Epic Default Productions

Want a cheap game that is super fun to play?  Of course you do.  That’s why you’re going to keep reading this article as I laud the joys of a game called Ikaruga.  Now why would I suddenly bring up a game from the sixth generation of systems?  Currently you can pick up this fantastic game on Xbox Live Arcade and play with your friend across the world and, as an added benefit, this week only it will set you back a mere $5.

Ikaruga has been one of my favorite games for quite a while now.  It is a top-down, shoot’em-up game in the style of Xevious. The game (originally for the Dreamcast, then ported to the Gamecube and now Xbox Live Arcade) takes you on a mystical journey through the world where the Chosen People are on a quest to conquer the world, all in the name of peace.  You are the last hope against this powerful force as you take your ship, Ikaruga, up against the army laying siege to the world’s population.  The story line is great; however, what makes this game so wonderful in my mind is the harmonious union between three distinct aspects of the game: visuals, the weapon/defense system, and co-op.

First, the visuals are simply stunning.  Even on the older Dreamcast and Gamecube versions (the latter of which I happily bought the second I could) the graphics are smooth and fluid.  The game visuals act more like art as the backgrounds and action sprites rendered throughout the levels should hang in a museum.  The screen can become overwhelmed with action at times, with energy bullets everywhere you turn, but it all seems to add to the majesty of this game.  Simply put, the game is beautiful and, independent of the fantastic game play, Ikaruga can hold its own in the visual department alone, much like Ōkami.

Second, the weapon and defense system is truly unique.  If this were like most top-down shooters, the hundreds of energy bullets thrown at you at any given time would make this game impossible to beat.  Ikaruga, however, offers a new mechanic to the bullet-frenzy style game.  Energy bullets and enemies come in two varieties – black and white.  You can instantly switch your ship between the two as well and the ship color determines the energy bullet your ship fires.  Why is this important?  Black energy bullets only hurt you if your ship is white, and white energy bullets only hurt you if your ship is black, which gives you a great defensive advantage.  Your energy bullets damage the enemy, no matter what color they or you are.  Opposite colors do more damage to enemies, giving you a reason to risk life and limb; however in some bullet-heavy situations, survival means taking more time with the weaker colored weapon.  The weapon and defense system gives this game the ability to stand out from the crowd of other shoot-’em-ups.

Co-operative play completes this wondrous trifecta.  The game has a seamless co-op system in it where the second ship plays alongside you in the quest to destroy the evil army.  The second player is independent of the first and can be whatever color he or she wants to be at any time.  There is no forced switch or opposite color rule that inhibits the game play which gives the players the ability to team-up against the army rather fantastic ways.  Ikaruga does take a lot of communication to master in co-op, but it is truly worth it as the teamwork aspect is fantastic.

There is no excuse to not pick this game up at that price.  Cut out a latte this week, stop buying lunch from the vending machine, eat lightly at that restaurant you are going to on Friday, do anything you have to so that you can afford this fantastic deal, you will not regret it.