Game Stooge

REVIEW: Super Stardust HD (PS3)

• Scribbled on June 30th, 2007 by Devin Grimes
• Filed in Editorial Content, PlayStation Network, Reviews, Shooter, Sony PlayStation 3

Take one look at Super Stardust HD and it will seem like just another derivative Robotron clone trying to get by off of the Xbox Live Arcade hit, Geometry Wars’ hype — and it’s a very fitting description. However, the Stardust series pre-dates Bizzare’s mathematic hit by nearly 15 years, and the newest iteration of the series serves up one of the PlayStation 3’s most compelling software releases to date.

While I cannot attest to the original’s value and contribution to gaming as a whole, Super Stardust HD fits right in with the rest of the pack of downloadable games providing exciting, tense, and beautiful gameplay, all while still being playable in short bursts, yet rewarding those willing to sink in hours of play.

It’s extremely hard to describe the premise of SSHD without mentioning Geometry Wars. The controls feel fairly similar, with the left stick moving your ship around, and the right analog stick controlling which way you’re firing — heck, there’s even similar bombs, which act, sound, and affect the gameplay in ways, feeling like an impending lawsuit is waiting to happen.

In a way, SSHD takes this proven formula and expands. Alongside the typical bombs, deployed by pressing the R2 button, you are granted access to a boost function, which allows you to break through any asteroids or enemies in your way. Each aspect is recommended with moderation, however, as you have a limited supply of bombs, and you’ll have to wait for your boost meter to power back up again.

Throughout the game you’re granted access to three different types of weapons: Gold Melter, Rock Crusher, and Ice Breaker, that are all interchangeable on the fly using the R1 button. You will need to use these in variation to (surprise!) melt chunks of gold, crush rocks, and melt ice — all in asteroid-like forms.

As you play and destroy the “asteroids” you’ll pick up various power-ups, which will level-up your weapons. Each weapon will start out at a meager 0% power, but can be expanded up to 200%, providing ultimate destruction. Bombs, extra lives, and points are also awarded throughout, with points being the most common.

Of course, you’ll use these tools of destruction to wreak havoc on a vast number of enemies on each of the five planets (levels), and each planet’s subsequent boss battles.

While these are all fairly similar and standard in this type of genre, one area in which Super Stardust HD manages to shine on its own is through the playing field. In Geometry Wars, your options are fairly limited, being confined to a 2-D plane, but SSHD takes that idea and gives players the freedom of revolving about a whole planet. You’re essentially flying and shooting your way around each planet’s orbit, which provides a whole new outlet of playing style.

Visuals are crisp and full of color — again, channeling Geometry Wars‘ sense of style with amazing looking explosions and a cornucopia of enemies and asteroids on the screen at one time. The soundtrack does a great job of immersing you into the action, with a very techno-like sound.

While playing it safe, it’s hard to really pick out too many faults in the $7.99 title, but, considering how much fun co-operative play is on the same screen, the lack of online play is really a downer. This could, however be featured in an additional download a la Tekken: DR and Blast Factor, though. A minor complaint, but an initial reaction to the steep price point had me thinking twice about buying it, and I imagine several others would have enjoyed a playable demo too.

The question you really want answered though: Should you buy it? Provided you have the funds, 8 bucks for a game you can pick up and play at any time seems like a steal. With excellent visuals, sound design, and gameplay Super Stardust HD is one of the premiere titles on the PlayStation Network’s downloadable service.