Never have I had the thoughts “this is really beautiful” and “oh my god I’m going to have a panic attack at the same time”. This is one of the main things Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved delivers throughout every level you play. I love that this is a day and age where a game like this can entertain me just as much as a big block buster title but it does in its own unique way. Geometry Wars from the outside looking in could give the impression of being rather simplistic but this is far from the case. With each level different shapes 3D and 2D serve as the battlegrounds where you wage war against enemies of all shapes and sizes (pun Intended).
Gameplay
With each shape you fight against comes a different behavior pattern so learning your enemy becomes a must if you want to survive long enough to see your high score surpass other players. This is no easy task there where numerous moments where I felt I was one eye blink away from being vaporized by the flying stars, squares or the insane pink diamonds that saw fit to end my little ships life as soon as possible. One of my favorite things that happened to me at least was throughout the course of the game your weapon transition from simply being a means of survival to a tool to achieve your next high score. As each level progresses and the timer winds down you feel this simultaneous urge to kill and survive. Avoiding every enemy shape that comes zipping towards you while shooting each shape just before it can get out of range.
Graphics
Boss battles feel fresh, maintaining the same pandemonium of each individual level but adding an enemy who makes all the others feel like nothing more than lightning bugs. There is absolutely no room to get bored with Geometry Wars especially from a visual stand point every shot and kill explodes in a flurry of sparks and colors lighting up your TV screen as if it where about to burst into flames. Each shape on screen looking distinctly different than the last so being able to recognize what is what and their actions that will follow becomes second nature. The only times where I had issues where during heated shoot out moments I began to loose my ship unable to tell myself apart from the multiple enemies on screen this resulted in more than one frustrating death. High scores play a significant role in Geometry Wars 3 not only because they lend themselves to the replay value but also they are the key to progression.
The Big Equation
In order to open up each boss fight you must hit a certain score minimum which makes hitting the required score in the given time limit very satisfying but makes defeating each unlocked boss that much more enjoyable. Most of the challenges in the game are simply focused on racking up high scores. This doesn’t have to be looked at as a negative thing simply because the act of piecing together quick fire combos captures the essence of arcade nostalgia Geometry Wars is known for. By including classic modes such as Deadline, King, Evolved, Pacifism and Waves provide more then enough reason to revisit this spectacle of a game. There is something very addictive about hitting a required score with no points to spare and surviving the terror of being attacked by a giant 3D octagon. Now there isn’t much along the lines of a robust story within Geometry Wars but this doesn’t mean you are un aware of exactly whats going on. This is a task of survival and this a journey that becomes second nature to you as you push through each level. The aid of beautiful graphics with some firework like particle effects we’ve come to expect from twin stick shooters makes the game great to look at. On the side of sound design, from the first time you fire up the game and throughout each level you are greeted by pulsating beats and futuristic sounds that transport you to a future thats not obviously represented on screen.
Final Verdict
Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved is in a class of game that most people shun now days because its short, arcade like and to the point there’s no fluff to be found within its fast paced beautiful game play. The great thing about Geometry Wars is the fact anyone can pick up and play a quick round taking in every flash of light and bright explosion as they chase a score higher than there friends. Bringing back the age-old practice of wearing your high score like a badge of honor and challenging anyone foolish enough to take down your high score. Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved is just as fun today as it will be 5 to 10 years from now and this is a testament to beautiful graphics, fast placed gameplay and a challenge us gamers crave every time we pick up a controller. Look for Geometry Wars 3:Dimensions Evolved on the Playstation Store, Xbox Live, and Steam.
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