Every Extend Extra

"Nice but a little disappointing."

This is a game that I looked forward to without knowing much about, as I had thoroughly enjoyed Lumines and felt that the creators could manage something different and interesting. While this game certainly was enjoyable, I was a bit disappointed in it, though I find it hard to see how they could have done it much differently.

Gameplay: 7/10
Since the game had no story, this is one of only two main parts of the game, and kind of the most important part. The concept is clever in its backwardsness. Your main object is to destroy other ships not by shooting at them, but instead by exploding your own ship to create chains of explosions, and you regain more ships by gaining points (making score highly important, and not just a goal like some games). It works pretty well, but the real problem is in the enemy ships. In a lot of puzzle style shooters, one of the biggest parts of the game is a clever layout of attacking ships. To me, it seems to the games detriment that ships appear randomly, and at random speeds. In some ways it makes it more of a challenge, and in fact I feel it is the only way it could work in a game where certain parts of the level are changed by the quicken gauge (which speeds up enemy appearance and music). However, it feels just a little bothersome, especially when it comes to boss fights where you may just have to get lucky to finish that level (even if your quicken level is at its highest). However, this is by no means a total loss as the game still fairly fun and clever, and it will keep you entertained for a little while at least.

Graphics/Sound: 8/10
This is mostly what you would expect from the creators of Lumines. It has some very good Techno/Trance style music and some really trippy background images. The enemies for each level have a simple style that works well, and goes well with the theme and bosses of the level, and the bosses usually have a pretty clever visual design. Sometimes though, especially in one particular level, the background can really get confusing when trying to play. Also, while the music is very good and the sound is clear, the sound effects don't really do much for the game. They always seemed kind of not that special, especially when you hear the same ones over and over.

It has a couple unlockables, and some as-yet undiscovered (by me anyway) hidden levels, but other than that the replay is only moderate, with the exception of trying to beat the highest levels available if you are that kind of perfectionist. I haven't played the multiplayer since I don't know anyone with the game, but I am uncertain how it would work, and so will not speculate on it. I didn't get it for that anyway.

Overall, I'd give this game a 7. It's pretty good, but I think it could go either way for different people. You should probably try renting it first before seeing if you can get into it.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/27/06