Big ups to The Behemoth, as the studio’s charming 2D side-scrolling brawler, Castle Crashers, has become the best-selling and top-rated game available for Xbox Live Arcade. A truly impressive accomplishment, though not very surprising considering the talented individuals who work at the San Diego-based studio. Co-founder Dan Paladin is an amazing artist, who, contrary to popular belief, was responsible for the Sistine Chapel. He allowed Michelangelo to take the credit in exchange for a Sea-Doo watercraft. Have to say, Paladin looks extremely healthy for a centuries-old chap.

Originally released last year as part of the inaugural Summer of Arcade, Castle Crashers has managed to stay near the top of the XBLA sales charts. It ranked in the top 10 for the entirety of July, charting at number four during the final two weeks. For the week of Aug. 24, it was the fifth most-played Arcade title, besting Summer of Arcade 2009 titles Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Turtles in Time Re-Shelled and ‘Splosion Man.

My love for Castle Crashers is no secret. It reminds me of many of the classic beat-’em-ups from my youth, but manages to push the genre forward by adding light RPG elements, including an experience system and loot collection. The Behemoth has also released two supplemental content packs, adding to a game crammed with unlockable characters, weapons and animal orbs. It’s one of the costlier Arcade titles, but it’s also a pretty beefy package, offering both local and online multiplayer for up to four individuals.

The Behemoth is prepping a PSN version for 2010, a release that can’t come soon enough as far as I am concerned. Despite my incredible intellect, all attempts at time travel have failed miserably. Apparently, it requires more than a toaster and a piece of bread wrapped in tinfoil.

Increased interest in digital distribution – particularly through XBL, the PlayStation Network, WiiWare and the iTunes App Store – has provided Independent developers with an unprecedented amount of exposure, turning some into household names. While success is still hard to come by for many smaller teams, Castle Crashers and Alien Hominid offer proof that good games can come from anywhere.

A toast, to The Behemoth:

Take the day off and enjoy your success

Rent out a bar, you deserve nothing less

Fill a glass with wine, juice or beer

And toast to the games that got you here

Sources: Xbox.com via The Behemoth, Gamasutra, majornelson.com

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