Geometry Wars 2 is the best LIVE Arcade Game to date!
Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, you couldn't really go wrong. The original Geometry Wars hit our 360 consoles when Microsoft's much loved gaming machine launched, and to this day is still one of the best Arcade games around. But its also fair to say, that even though it was an addictive experience the game generally lacked modes and features that were common in some of the oldest arcade games. But its also great credit to the game that so many gamers were still playing it after years of being on the LIVE Arcade Market. So when Microsoft showed off a trailer for Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 did we really expect it not to be an amazing arcade game. Well I know I didn't, Geometry Wars 2 had success written all over it and it improves on the original Arcade version of the game in every way possible.
Created by Bizarre Creations, Geometry Wars originally found fame back in Project Gotham Racing 2, as a small little mini-game that often felt more addictive then the actual full priced PGR2 package. Thankfully Bizarre Creations felt the game needed its own stage and created Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. A full HD version of the game with fantastically updated graphics and a style that would blow your eyes out. It was stunning and still to this day looks amazing on a nice HDTV screen. Yet the game only featured two modes in 'Retro Evolved' and 'Retro Mode' which basically was the exact same game found in the original PGR2 and why the game became famous in the first place. The game required you to master a unique control system, where you moved your little ship with your left analog stick while you shoot down the enemy with your right analog stick. It was a superb little control system and a system that thankfully hasn't changed in the sequel. Very much like the original, Geometry Wars 2 is still a tough cookie compared to a lot of the more average arcade offerings currently on LIVE Arcade. But its also fair to say that the game is a little more newbie friendly with the first game mode 'Deadline' seeming a little more confortable to play and get use to the gaming experience it offers. Speaking of modes, there are 6 different modes which you unlock as you play along. Basically as you play Deadline you'll eventually unlock King and the sequence continues. Its a nice touch and feels a lot better to the two modes only found in the original. Eventually you'll unlock Pacifism, Waves (based around the GW version found in PGR4), Sequence and of course the classic Evolved mode, it won't take you longer to unlock all the modes. I'd say just under an hour of continued play. I won't go into detail about the modes on offer as part of the fun is playing the new modes for the first time, but all the modes are a blast especially King and Pacifism which are two very unique and interesting modes that require a different thought path and skill. There are of course leaderboards where you can compare your mode scores against those of your friends on your friendslist.
Graphically, well its stunning as expected. The game looks a little cleaner compared to the original and everything else is as expected, not a great deal as changed since the original but things have been improved and most importantly in runs perfectly, there are one or two new enemies you come accross such as the new orange shooting arrows. One aspect of Geometry Wars 2 that is worthy of special mention is sound, I'm sure if your like me you got fed up of listening to the repetitive music of the original GW and no doubt instead listened to your own choice of music. Well the music in GW2 is superb, I recently had a Pyromat Sound Rocker come and it sound amazing on the chair. Its one of the games most spectacular features. Multiplayer can be found, but theres no online multiplayer as its only local multiplayer. Having played it with a friend it runs well and is a lot of fun. Its understandable that Online play couldn't be implemented considering all the madness on screen, lag would cause problems in the most intense moments. Its still fun even tho you have to be in the same room with the actual player.
In all honesty I expected no less of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2. Yet I was still very impressed with the improvements made by Bizarre Creations. Having played many Arcade games I can tell you this is the best, and strangely feels a little bit of a bargain at 800MS points. Call me mad, but its a great deal for a game that'll last you a good few months if not years. Sound is amazing (especially in surround sound) and graphics are stunning. You just can't go wrong here.
OVERALL
When Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved was first released for LIVE Arcade it showed that arcades had found a new home and ventured into a new age. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 continues to show that Arcade games belong on our consoles and is easily the best Arcade game currently avaliable on any console out there.
GAMEPLAY: 5/5
GRAPHICS: 5/5
SOUND: 5/5
VALUE: 5/5
I give Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, 5 Stars out of 5.
