplayer action. And let me tell ya, the multiplayer mode is what this game is all about. Online or with some real life friends, you will head out as a party (up to four) to kick that kingdom back into shape.

SideNote: One of my favorite things about multiplayer is that when playing cooperative if one of your comrades falls in the heat of battle, all you have to do is bust out the old medieval CPR and revive the poor lil guy.

If you've read this far, you've probably noticed that I haven't said any negative things about the game.Well that's about to change! Don't worry, I'll be nice. It has been reported by other players that "Castle Crashers" has some crash issues (no pun intended).

Although, I haven't experienced any myself, I feel it's important to let you know about these things- that's just good journalism.Wink!" 90% of the time, the quick match selection connects you to a game that’s already full. Instead of searching for a new game, it boots you back out to the menu. If you do happen to find an open party or create your own, the game can freeze the console after entering the lobby and the 360 has to be reset."- Videogame Talk Aug. 27

Graphics: There's something here for everyone to like; cute Saturday morning cartoon looking characters but very violent at the same time. And oh yeah, I thought it was worth mentioning that all of the animations were all hand drawn! Impressive.

Sound: The music is awesome; I loved all the quirky , happy tunes! Also, the battle sounds, and the shrieks from the helpless princesses are priceless.

In the end, I must say that I am impressed with how this turned out. Sure it's got it's share glitches and bugs, but I have to say that for all those craving the "good 'ole days" of side-scrolling beat-em-ups, this is the motherload that you've been waiting for.