Ikaruga GameCube
Ikaruga Image
Metascore
85 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Battle fiercely, move swiftly, and act cleverly in a space crusade of intense firepower and hypnotic beauty. Take control of the ship Ikaruga--alter your energy field, evade epic maelstroms of fire, and terminate enemies with a devastating arsenal--all to protect an aging, exiled people. Battle the evil Horai by yourself or with a friend. This combination of manga-style storytelling and exciting arcade heroics challenges you to find the calm amid the chaos.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Treasure has crafted another masterpiece of hyper-tuned overhead shooter action, the likes of which the world may never see again. [Apr 2003, p.57]
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  2. GameNow
    100
    Ikaruga owns you. It's hard as heck, but it's also a pleasure to play and watch. Don't wuss out; play it. [May 2003, p.41]
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  3. Game Chronicles
    86
    The staggering difficulty and blazing visuals may overwhelm the casual gamer, but anyone who takes the time to master the binary gameplay model will find a deep strategic shooter.
  4. GameCube Europe
    74
    The game has 5 fast skull breaking levels which may look like it's not much, but it takes a while to get through them all, because it is unbelievably hard.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. TonyG.
    10
    This is the best puzzle shooter of all time hands down. puzzle because you have to switch black and white alot depending on bullets incomming. has that twitch puzzle element. masterpiece ... work of art ... perfect game. hard as diamonds, but rewarding. if you can find this game, grab it ... it is so rare that it will definitly cost you as much or more than any new release. and i am talking used. i know this had a small print run. still never understand some of the greatest games in history having small print runs. enough talk, get out there now and try to track it down before it goes up!… Expand
  2. CoffinSandman
    8
    Surprisingly, I was able to find this game at a retailer and I can easily say it was worth the $50. It's very deep for a side scroller. You have to use strategies and have quick reflexes to make it through. The graphix and music are really good too. I will admit that it is a bit too hard, but it's something I can overlook. Only thing that sux is that after I bought it I learned that it'll come out on Xbox Live for only $10. So you might as well buy it there, but MAKE SURE YOU DO!!!… Expand
  3. DaveB.
    7
    This game is for hardcore games only. It requires your complete attention and gaming wits. I purchased it, enjoyed it for a month, then retuned it and traded it for SSX3. I was hoping for something closer to Legendary Wings for the NES where you soup up your guns, but it's not really like that. Disappointing, but the makers are on to something, that's for sure.… Expand
  4. [Anonymous]
    3
    Too hard.

See all 21 User Reviews