Geometry Wars Galaxies Impressions

When we first heard that Sierra was planning on bringing the
Xbox 360 Marketplace title Geometry Wars to the Nintendo DS, we were worried.
Could all the fast action, accurate control, and simulated vector particles be brought
to a handheld? Later, we heard the title was going to coexist with a Wii version,
and the game would feature 64 different levels. Our worries grew for both
versions.

Having recently played Geometry Wars Galaxies on both
systems, not only have our concerns disappeared, but we’ve been unable to pull
the game out of our Wii consoles. It’s that addictive.

Forsaking narrative, graphic texturing, and well, any kind of
humanoids; Geometry Wars Galaxies is retro gaming at its finest. Its 64 levels
of moving, and shooting anything that moves. Some levels play homage to
Asteroids, with large shapes that splinter into smaller, faster ones. Others
contain mines that players can trigger to destroy pursuant enemies.  Its levels are like the long-lost variations
on an Atari 2600 cartridge- the main game is the same, but small changes significantly
alter gameplay and player strategy. One caveat of the Wii version; although it’s
priced at $39.99, expect to drop $20 on the Wii classic controller, it’s almost
a requirement for play. Inexplicably, the game does not recognize the Gamecube
controller.

After playing the Wii version, we were afraid the DS port
would have some serious shortcomings. Besides a changed in the control scheme
(d-pad controls your ship, the stylus on the bottom screen dictates shooting
direct), the game hold up remarkable well. It would not be hyperbole to rank
this near the top of DS shooters; sadly, the list is a bit short.

Our one disappointment? While the Wii version usually holds
a steady framerate, a rare bit of slowdown can affect the immersive gameplay. Fortunately,
it’s relatively infrequent, and mostly inconsequential on the Wii, and just
slightly worse of the DS. A Highly recommended game for those that still remember
arcades.