Review: Ikaruga (360)

It's fair to say Gamestyle has been a huge fan of Treasure's output, compiling a detailed collection of its releases until a few years ago. The one game that we sorely miss is Radiant Silvergun, going so far as to mention it our wedding speech. It was the classic shooter in many ways and confirmed what the Sega Saturn platform was capable of when dealing with two-dimensional releases. Ikaruga is the spiritual sequel to Silvergun, although historically Treasure avoid sequels, it shares many characteristics whilst developing its own brand of frantic shooting game play.

Very few players experienced Ikaruga as originally intended on the Dreamcast, but a subsequent Gamecube release introduced the game to a Western audience, followed by this Xbox Arcade release. In many ways it is the definitive version of the game allowing players to view scores online and set about trying to conquer the summit of an almost untouchable leaderboard. If Ikaruga becomes too much to stomach on your own then a two player (online or offline) option exists and works very well.

Ikaruga does feature a story, but unlike Silvergun the anime sequences are cast aside in favour of maintaining the high octane pace, with little respite for the player. Your character is an injured pilot who crash-lands during battle and nursed back to health by sympathetic locals. Luckily they share your thirst for freedom and once recovered, provide a new aircraft known as the Ikaruga. This is a one off special design, with unique properties that allows you to return to battle with an extra advantage.

Ikaruga can be tackled in numerous ways, confirming that this is more than just your average space shooter. You can approach each level in the traditional form and blast everything onscreen in the attempt to survive, or dodge incoming fire without the need for retaliation. Opponents are divided into two colours and this corresponds to a setting on your craft that allows you to switch between red and black (for example, positive and negative). This can be done instantaneously with the press of a button, with no limitations on its use. By using this method you are able to switch between the polarities and focus on the task ahead. If you perfect this method, then it is possible to navigate each level without returning fire and simply soak up incoming shots, whilst constantly changing. Only incoming fire of the opposite persuasion can actually damage your craft. This is a simple dynamic but a brilliant one that introduces a whole new layer of game play.

The most desirable way to rack up scores is a combination of both methods, as Ikaruga rewards chain bonuses, especially for those skilled enough to monopolize one colour and avoid the other. Watching online videos will demonstrate the level of skill displayed by players who manage to navigate the screen with pinpoint accuracy, whilst maintaining their colour bonus. The option exists to record your own effort and look back on this for tips and improvements. Ikaruga is one of the most challenging games that we have experienced during our decades of playing. Yet unlike many counterparts it refuses to display any bias or characteristics of cheating. If you die in Ikaruga its simply because you were not good enough. This prompts the incentive to learn from your mistakes and tackle each subsequent challenge until you reach the end. Ikaruga contains that 'one more go' factor even when faced against impossible odds.

Visually Ikaruga was always a benchmark title in the crowded Dreamcast shooter market. The level of detail and layers within each screen can only be appreciated when you are watching someone else play. As ever slowdown often rears it's ugly head during crowded sections or boss confrontations, but thankfully is never detrimental. The soundtrack is another gem from Treasure, or to be more precise Hiroshi Luchi, capturing the mood perfectly. In 720p Ikaruga has never looked better and for those that want to experience the original arcade screen ratio, then that option is available.

With only five levels one could argue that there isn’t much to Ikaruga. Yet what it lacks in size it more than up for in terms of playability and challenge. Games seem intent on becoming ever more complex and often lose sight of what makes them fun to play. For just 400 points Ikaruga is a bargain and remains one of the best shooters of all time.

Rating: 9 / 10

Words by Jason Julier