Ikaruga

 GameCube
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
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  1. 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.
  2. GMR Magazine
    70
    It's a claustrophobic eye-dryer whose thrills are offset by the demands it places on the gamer. [May 2003, p.65]
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  3. DarkStation
    70
    Ikaruga is a game that takes the old and combines it with the new, and does a good job of it.
  5. Computer and Video Games
    70
    This reminds CVG of when videogames were designed to scare you into submission with impossible challenges, while pacifying you with digital displays beyond most imaginations.
  6. Yahoo!
    60
    This unique and head-bangingly challenging game is really not at all suited for the non-hardcore, and if you don't like games that require your entire mind and body as a sacrifice, you're likely to loathe and fear Ikaruga.
  7. G4 TV
    60
    A perfect example of why shooters have become such a niche genre. It's a good game that's well made. It's even got an interesting hook to keep the hard core happy. But the insane difficulty will keep most players from getting past the first level before giving up. And with the ultra-short playing time, even shooter fans might not find enough to like here.
  8. Gaming Age
    50
    As fun as it starts out to be, it gets old rather quickly. Fortunately or unfortunately, the game is extremely short, and on its easiest mode can be completed in about an hour.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best GameCube Game of 2003
23
#23 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
23
#23 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 53
  3. Negative: 3 out of 53
  1. antenneone
    Aug 5, 2018
    9
    Si bien no llega a la excelencia de Radiant silvergun, Ikaruga es uno de los mejores matamarcianos de la historia. La dualidad entre blanco ySi bien no llega a la excelencia de Radiant silvergun, Ikaruga es uno de los mejores matamarcianos de la historia. La dualidad entre blanco y negro es la esencia del juego y es sencillamente espectacular. La única pega es que es muy corto.… Full Review »
  2. NaTenBox
    Feb 16, 2015
    10
    A really hard but an amazing bullet hell shoot 'em up that Treasure is always great at making them. Easily recommend it to those who loveA really hard but an amazing bullet hell shoot 'em up that Treasure is always great at making them. Easily recommend it to those who love shoot 'em up games or games that are made by Treasure like Gunstar Heroes and Radiant Silvergun as well.… Full Review »
  3. CoffinSandman
    Nov 14, 2007
    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. 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!!!… Full Review »
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