Critics gave it mixed reviews (scoring around 70 on Metacritic), noting the floaty jumping and lack of online players. But for Arcade purists, the local 4-player splitscreen is flawless.
The original game had DLC character packs. These files are no longer available for purchase. RGH users can restore the Complete Edition by installing the specific TU (Title Update) and DLC .GOD or .XCP packages, unlocking all characters that retail players lost access to a decade ago. Small Arms -XBLA--Arcade--Jtag RGH-
Small Arms was a significant early release for XBLA. It offered a chaotic, four-player brawler experience reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. but filtered through a 2D shooter lens. The game featured a cast of anthropomorphic animal hybrids (such as the cyborg Tyrannosaurus Rex, "Tyrone") wielding oversized weaponry—hence the title. Critics gave it mixed reviews (scoring around 70
The game’s significance lies in its replayability and its launch-window timing. It demonstrated the potential of XBLA to host complex multiplayer experiences that were previously the domain of PC shareware or niche Japanese imports. However, its distribution method relied entirely on the Xbox 360's "LIVE" licensing system. Users purchased the game, downloaded a package (often referred to as a container file), and received a digital license tied to their Gamertag and console ID. These files are no longer available for purchase
For the average consumer, this system was seamless. For the hardware enthusiast and the burgeoning "scene" of console modders, XBLA titles represented a puzzle: how could one execute this code without the requisite online authentication?