Geometry Wars: Galaxies gets its Wii-on with some novel controller-based results. Ultimately though, it's back to the twin sticks of the classic controller to get the best out of this shooter.

Geometry Wars was something of a saviour for the 360 at launch. The lack of decent post-launch games led to many people jumping on this Live title with much veracity. High score battles soon ensued as gamers fought hard to top their friends. The simplicity of the combined with the purity of the visuals to result in a just-one-more-try experience that was hard to put down (even in the small hours of the morning).

If you've not come across them before, twin stick shooters (of which Geometry Wars is one) chart their tree back to Robotron, a classic Williams arcade game. Its innovation was to provide one stick for movement and another to control the direction of fire. The game turned out to be an instant hit, and spawned a whole genre. This rich vein of gameplay has recently been rediscovered with developers keen to deliver compelling experiences on Live and the PlayStation Network. And now the can benefit from the direct joys of running away whilst shooting backwards.

The Wii version of the game expands the horizons of the Live Arcade version; as well it should for GBP 19.99. Not only are there a series of differently themed galaxies (hence the sub-title) to work through, you can now also train up a variety of helper drones. These friendly little fellas can be assigned a variety of tasks from guarding and attacking to collecting power-ups or becoming a gun emplacement. It's a simple addition, but one that adds a bit more ongoing to the game experience.

Visually, the Wii loses none of the impact of the game. The playfield is outlined in dark red with the various enemies all depicted in glorious glowing colours. There's more neon here than many a small seaside town at Christmas. The developers again manage to walk the line between retro chic and modern re-working. Things never feel tired whilst at the same time clearly referencing so many old Vectrex games that blighted the pages of the Argos catalogue, pawed over longingly by our younger selves.

Control wise, it wouldn't be a Wii game without some crazy control schemes. A number of different options are provided that try and innovate with Nunchuck and Wiimote. But it isn't long until you have to reach for the good old classic controller. There is just no getting around the directness of those analogue sticks - something inherent to the original that inescapably persists on the Wii.

The Wii game also has some other tricks up its sleeve. Firstly you can use the Wii game to send the version to a nearby handheld. This then remains playable until the DS is switched off. Two for the price of one... not bad! Also, and more critically, it (often missing from Wii games) functionality. This enables you to compete against friends and compare scores, something that is a big part of the game: edging out a close rival with a better score. Followed of course by plenty of schmack (that's the German spelling) talk 'Take that stick-boy' or the now infamous 'See you in shmp school'.

At the end of the day, GBP19.99 was always going to be a lot to ask for what was essentially a cheap Xbox Live game. But surprisingly there is plenty here to justify the purchase. Provided you haven't splashed out for the Xbox Live game and you already have a Classic Controller for the Wii (guess that leaves a good five of you!) then this is well worth the mullah.

79%

By Paul Govan

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  1. Jørn Hansen Unregistered 1 year ago

    I started playing this with classic controller, as advised by reviewers. After playing with the old analogs for an hour, I decided to check out the pointer controls. To my surprise I found a much more fluid and precise experience after a short learning curve. Most reviewers are allready seasoned Retro Evolved players, and will understandably have problems with switching control schemes without the feeling of less control.

    However I'm currently in the top ten on a couple of levels/planets and think I can challenge most dual-stick veterans.

    Compared to Retro Evolved (included in the game), Galaxies offer a refined and fleshed-out experience well worth the price of admission. If you're a shoot-em-up fan this one is a must!