Review: Super Stardust HD (PS3)

Graphics- 9/10
Sound- 8/10
Gameplay- 9/10
Replay Value- 7/10
Overall- 8/10

Super Stardust HD is not the first game in the dual-joystick genre, but it's probably the best on the PS3. It features crisp visuals, a nice soundtrack, and a fun co-op feature. For only $8, this game is one of the best available from the Playstation Store.

In Super Stardust HD, you take control of a spaceship that orbits a planet on a grid. Your goal is to protect the world from the asteroids that are hurdling towards it. Once they reach the planet, they circle it on the grid, leaving you to destroy them before they destroy you. Because the planet is, of course, a sphere, the playing field is a sphere. The concept is pretty simple, and the game is easy to get into and start playing. However, there are three different types of weapons that you have, each for a specific type of asteroid. For example, the rock crusher does more damage to rocks than the gold melter does, but not as much damage to gold. This gameplay element makes the game more fun, but also more challenging. Also, at the center of the asteroids are power-ups that give you an extra life, make your weapons stronger, or give you a shield. You will often find yourself frantically switching weapons, trying to avoid getting hit, and trying to collect power-ups at the same time. There are several planets to defend, each with five stages of varying difficulty, that end with a boss fight. There is also an online leaderboard, so you can see how you compare with others.

The multiplayer comes in the form of co-op, but its offline only. Both players play on the same screen and have independent controls. However, if one player moves too far away from the other, the other player gets dragged along with. But it is to the players' advantage to stick close together, as it boosts the weapons power. The planets aren't very detailed, but the asteroids and the explosions are very nicely rendered. The asteroids blow up into oddly-shaped pieces, and the weapons create some flashy explosions. The soundtrack and sound effects of the game are nothing special, but the sci-fi theme fits the game incredibly well. If you have played plenty of games like this one before, then Super Stardust HD might be a pass, even though it's a solid game. If you are new to the genre, then this game is an excellent place to start.

Pros: Nice presentation, good value for price, co-op.
Cons: Limited replay value, not the first in genre.

Review: Eric