Ikaruga (Xbox Live Arcade) Review
Posted by John Curry on 04.21.2008
Could there be any better way to spend 800 MS points than on Treasure Company Ltd.'s new Xbox Live Arcade download Ikaruga...I don't think so.
What can I say about Treasure Company Ltd.’s new download for the Xbox Live Arcade, Ikaruga, but absolutely amazing. This is everything a game should be. Stunningly beautiful graphics, smooth solid controls, and an unbelievably challenging storyline, are just a few of the phrases I would use to describe this game.
Ikaruga is a vertical scrolling shooting game in the same fashion as my personal favorite game, 1942 mixed with a little of Astroids. This is supposed to be a sequel/prequel to Project Radiant Silvergun as we learn in the games introduction during which we see PRS2, which made its debut on the Nintendo Gamecube back in 2001.
Gameplay
The key thing here to notice is that your ship is comprised of two different colors, red and white which can be toggled back and forth with the RB button. Your enemies are also divided between the same colors. The white ones do not hurt you when you are playing as the white ship and likewise for the red ship. The mastery of switching back and forth between the two is what makes this game a challenge. And trust me when I say this game is a challenge. Your ship also has the ability to fire special weapons when you charge your meter by successfully completing chains of attacks (destroying a number of ships in a row). Some of the special abilities you have are the ability to fire a large scale explosion that seeks out the same color of ships as you are at the time you fire the weapon. Another is the ability to absorb a specific ship colors attacks. Planning ahead when to use these weapons will prove to be a wise decision as you will definitely need them. All I can say is don’t worry, you will get to play the level at least twice as I guarantee you won’t make it through a level the first time.
No matter what level of game play you select this game will be difficult. This is not necessarily a bad thing though. Too many games today are simple beat it in a couple of hours and go. Not Ikaruga. It took me three days to beat the twenty levels that the game offers. Don’t fret though. Since I beat the game I have been back every day to play it again. This game has a lasting appeal well beyond its 800 ms points.
Graphics
The graphics are stunning for an XBLA game. This isn’t a Gears of War quality game but it isn’t Beautiful Katamari either.While you play it at first you will feel that there is nothing special about the graphics, this will all change when you make it to the first boss. There is an obvious Japanese Manga feel to the level bosses, which I personally love. They are absolutely stunning and challenging as well. This is what happens when small market divisions devote time to creating beautiful graphics and phenomenal game play. The only issue I have with the graphics is the captioning which tells the story at the beginning of each level and sublevel are almost invisible if you do not sit six inches away from the television and even at that point they are not on the screen long enough for you to read it all. This is upsetting to a majority of gamers as this is where the storyline is shown so you can keep up with the story.
Sound
As for the sound there is really nothing to write home about but nothing to complain about either. There is a simple Japanese techno style beat going on in the background and the weapons are crisp and support the game play with no real issues.
Lasting Appeal and Fun Factor
The lasting appeal and fun factor for this game are endless. You will either hate the difficulty of the game and stop playing, or if you are an avid, rabid gamer you will constantly continue playing so that you can beat the game as many times as possible while trying to attain the highest scores possible. Your scores can be posted on the XBLA to compare with how other people have done on the same levels as you. The highest ranking I received was number 4122 on the second level. As a rabid gamer I will keep playing in hopes of hitting number one. This is just how addicting this game is.
The 411
This game is to die for. There is absolutely no other game on the XBLA I would recommend purchasing or spending your hard earned Microsoft points on than Ikaruga. This game is everything that can be right with games. Nice graphics, decent sound but most importantly a challenging game that does not insult the intelligence of the gamer. Any gaming skills you have built up prior to playing this game will be put to usage in Ikaruga. This is the game that separates the really talented gamers from the occasional Mario Party player. I just cannot speak highly enough of this game. If you ever take my word on anything, take it on Ikaruga. The game is the best thing to hit the XBLA yet.
Graphics
9.0
Some of the best graphics I have seen on the XBLA.
Gameplay
10.0
If you can find a more difficult and yet enjoyable game for ten bucks let me know.
Sound
8.5
The music does get repetitive but the game is so challenging you actually forget there is music playing.
Lasting Appeal
10.0
If you can beat this game congratulations, but when and if you do you will still wake up.
