I love Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved on the Xbox 360. I’m not very good at it, but it’s a thrill regardless (like with most shmups). I was skeptical of how it would translate to a full-blown retail game, considering that it only has one level which always progresses in the same linear fashion.
The DS version is hard to judge because I can’t play it for any length. I blame the DS Phat, which is just misery for my fingers in such an action-packed game. The imprecise D-pad doesn’t help things. I trust that Lite does not have these issues.
The Wii version, however, really surprised me. They’ve managed to extend the game without breaking anything. All of the levels are variations of the same theme, many with considerable thought gone into them. Since there are so many levels, it’s inevitable that you’ll like some more than others, but thankfully you’re not forced to go through all of them. The Wii controls work fine, although again requiring more concentration than with a pad. It looks pretty neat, too.
The one thing I’m not sure about is the drone that follows you. In the couple of hours I’ve put in, it’s been more of a distraction than anything else, and the upgrade mechanic makes me wonder about game balance, considering that this is scoring game first and foremost. Then again, it does provide variety.
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