"A frustratingly good game!"

Sweet merciful crap. This game is HARD! I consider myself a gamer with above average skills, but Ikaruga is a little more than I can handle. I find myself at the game over screen more times than in any other game. But, I keep going back for more. That's the beauty of Ikaruga!

Gameplay: At first glance, Ikaruga may seem like you basic space-shooter type game. But that's not true! Its kind of hard to explain, but here goes. In Ikaruga, you're enemies are either black or white. The black enemies shoot black bullets, while the white enemies shoot white bullets (still with me?). You have the option to go into two modes, black mode or white mode. While in black mode, you can absorb all black enemy's bullets. While in white mode, you can absorb all white enemy's bullets. But! If you touch a bullet that is opposite the mode you are in (for example, if you are in black mode and you hit a white bullet), you lose a life. The key to Ikaruga is timing your shots, while timing your switches between colors (phew!). The gameplay is fast paced and exciting, and most importantly, addicting. But I have to say, its not for the casual gamer. Ikaruga is HARD.

Visuals: Very nice! The levels are beautifully rendered and colorful. They could possibly put some of the games on the PS2 or XBOX to shame. Definitely nice to look at, although, while playing the game, you probably wont have time for sight-seeing!!

Sound: The music is really good. Adrenalin pumping, exciting tunes get your heart racing and your palms sweaty as when you plow your way through wave after wave of enemies. Very well done! As for sound effect, they are nicely done too. Nothing to call home about, but good none the less.

Fun Factor: For ME, Ikaruga was an amazingly fun experience that I probably will never forget. It's high speed action always keeps me coming back for more gameplay. I was somewhat addicted to it. Now, if you are easily frustrated, there is a high probability that you will not like this game, or find it fun (although, I'll admit, I almost tossed my controller across the room a few times while playing!)

Replay:Ikaruga is a good game to just pick up and play. While I haven't had it for a while, I can see myself playing this game for a very long time to come. Its just so fun and addicting. I think the replay value is pretty good.

Recommendations: Gamers who like space-shooters will be in heaven here. Simply amazing stuff, probably the best game in the genre (imho). But unfortunately, if you are easily frustrated, you more than likely wont enjoy the game. Also, casual gamers may find it a little bit to much for them. Even on it's easiest mode, the game is still insanely hard.

This game earns a 10/10!!!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/04/03, Updated 07/04/03