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Geometry Wars: Galaxies

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9.4 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 36 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 14 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Sierra Entertainment

Developer: Bizarre Creations

Genre(s): Shooter

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: November 27, 2007

Summary

Geometry Wars: Galaxies delivers an all new mission-based campaign where players blast-off on action-paced quests across the galaxy, defending solar systems one by one, defeating waves of alien enemies on new and classic Battle Grids. The controls have been optimized for Nintendo systems, allowing gamers to use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller or DS touch screen to execute hotshot moves as never before. For the first time ever, the Geometry Wars videogame lets players battle via hot seat, co-op, simultaneous and versus in multiplayer mode. Those that own both the Nintendo DS and Wii can link the game together using Wi-Fi to unlock bonus content. Elite players can challenge the universe by posting high scores on the Wii's online leader board. Geometry Wars: Galaxies videogame also includes the full version of "Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved". [Sierra Entertainment]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

GamePro

You will play at every possible free moment, because Geometry Wars: Galaxies for DS is more awesome than you ever imagined it could be.

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Thunderbolt

A solid, proven shooter, Galaxies is an excellent way to kill time, as well as one of the DS's better shooters, unlike, say, Metroid Prime: Hunters, which tended to feel a bit clunky at times.

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Armchair Empire

Geometry Wars Galaxies is good for long and short play sessions, but it’s the latter of these that make it perfect for times when you don’t really want an extended play session.

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Boomtown

Not to be missed, in short. Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s an abyss of self-reproach I should be wallowing in.

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GamingTrend

It’s difficult finding a game that makes everyone happy. Some people like more complicated games, and some people like more simple games. It’s rare to find a game that appeals to a broad spectrum of gamers.

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n-Revolution Magazine UK

It's hugely addictive and while younger gamers might at first balk at the simplistic and repetitive nature of it, it's worth persevering because this is a great shooter. [Issue#18, p.82]

1UP

The DS doesn't exactly have an overabundance of fast-paced shooters, so Galaxies is a refreshing change of pace. Visually, it's well suited to the device, and it offers plenty of gameplay to make it a worthy choice for shooter fans.

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Worth Playing

Geometry Wars: Galaxies is like nicotine in game form. It is bright, fast and fun; it does everything a handheld game is supposed to do and doesn't pretend to be something it's not.

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Gaming Age

It's admirable that the DS managed to pull off a solid Geometry Wars experience with dozens of levels and enemies to blow away, and isn't that what's important?

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GameShark

The fast and frenetic shooting action combined with the number of levels more than makes up the 25 dollar difference.

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Gamer 2.0

Geometry Wars: Galaxies is the definition of portable fun.

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Pocket Gamer UK

Geometry Wars: Galaxies triangulates arcade action, subtle depth, and intuitive controls for pure fun you'll return to remarkably regularly.

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Games Radar (in-house)

There’s a lot more replay value to be found in here, and unlike the forgotten titles that have collected dust since you beat them, Geometry Wars: Galaxies is the sort of game that you’ll want to dive back into for another round (or ten) long after your first encounter.

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GameDaily

The multiplayer and co-op modes, through both Wi-Fi and local play, are superb.

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Eurogamer

Between Galaxies' moreish every-ad-break appeal, Retro Evolved's continued brilliance, the control system's effectiveness and the well-thought-out multiplayer modes, it's ever so nearly excellent. Unlike the inside of my stupid head.

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Maxi Consolas (Portugal)

This DS title still manages to be as addictive as the original, even if the control scheme on the portable isn’t as intuitive as on the Xbox 360. It’s fun, but you should take it with some moderation… or else you might lose all felling in your hand and wrist due to the pain. [Jan 2008]

Modojo

In all, Geometry Wars: Galaxies is an expansion done right.

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GotNext

If you're willing to forgive some slowdown in your shooters and if you were ever a fan of the first two Geometry Wars games then this is one DS game you shouldn't pass up.

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Video Game Talk

The DS version is also a bit more forgiving than the Wii version, so even passing fans of these kinds of games will find a lot to like here without feeling overwhelmed, making this one an even easier recommendation. This is the best shooter on the DS so far.

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Cubed3

The inclusion of sixty unique galaxies, multiplayer features, and online leaderboards helps to make an already addictive concept that much more enjoyable and repayable.

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IGN

The overall package still has some issues, including a choppy framerate once the action gets extremely intense, as well as a lack of analog control in the hardware, making for a control scheme that embraces the “DS-itis” that games like Metroid so kindly introduced us to, but as a pocket version of an undeniably addictive arcade game Galaxies is perfect for on-the-go gaming.

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Cheat Code Central

Galaxies my not be as flashy or elaborate of some of the shooter titles on the DS, but it sure packs a mean wallop. It also has personality, and that goes a long way.

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GameZone

The only two issues are the control scheme is not as good and many gamers might not be able to justify the higher price.

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PTGamers

Most likely won’t appeal to owners of other iterations, but is an almost compulsory title for high score addicted players.

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PALGN

If you are a Geometry Wars fan or are simply after a shooter then you cannot go wrong with Galaxies. The game is ideal for the Nintendo DS and the controls are fantastic.

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NintendoWorldReport

The rush you get from tearing through endless enemies and escaping impossible situations is what ultimately matters, and you will get it in the DS version.

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NGamer UK

Much better, faster and smoother on a big screen. [Feb 2008, p.47]

games(TM)

Despite sharing a name, Galaxies is a very different experience from Retro Evolved and in its own more considered way, it is every bit as appealing. [Jan 2008, p.118]

AceGamez

That rare breed of game that stands up both to quick bursts and extended playing sessions, making it ideal for a handheld.

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NTSC-uk

Shooters are quite thin on the ground for the DS, so fans of the genre will find enough here to keep them going for a good while, particularly in the quest to attain gold medals for each and every planet in every galaxy.

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Gamestyle

There isn’t anything else like it on the DS, and with various multiplayer modes and plenty of gold medals to earn, it will keep you busy for quite a while.

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GameSpot

The control scheme has its quirks, but this is still an intense and enjoyable shooter.

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GameSpy

If you can say that you're looking forward to having ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a week than this is a great title for you. If, somehow, you're totally out of great DS and Gameboy games to play on the go, Galaxies makes for a passable time killer on the road.

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AtomicGamer

This is definitely worth picking up if you aren't going to get frustrated with the controls too easily. If hard-to- get-used-to controls get on your nerves easily, though, skip this game and go play it on your 360 instead.

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VideoGamer

It's addictive, well executed, has a degree of charm which is difficult to pin down and has a pulsing, electro soundtrack that'll leave you itching to hit the clubs.

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Pelit (Finland)

Finally, decent use for a classic controller. There is really nothing new, but everything works smoothly just like a train's toilet. Galaxies is also the most deepest and richest Geometry Wars experience made so far. [Mar 2008]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 14 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Darren Z. gave it a9:
Geometry Wars Galaxies is an extremely fun and addictive game. It hearkens back to the days of classic arcade shooters like Centipede and Asteroids with its bright graphics and relentless action. Yes, it's effectively a shallow time waster, but it is what it is and it excels at what it does. The DS control scheme works extremely well, using the D-pad to control ship movement and stylus and touchscreen to fire. I do have two niggling criticism, however: 1) The screen can sometimes get a bit too busy with all the sprites and particle effects flying every which way which can lead to you suddenly dying because you crashed into an unseen enemy; 2) Related to the above, there are some occasional framerate slowdowns when the action heats up which seems to affect the precision of movement and firing slightly. While annoying, these are not game breakers by any means. Bottom line: if you're in the market for a simple, fun, great looking shooter then you really can't go wrong with Geometry Wars Galaxies.

Dan 1990 gave it a10:
If you grew up in the mall arcade loving games like Asteroids, Tempest, and Omega Race, like I did, this is THE game for you! It's the first time I've ever had to fight the urge to pump quarters into the game slot on my DS. Unlike almost every other game I've played, it's everything I want (non-stop action) and nothing I don't (boring filler between fights). The touchscreen controls are perfect for this game. PERFECT! I can't imagine the Wii version being anything but LESS precise. And the slight slowdown on the DS when things get really hot is actually more like the game showing you a little mercy (very little). I'm glad for it. No corners cut here--the single-card multiplayer modes alone ( there are THREE!) will keep you and a buddy playing for hours. Go buy it RIGHT NOW. It's a BLAST!

Patrick D. gave it a9:
The game is simple, but deep and you'll waste, I mean, spend hours trying to unlock everything. When you start playing, you lose track of time then it's dinner time already. The only problem I had was that the controls were kind of cramped and hurt my hands. Other than that I recommend everyone getting this title.

Tony G. gave it a9:
Did not expect this to be so great!!! completely addictive and fun. Had it for like 5 days now and it has not left my ds. Not really much like its consloe version, but awsome in it's own right. by far the best shooter on the ds.

DJ T gave it a10:
This game is a perfect 10! No, it's not what it is on the consoles. But for DS players, this game offers hours of replay, addictive action, and downright awesome multiplayer options. An instant classic that'll keep you coming back till your thumbs cramp up!

[Anonymous] gave it a9:
This game is the definition of addicting. And I've seen no slow down, even with too many enemies to count on screen. Graphics and effects are fantastic for the DS.

Simon P. gave it a10:
Yes, it may not have the visual impact of the original, but what it lacks in eye candy it more than makes up for in gameplay. If you've lusted after a portable iteration of Geometry Wars then you will never get anything more perfect than this. A great pick-up-and-play way to spend five or ten minutes here and there.

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Geometry Wars: Galaxies

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