Focus on: Geometry Wars: Galaxies

Geometry Wars is the little game that could. Starting off as a minigame in Project Gotham Racing 2 for the Xbox. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved was created for the Xbox live arcade on the 360 and had huge success. The latest version, Galaxies, is for the Wii and DS. Geometry Wars is a simple shooter with a lot of punch. Similar to those old school classics like Galaga, but way more intense

The game takes place on a small spiral galaxy. In this galaxy are several star systems that can be unlocked. In each star system are several planets, each representing a game level. Gameplay consists of moving your ship around with the Nunchuk and aiming with the Wiimote to shoot a variety of geometric enemies. Losers can use the classic controller, so that no pointing is necessary, but it is my official opinion that this method is lame.

Overall, the one impression that I’ve come away with: this game is intense. Geometry Wars: Galaxies is action packed and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Gameplay has several significant improvements over previous versions, including the collecting of ‘Geoms’ to up a score multiplier. The score multiplier resets when you die, upping the stakes. Geoms you collect are also tallied up to spend on unlocking stars and planets, or buying a drone with different functions.

I was very impressed with the level design, and the amazing number of different ‘feels’ you can get. I also like how your drone levels up each time you try a level, even if you didn’t break any new records (although, sometimes it would gain experience when I had just given up, which seemed lame). At first, I thought the economy was broken because in the first star system it was easy to get huge amounts of bonus Geoms by easily making the ‘bronze’ score on those levels. Only later did I realize that making any of the achievements, bronze, silver or gold, was going to get harder very fast. I still think the economy is a little loose, but being able to buy levels whenever I want helped stave off the monotony that would have set in doing the same level again and again.

All in all, I would give Geometry Wars: Galaxies 7 out of 10. It is a great little games, but unfortunately, that is all it is, a little game. No story, goal or real objective brings back old school memories of games like Galaga. The coop mode provides for a small bit of multiplayer fun, but it really isn’t a robust multiplayer game. The online scores chart is fun, and it is interesting to see how much you actually suck, but it isn’t revolutionary. If you liked Geometry Wars, you are going to love Galaxies. It really brings make those old acrade game memories.