Geometry Wars: Galaxies

Today we’re taking a look at the Nintendo DS version of the game. Ultimately we intend to answer the following question: is this game worth [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Geometry-Wars-Galaxies-Nintendo-DS/dp/B000TUG5CS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1201208760&sr=8-2]

 

It all sounds a bit overwhelming, no? Well, fear not! For you no longer have to tackle your adversaries alone. No, we’re not talking about the co-operative mode (although we will do), but rather the teensy little drone that now follows you around during your epic space-battles. There are eight drones to choose from. Some aid with attacking, some with defending, and others help you to collect Geoms (which are dropped by dead opponents and can used to unlock additional drones and galaxies as well as improve your score multiplier). Each drone can be gradually levelled up by collecting additional Geoms, making them more accurate/powerful/useful. Certain galaxies will become far less troublesome with a fully-improved drone at your side, forcing you to carefully choose your ally before taking off.

Even with all these extra goodies at your disposal, Geometry Wars would be nothing if its basic gameplay mechanics weren’t still fun. Thankfully, they are. Whilst the DS obviously can’t provide access to a dual-analogue controller, it can provide access to the D-Pad and stylus, which work wonderfully for the most part. Our only complaint in regards to the control scheme is that it can almost be a little too accurate at times. The slightest flick of the stylus can cause a significant change in the direction of your ship’s fire, something that can become a problem in the game’s more hectic moments. Of course, this problem can be mostly overcome with practice, but if you’re anything like us the constant need for a firm grip and steady hand will undoubtedly cause the odd cramp.

With all the aforementioned additions to the game’s single player mode, it’s worth noting that there is also a significant amount of community content available as well. First up are the two co-operative modes (Co-operative and Simultaneous), which allow two players to work in tandem for a single high score, or compete against each other for the highest score. A Versus mode allows one player to control their ship as per usual while a second player unleashes waves of enemies to thwart him or her. A series of online leaderboards also help to keep things competitive for those that don’t fancy direct competition. Combine all that with Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals for each galaxy, as well as the addictive quality of the game itself, and you’re looking at a serious amount of bang for your buck/quid.