January 15th, 2008 by Kazigapor
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NDS It Might Just Give You a Seizure
The default controls on the Wii offer what you would expect. You point in the direction you wish to shoot and move around with the nunchuck. The game picks up where you want to shoot, but the problem is that it is incredibly easy to get lost in the mass chaos and have no idea where you are pointing. You have the option to display a reticule, but it gets completely overlapped by the neon flashes of your enemies. Fortunately the game gives the option of playing with the classic controller, which offers the original dual analog control scheme which feels much more natural then the Wiimote.
One of the things that Retro Evolved was hailed for were its amazing HD graphics and unique artistic design. The unique artistic design is still apparent but the visuals have been pulled back a bit. Colors aren’t nearly as vibrant, and the whole package seems a bit dull. Not to say that the game looks bad, just not as good as its predecessor. The game manages to hold a solid frame rate even when the screen is filled to the brim of neon flashes.
Play with two
One of the more interesting additions of Galaxies is the inclusion of multiplayer modes. You can now have a friend join in for the slaughtering of squares and circles in the co-op mode, in which you fly around in the basic rectangle a la Retro Evolved. You can also head into the ‘Galaxies’ mode and try to survive through 10 additional levels or fight for the higher score in the ‘Versus’ mode. The box of the game bears the blue circle which indicates Wi-Fi capabilities, but don’t be fooled, this is only for online leader boards. It could have been great fun to play with a buddy over the internet, but maybe they are saving that for the next game. We can only hope.
Worth It?
The big question everyone has to face with deciding whether or not to purchase this title is if Geometry Wars: Galaxies -a game based off a free game and developed into a five dollar game- is worth the 39 dollar price tag. Well look at it this way; you get 64 different shaped stages to zoom around in, the full version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, co-op play with 10 additional bonus levels, and online leader boards. That’s quite a bit but it all depends on how much you enjoy blowing up geometrical shaped enemies on square shaped arenas.
Sierra took the correct and obvious step in furthering the Geometry Wars franchise; taking the tried and true gameplay and adding tons of much needed depth. The game manages to add more substance and depth without sacrificing its addictive nature. Not that the game is without problems. The Wiimote doesn’t offer the amount of control as I’d hoped and the lack of Gamecube controller functionality is rather perplexing. The dulling of the graphics was a tad upsetting and not being able to take the battle online was rather displeasing too. But all in all Geometry Wars: Galaxies is a must own for the hardcore audience out there. To those who are a bit iffy; Give it a rent, you may find that you will enjoy it.
Now if you excuse me, I'm off to kick some 2-d ass…
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