When developer Naked Sky Entertainment makes a XBLA game, they pull out all the stops. In the case of RoboBlitz, our favorite third person robotic puzzle-shooter, they went the extra mile by building the game with the Unreal Engine 3. Combined with massive levels and packed with loads of unique puzzles and enemies, RoboBlitz is worth it’s weight in points.

On first inspection, RoboBlitz has the appearance of a typical, albeit well rendered, 3D platform title. Players control Blitz, a robotic maintenance working in an orbital space station that’s in need of repair. Blitz uses a number of built in tools, like his gripping arms, to manipulate his environment and solve puzzles. A few minutes into the game, however, players are introduced to the real trouble: invading robo-baddies.

Once Blitz acquires the plasma cannon upgrade, the game quickly turns from a 3D platformer into a 3D shooter. With robo-enemies around every turn, players must balance the need to solve puzzles with the need to stay alive. After getting used to the control, which can be adjusted to your level of comfort, we enjoyed the combination thoroughly. Although RoboBlitz isn’t for everyone, if you’re a fan of the Tomb Raider or Half-Life series you’ll enjoy the unique combination of puzzle and shooter action.