Okay Geek Farm
XBLA - Geometry Wars 2: Retro Evolved Review
Connor Scalleat
The first time you see Geometry Wars in action you’ll no doubt immediately think of the old video games of the 80’s — y’know, the kinds they had back in arcades. Well, let that be the precursor to what you’ll experience as it’ll definitely test your metal as the games of yesteryear sure did, only this time you don’t need to worry about all those quarters being thrown away.
What is Geometry Wars all About?
Geometry Wars is a very simple game where you are a ship traveling space and being chased by shapes. Each shape has different abilities routines and powers. Your ship allows you to travel within the map moving in any direction to dodge the shapes. The ship has the ability to shoot in any angle at anytime for full 360 degree coverage.
How’s the gameplay work?
Essentially all of the maps are the same and each stage of the game has one different mechanic or way in which the shapes attack you. The controls are based off of the two joysticks along with the top bumpers. The left joystick allows you to maneuver around the map and the left joystick allows you to control your shooting. The two top bumpers both allow you to set off a bomb.
The game is very simple but the controls if anything are what make it sort of hard to master. As soon as you download the game and open it the controls do not feel very instinctive but after beating the first couple stages you really get the hang of it and find that the controls make the game what it is.
In Geometry Wars 2 they have added an amazing multiplayer feature which allows you and your friend to play simultaneously on the same map or control one ship together. Controlling one ship together is almost to easy on same maps and on others you have to really think the way your friend does. Essentially one friend drives the ship and the other shoots, if the path isn’t clear then the driver will die. Equally if the driver isn’t driving correctly nothing will die and you’ll become very overwhelmed. Playing simultaneously works exactly how it sounds 2 ships one map and the same amount of shapes which I find irritating but it is still a very fun time for the less experienced players.
How’s it look and sound?
If you’re not a very big fan of games like this don’t put it down quite yet because this game is just pure fun and enjoyment. With the Evolved edition you get an amazing techno/dance mix which is sinked to what is happening in the game. The songs and soundtracks are truly amazing! Techno beats coming from all angles and killing all these weird shapes in timing with the music just feels fun and rewarding.
The game looks like it came straight out of an 80’s arcade with color enhancements. The game looks amazing and what makes it so complicated is that when you shoot a shape it explodes with different colors. These colors match the other shapes colors so it can make things a little confusing.
With booming techno beats on the full American surround sound and nice big HD TV it really completes the experience. It’s not complicated but it is just plain fun and addicting.
Overall
Overall it is just a enjoyable game that you can play alone or with a friend. It takes you back to a different time period where games were just fun and not always so complicated. Sit back turn up the music and kill some shapes!
Pro’s
- Mind-blowing techno beats
- Fun atmosphere
- Low learning curve
Con’s
- Controls feel unnatural at first
Geometry Wars is really built around the casual arcade gamer and is fun for everyone, no matter what skill-set you’re at. It’s fun for all ages and straight out fulfilling; it is not as hard as solving a Rubic’s cube but it isn’t as easy as playing defense on Madden either.
You can pick up Geometry Wars 2 Evolved along with the original in the Xbox Live Marketplace for $10.00 each. I highly recommend this game to any gamer for a little relaxing and fun gameplay.
