A month ago, I talked about the release of the robot badminton game Blazing Birds. Now that it’s been released how does the game fare?

On paper, Blazing Birds does sound exciting. The thought of robots playing badminton sounds like a cute and quirky idea. But unfortunately, the reality is far from impressive. First of all, graphics wise it pales in comparison with other games released on XBox Live. The reason is that Blazing Birds was developed using XNA tools. It just doesn’t cut the mustard when compared with games like Braid. The badminton based gameplay is also quite shallow so don’t expect a lot of replayability here. On the upside, Blazing Birds is just $5, which will certainly attract gamers with a tight budget.

In the realm of fighting games, 2D fighters are still quite popular. These games — well represented by the seminal Street Fighter — have endured the arrival of the 3D fighter (with its great graphics) and have been able to hold its own because of its great gameplay.

Now, Xbox Live fans will get to play not one but two fighting games this month as two great titles are released. First off is an actual Street Fighter game. Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is, without a doubt, a great overhauling of a classic game. This new release will have updated redrawn art that takes advantage of 1080P HD clarity. It will also have widescreen support and will feature newly remixed music. It will also support both local and online multiplayer so hone those skills fast! In addition to this there will also be a new Remixed Mode that will see new techniques given to your favorite characters. Of course, old-school purists will enjoy the original Turbo Mode, which is also included. Street Fighter II HD Remix will be sold for 800 Microsoft points, which is actually a 33 percent discount off the original price. But it’s only up to the end of the month so hurry!

Another fighter that has been released is Garou: Mark of The Wolves. This game has roots in another seminal fighting game Fatal Fury. Rock Howard, the son of FF’s Geese Howard, is one of the 12 characters. Garou: Mark of The Wolves is available on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 points.

Sonic The Hedgehog had a great run as Sega’s official mascot (their answer to Nintendo’s Mario) and the games during its heyday in the eighties and part of the nineties were really awesome sidescrolling platformers. Unfortunately, his 3D outing did not create as strong an impact as the sidescrollers and most gamers nowadays only remember Sonic through these hit and miss affairs.

But now there’s a chance for them to experience Sonic again in all his 2D greatness with Sonic The Hedgehog 3. This sidescroller sees Sonic battling his archnemesis Dr. Eggman — Dr. Robotnik — once again. Accompanying Sonic in this adventure is his sidekick Tails. An addition to the cast is the new enemy Knuckles The Echidna.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 will feature a four game modes and will also have local multiplayer. New Achievements can be earned with this game and top scores will be posted on the leaderboards.

Sonic The Hedgehog will cost 400 MS points.

Any serious gamer who knows his gaming history knows that Wolfenstein occupies a special place in the pantheon of seminal video games, having helped usher the first person shooter genre.

Now you can relive the nostalgia that is Wolfenstein with availability of Wolfenstein 3D in Xbox Live. In Wolfenstein 3D you will play OSA agent BJ Blazkowicz as he battles Nazis in a straightforward shoot em up that really harkens back to the infancy of the FPS genre. All of the memorable characters from the classic game are here from Hans Grosse to Mecha-Hitler (!). The game features all six episodes that cover over 60 levels. The weapons in the game are customizable, the gold you earn will help unlock weapon upgrades.

If there’s a game that can be considered as a must-have, then it’s Wolfenstein 3D. You can get the game for 400 Microsoft Points. An important caveat though, this game will not be available in the following countries — Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan.