Review: Super Stardust HD (PS3)

Gamestyle is the first to admit that shelling out on a Playstation 3 is an expensive commodity that so far has failed to prompt a worthwhile return. Early days indeed, however, outside Fall of Man and arguably Motorstorm, that investment has received scant return. Super Stardust HD is a revamp of the classic Amiga 1993 title and, unlike many we've experienced on the PS Store, one that deserves to be resurrected for the high definition era. Whereas Rampart and Joust failed, Super Stardust HD succeeds partially because it is in the hands of the original developer. Not merely content to simply port and install a high definition resolution, we have the best shooter Gamestyle has played in ages - and we've certainly played a few over the years.

Using the Geometry Wars dual stick control method, you navigate a globe at your discretion shooting enemies and destroying asteroids. As concepts go, it is extremely simple, but brilliant. The genius is in the detail, as opponents are in reality an insignificant worry, with the odd persisting exception. The bombardment of asteroids at times is breathtaking, forcing you to stem an unrelenting tide or seek refuge. As every asteroid shatters into smaller fragments (each capable of destroying your craft), random fire can multiply the odds that you face.

The twist is that to improve your weapons through power-ups and obtain extra options such as bombs, shields and the occasional life, you must destroy asteroids. At the centre of the largest are destructible luminous cores; these harbour the vital power-ups and extra items that are vital to your survival and success. Throw into the equation bonus points for quick completion of a stage and you have a fiendish recipe for gaming pleasure.

Shooters have undergone a remarkable revitalisation because of high definition, now you can see the environments and explosions in a new light. Housemarque have not only taken advantage of PS3's serious horsepower by bumping up the numerous enemies, but also physics. Asteroids and fragments spin with believable purpose, becoming a constantly changing minefield if you let the infestation grow.

Super Stardust HD is not without its problems, but Gamestyle can only really find a trio of issues worth highlighting. Firstly, there is no option to save your high scores offline, so if you choose to play offline or suffer a disconnection during play then your work is effectively down the pan. This only applies to those who pursue leaderboards with vigour, but the lack of an offline top 10 score detracts from any competition you can have with a mate in the same room. Another issue concerns the control method, in particular the use of the shoulder buttons. These allow you to select boost (which takes you away from trouble), bombs (that clear the screen) and the ability to cycle through your weapons. It is too easy to press the wrong button during combat, or nudge the lower buttons by accident; no option to customise the controls or utilise the D-pad is an oversight. Finally, an obvious concern exists over the lack of modes, as outside the main option your selections are limited to offline co-operative play or a pointless planet mode. For a release that forces you to be hooked up online for your best score, it seems bizarre there is not further utilisation of what being online can actually offer. For many releases, this would be a valid criticism, yet the brilliance of the game itself overshadows the lack of options.

For only £4.99 you receive a marvellous release that keeps you coming back again and again. Super Stardust HD does not manage to overcome that eternal problem of having to work your way through the early stages again and again before encroaching within touching distance of your best score; yet it still remains a stimulating, addictive and challenging experience and a pleasure not only to play, but also to watch from the sidelines.

Super Stardust HD is a strong contender for one of our games of 2007. When you do finally get around to picking up a PlayStation 3, this should be your first online purchase.

Rating: 8 / 10

Words by Jason Julier