Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions
Release Date: November 25th for PC and PlayStation systems; November 26th for Xbox systems
Price: 15$ (Xbox One, Xbox 360; PS3, PS4; PC)
Link:
http://store.xbox.com/en-US/Xbox-One/Games/Geometry-Wars-3-D... I will be reviewing Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions for the Xbox One. A copy of the game was provided for the purpose of this review.
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It’s what we have all been waiting for, Geometry Wars 3…
Originally conceived as a mini-game in Project Gotham Racing 2 that was aimed at testing the controller of the original Xbox, Geometry Wars is undoubtedly one of the most fun games that I have ever played. The object of it is to destroy as many shapes as possible (in previous versions, 2D shapes; in Dimensions, 2D and 3D shapes). Now, after a long hiatus, the Geometry Wars label has made a spectacular return under Sierra Entertainment, a studio comprised of a heterogeneous mixture of former Bizzare Creations (the original developer of Geometry Wars) and former developers of other AAA studios. How can publisher Sierra and developer Lucid improve on and yet still stay true to a trite and true formula that was proven by the aforementioned and now defunct Bizzare Creations?
The gameplay has remained relatively unchanged from previous iterations of Geometry Wars. That is, it is still a simple, addictive shoot-‘em-up game in where you (the player) attempts to survive as long as possible as a shape against an increasing number of enemy shapes who now follow you around the map, while still trying to score as many points as possible. The only noticeable addition is the inclusion of both 3D gameboards and shapes, such as spirals and spheres. This inclusion is excellent; while it significantly increases difficulty (the screen becomes enveloped in a cloud of shapes; but, that is what makes Geometry Wars what it is – anarchic, fun and addictive), it makes the game much more fun, and definitely more visually appealing. Speaking of the Geometry Wars visuals: they are brilliant. As there was a six-year gap between Geometry Wars games on consoles, the visuals were obviously going to be updated so that they reflected the year and so that they are new and super-modern. They are sleek and add to the addictiveness of the already spectacular game. Additionally, Lucid has included a previously non-existent story (career) mode. While the story mode adds a certain amount of “spice” to the game, after a while, it becomes very repetitive and boring. The only positive thing about the story mode is that it can still be addictive. In order to unlock new levels, you need to earn stars. This means that you will end up grinding the same few levels a handful of times to get the required amount of stars, but that is nothing seasoned Geometry Wars players would not be used to. The whole object of this, and previous games, was to grind levels so that you could complete them, thus making you a better player. Really, there is nothing wrong with this addition as that is how it always was. Finally, game modes that were present in previous iterations of Geometry Wars are in Dimensions. I would like to single out the local multiplayer mode, though. In a time where developers have neglected to include local multiplayer modes, Lucid has generously done so. Geometry Wars was meant to play on the couch with friends, and the exclusion of a local multiplayer mode would have been a personal letdown.
Additionally, the achievements are unique in that they offer a challenge and make you play in different ways in order to obtain them. While I do not factor achievements into my review, they are definitely a major plus of the game.
Further, the soundtrack of Dimensions is fantastic. While the original Geometry Wars 1 and 2 composer did not return from previous games, the songs are rich and definitely add to the game in immense ways, including making you more immersed in the addictive and extraordinarily fun game.
In effect, Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions is another solid, fun, and addictive entry into the Geometry Wars series. Its games modes, graphics, and gameplay are fantastic. It is a great game that is worth every penny of 15 dollars. Buy it when you can, whether it be on the Xbox 360 or Xbox One, it is an excellent game.
Overall score: 4.5/5