Iridion II

If there is one thing that you can predict when it comes to space shooters it is that the storyline will most likely be rather half-baked and will be completely forgotten about within seconds of the blasting action commencing. Guess what? That is exactly the case with Iridion II as well! "More than a hundred years have passed since Earth was attacked by the vicious Iridion forces." Predictability ensues, "Legend tells of a single brave SHN Fighter pilot who found his way to destroy the evil Iridion mainframe. After this glorious victory...peace and freedom came back to mankind. The Iridion menace was history...Until now!"

Did anyone not see that coming? Anyway, the Iridion forces suddenly re-emerge and take control of all the systems the human race decided to populate upon the Iridion demise and thus mass galactic havoc rapidly follows as Planet Earth is so far away that help would not arrive in time. Coincidentally, though, there is one ship floating around nearby that just happens to be powerful enough to combat the Iridion once more...and you are the pilot! What are the chances of that?!

 

Getting over the amazingly clich

 

Those that have become used to the likes of Treasure's Ikaruga and the Gradius series from Konami will feel right at home with Iridion II. The action, whilst fast and frantic is more than fair to the player, rather than being the complete easy option taken by the developer, throwing ridiculous amounts of enemies your way. You have to overcome what turn out to be rather puzzle-like journeys through the fifteen specialised stages, each of which proves to be both frustrating and highly rewarding at the same time. Thankfully, throughout the larger levels you will come across little yellow circles that are definite lifesavers

 

The enemies themselves do not pose too much of a threat when you commence the game. However, this lulls you into a false sense of security and all of a sudden you will be hit by a swarm of odd looking space creatures that fire all sorts of lasers at you, causing you enormous grief as you desperately try to manoeuvre out of trouble. Shin'en must be commended on creating such a well-round game that can be enjoyed months after you have seen the final credits roll as it is just so much fun to play in small bursts...

How many levels do you require from a space shooter? Well, let us put this into perspective before you pile your answers upon us! Treasure's seminal Ikaruga only has five levels and nobody complained about that since there was enough invention and pure thrills lodged into each one to make them immensely enjoyable again and again. Now this is definitely not the case with Iridion II as there are fifteen massive stages, fifteen special missions, thirty-two boss enemies and over two hundred general enemies to overcome. Then there is the fact that the puzzle element and the extras to be found keep its engine running for far longer than you would ever guess.

Not only is there a mammoth amount of levels compared to Ikaruga, but also an unlockable Arcade Mode, Challenge Mode, gallery, jukebox and various other hidden treats to be uncovered the more you play. Shin'en has done a wonderful job of pouring as much enjoyment into this sequel as is humanly possible and the simple fact that pilot wannabes can choose from an initial three difficulty settings and compare their high scores with others across the Internet super highway is worthy enough of extending the game's lifespan. This is definitely a prime package that will last far longer than its current budget price-tag would lead you to believe.