This reminds CVG of when videogames were designed to scare you into submission with impossible challenges, while pacifying you with digital displays beyond most imaginations.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE Yes, it is possible to reinvent the shoot 'em up because Treasure routinely does this every few years. The twist for 2003 is that your spaceship, the Ikaruga, changes shades between black and white to confront enemies that are either black or white, or a combination of both. Enemies that are black fire black bullets; white bullets are spewed by white enemies.
The Ikaruga is only susceptible to damage by bullets of the opposite shade, and can absorb power from bullets of the same shade. That's it - game on. You'll be eating up black bullets while dodging the white, then vice-versa, as naturally as breathing before you know it. Dry, shallow breathing, that is, because Ikaruga really is hell-a-stressful.
I CAN WALK! AGAIN! On the face of it Ikaruga is only a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up played on a 2D plane, with modern 3D visuals to sex it up. Get to grips with it, and you'll endure the process of being educated into a new way of thinking, overcoming situations that you think are impossible and reaping the rewards of dedication. Just like the old days, but, paradoxically, in a way that feels ahead of its time.
Paul Davies
// Overview
Verdict
The most intimidating SOB we've seen in ages, but equally rewarding thanks to sublime presentation. For Cube connoisseurs only, though.
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