{tag [Review]} {tag [X360]}

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is a top-down arcade style shooter that is not only addictive, but visually stunning.

Graphics – 80%
Aside from the gameplay of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, the graphics were certainly the stand out element of this title.  Bright, crisp, vivid visuals that may give some epileptic seizures, gave me nothing but hours of ocular joy.  The enemies are all comprised of geometric shapes and each has its own individual plan to destroy your ship.  Get them before they get you, and each baddy will burst into an Independence Day fireworks display.

Every moment of this game is filled with stunning visuals and while it sometimes seemed as though graphics overpower gameplay (especially at the height of battle when it became difficult to see your ship among the confetti-like explosions), there was no mistaking their beauty, especially on an HDTV.

What really impressed me was the array of eye candy that is laid out in every scenario of the game, from wormholes that cause the screen to distort, to wave after wave after wave of relentless shapes that fill your screen hell bent on your destruction.  While it may not be the most visually intense game on the market, this game exceeds expectations for one priced so cheaply.

Sound – 70%
“Seamless integration” is the best way to describe GW:RE2’s sound.  Visualize this aurally: fast-paced, techno/trance beats that distorts, change pace, and wrap around your every move.  Though I never found the beats repetitive, I’m sure there are those who may find the constant, in-your-face rave music a little on the annoying side after an hour or two of gameplay.

The majority of the sound effects were fairly simple explosions and “whooshes”, but you will be so swept into the gameplay that you won’t notice anything except for the action.  I could tear into this game for having a limited soundtrack, but let’s be honest: the music is a perfect fit and for only 800 credits you can’t expect the Boston Philharmonic.

Gameplay – 90%
This game is addictive to say the least.  I sat down to this game thinking, “Ok, I’ve got a very plain grid for a playing field and the most generic looking ship ever at my command.”  Then it happened - the first enemy popped on the screen.  I fired, and the rest is history.

Shooting takes place with the right thumbstick by simply pointing it in the direction you want your ship to fire.  The entire game is spent ducking and dodging enemies trying to ram you.  It’s the simplest form of gaming in that its point and shoot, but believe me it does becomes more than a little challenging as you progress.

There are six scenarios to unlock, each with their own set of rules, enemies, and style of play, all of which will test your abilities as a gamer.  You unlock each successive scenario by completing a pre-determined percentage of your current level.  Seems easy enough right?  Just wait until you get to the 20 stage sequence scenario.

Multiplayer – 60%
I was a bit disappointed with the multiplayer aspect of this game. What it really needs is more gameplay options.  I could play each scenario that I had unlocked in the single player mode, however, that’s all I could play.  No online gameplay, and only a leader board to tell me how good other people are at the game.

Playing local multiplayer move had its appeal.  Pilot two opposing ships or have one gamer play as gunner and another as pilot in a cooperative fashion.  It is a lot of fun, but sadly, when you have four people playing, you are limited to two ships.

Controls/Interface – 80%
As previously stated, it’s all about the thumbsticks.  Nothing fancy about the controls in this game - no extensive button combos or perfectly timed-sequences to remember.  It is simplicity at its best: one stick to move, one stick to shoot, and very little else to learn.

Summary – 76%
I’m going to be honest.  I sat down with this game not expecting to be impressed, but I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised at how devilishly addictive it became after only one round of play.  I found myself playing into the wee hours of the morning, and before I knew it, I had finished the game.

While Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 isn’t perfect, there is little to complain about, except it’s a quick play.  But for 800 points on XBLA, you can’t go wrong.