I was a fan of Blood Wake, a title that came out shortly after the launch of the original Xbox. “Blood Tempest” brings back some of that magic, and adds a few tricks of its own.
This isn’t the first game I’ve reviewed where “Blood Wake” came up, that honour goes to “Modern Pirate Hunter: Ep 1”. The two games are both from the same developer, the former game costing 240 Microsoft Points, the latter costing 80 Microsoft Points. They appear to have been based on the same game engine, and released only a couple of weeks apart. So why would you choose one over the other?
The former is more like Blood Wake, it’s a story and objective-based game and is about twice the size (literally, the file size is a little more than twice as large). The latter is a survival-based arena combat game where you face wave after wave of enemies, doing upgrades to your boat between waves. Both of them are very enjoyable to play, with well-done visuals and great controls.
So if you prefer a story-based game and happy to pay 160 MSP more, then by all means get “Modern Pirate Hunter: Ep 1”. If you want an impressive sea combat game on the cheap then get the
“Blood Tempest”. Or if you’re like me, you’ll just get both so that you’ll have a sea combat game for every mood.
Here’s what the developer (ZXB Games) has to say about the game:
“Take the wheel of a heavily armed speedboat as you take on enemy boats, frigates, and battleships with a multitude of weapons and upgrades including missiles, machine guns, mines, armor, engines, and more. After your first intense dog fight you won’t be able to put it down!”
Writings of Mass Deduction 
The pic on the XBLIG shop would NEVER have interested me in this title, as it looks like some kind of oversexed Bloodrayne-knockoff; thankfully the game is – as you’ve pointed out – nothing of the sort. I really like it, as the handling and controls are spot on and there is a decent amount of upgrading to keep it interesting. An excellent value for only 80 MSP, and it is a quick and easy diversion for those times when you just want to play a mindless game for a few minutes. Thanks for bringing it to our attention!
You’re welcome, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Wow, I did that review about a year ago, and had to read my own review to remember the game. With over 900 recommendations under my belt, my head is swimming! I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep it up… but I’ve been saying that since around Day 400 or so, so who knows? :)