Xbox Live Arcade has grown somewhat since its humble beginnings in late 2004, when it launched for the original Xbox with a whole six games. Now boasting a catalogue of 170 titles, made up of original games, remakes and releases, the choice on offer can be overwhelming. Never fear though, as we’re here to give you a push in the direction of a few games we have singled out as ‘essential’.

And so, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the XBLA titles we have deemed ‘essential’:

Rez HD (Q Entertainment)

If wacky, outlandish game design is your kinda thing then you’re going to love Rez HD, which has been brought back to life, from its Dreamcast-induced grave, in glorious wide-screen, high-definition glory. An odd, often unfathomable mix of rhythm game, shooter and visual intoxication this is a title that truly needs to be played to believe. Some may never ‘get’ the concept (we’re not sure we do) but if you’re yearning for something that will change the way you perceive videogames there’s no better starting point then here.

Braid (Microsoft)

Not only one of the best XBLA games but one of finest titles available for the 360 period, Braid is as innovative as it is addicting. The brilliant conceived and designed time control mechanic combined with a beautiful graphical style and wonderful audio score has raised the expectation level for puzzle games as a whole. Throw in the fact that, compared to other games, it was made on a shoestring budget and our respect for Braid’s accomplishments only grows.

Ikaruga (Treasure)

Arguably the most difficult game available on Microsoft’s download service, Ikaruga represents the pinnacle of the top-down shooter genre; which, sadly, has largely dissappeared from the current generation of consoles. Lush visuals (both technically and artistically) combined with the wonderful ability to alter your ship’s colour – making it immune to attacks of the same shade – set it apart from the pretenders to its throne.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (Activision)

Bigger, bolder and more intense than the original, Geo Wars 2 is the standard by which all dual stick shooters should be measured. Varied game modes and four-player local multiplayer assure things stay interesting long after purchase. If there’s any game that conjures up that ‘just one more go’ level of addiction then this is it; a feature only strengthened by the way it integrates your friends scores with your own, constantly teasing your competitive side.

Portal: Still Alive (Microsoft)

Vying with Braid for the best-puzzler-on-XBLA crown Portal: Still Alive combines all the content of the original with fourteen brand new maps, making it on of the best value games available on the service. If you missed out on The Orange Box (in which Portal first appeared on 360) then this is your chance to experience what was arguably the game of 2007. Portal veterans should be happy with the new levels which, we can happily assure, are as brilliantly conceived as the original. Now, go get your cake…

Uno (Microsoft)

Games based on popular broad and card games don’t generally tend to fair so well when adapted into a videogame but, Uno has made a seamless, successful transition into the digital realm. Despite the game pretty mcuh playing itself (we’ve won games in which we’ve selected the default card every time), it remains one of the most fun, addictive and wide-reaching XBLA titles currently available. Throw in themed decks, Xbox Live Vision Camera support and Avatar incorporation and you have yourself what is possibly the first true XBLA classic.

Bionic Commando: Rearmed (Capcom)

Few downloadable games have caused quite such a pre-launch stir as Bionic Commando: Rearmed; a remake of the 1987 NES classic. Many saw it as merely an elaborate piece of advertising for it’s bigger brother; the disc-based Bionic Commando, releasing early 2009. However, those voices were quickly silenced after just the briefest hands-on with the game as, much like Pac-Man C.E., Rearmed has managed to lovingly restore the original while staying true to its roots. Rearmed is proof that ’side scrollers’ are far from dead.

Pac-Man: Championship Edition (Namco Bandai)

If you ever need a lesson in how to create a top notch remake you need look no further than this updated version of the arcade classic. Pac-Man C.E. is not your typical re-release, with updated graphics and audio, but a full blown re-invention of ‘The Pac’ that sees him chomping his way to the 360 in style. Taking the basic premise of the original and mixing in a few simple (but brilliant) elements, Namco has created something fresh and new, while staying true to the franchise’s roots.

Castle Crashers (The Behemoth)

Side-scrolling smash ‘em ups are not dead, a fact that Castle Crashers elegantly, and humourously, proves.  Mixing a simple RPG-style levelling up mechanic with button mashing mayhem gives The Behemoth’s Live Arcade baby a longevity that is generally lacking in the genre.  While the gameplay draws you in it’s the homour that you’ll remember long after the event is over.  From the wacky enemy designs to the comedic set-piece moments you’d have to have a heart of stone not to find something within the carnage that doesn’t tickle you funny bone.  Go get three of your friends to join you in the action and Castle Crashers is some of the most fun you can legally have with four control pads and a 360.

Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix (Capcom)

This remake/rerelease – of what is arguably the finest beat ‘em up of all time – will undoubtedly be many people’s favourite 360 fighter; beating Soul Calibur and Dead or Alive to first place.  The classic character models and backgrounds have been redrawn in full high-def beauty and look simply stunning. For those looking to relive the old days you can play with the original graphics too – a nice touch.  A slick, lag-free online multiplayer sweetens the deal and drives it into essential territory.

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Konami)

Who doesn’t like at least one of the Castlevania games? Symphony of the Night (originally released in 1997) is one of the finest in the series, and this XBLA version is as good as we ever remember the original being. Granted, a fully fledged widescreen capability would have been nice but as it is, the visuals are as iconic and immersing as any modern equivalent. The intelligent design of the game also means there’s plenty of replay value in playing through at least twice . This is 2D adventuring at its very best.