Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2

Gorgeous, irresistible and a must buy, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 epitomizes fun.

The addition of the 5 new modes adds a whole lot of life to the game than just Evolved, creating separate leaderboards for each mode. Also, the achievement system in Evolved 2 is pretty great, offering a solid variety of challenges for players that enjoying going for a full set.

Evidently, there's potential left to wring out of the old twin-stick shooter yet.

An action packed shape shooter that builds on the successes of the previous versions and creates the most solid Xbox Live Arcade experience to date. This game packs a real punch and will give you huge replay value. Better than the original in every way.

Geometry Wars 2 is both an evolutionary and revolutionary sequel, taking all the things that made the original great and tweaking it where necessary, as well as adding stacks of new content.

There's truthfully nothing wrong with this package. If you have any interest in dual stick shooters, Geometry Wars 2 is definitely the cream of the crop.

Bizarre Creations has not only managed to give fans more of what they wanted, but provided more modes and co-op options to make Evolved 2 last a lot longer.

For ten bucks you cannot go wrong.

Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 is excellent, a visual and audio experience which should be played by any gamer.

Feels like Geometry Wars but with more great game modes, multiplayer and improved visuals.

Geometry Wars Evolved 2 is the new high-water mark for XBLA titles. They could have delivered half what they did and wowed gamers, but there is enough here to keep you playing this $10 bargain longer than most $60 retail titles.

With sharp new visuals and great sounds, it winds up being the best-looking game of its kind on your 360, and will offer many hours of great action if you get into it.

Devotees will immediately recognize Retro Evolved 2's myriad improvements.

A thoroughly addictive title that puts the original title to shame. [Oct 2008, p.76]

A fantastic way to spend your time and money. It takes everything that made the first game work upon it in every conceivable way and is a prime example of the right way to make a sequel.

I am sure you will fall in love.

Another exceptional addition in a long line of shooters. While it does put a new spin on certain elements the basic principle of play is the same as its predecessors, proving that massive change doesn't always trump simple refinement.

The omission of online play aside, Geometry Wars 2 is everything you hoped it would be. It deftly builds on a simple framework without overloading it, and even finds room to make the core experience more varied and accessible to everyone.

It's got new game modes, enhanced visuals and multiplayer support. If you love Geometry Wars you'll love this.

We’re more than a little sore about the inexcusable lack of online play, but between the startlingly sharp neon visual aesthetic, the bumping new soundtrack, and smartly integrated Achievements, Retro Evolved 2 sets a new standard for arcade shooters on any platform, downloadable or otherwise.

Beating all twenty levels of Sequence will give you an immense sense of accomplishment. Or at least I assume it will, I haven’t been able to do it yet.

Beautiful, engrossing and addictive as hell, Retro Evolved 2 is among the best XBLA has to offer right now. It plays just as well as you remember the games that inspired it used to (although Mr MAME would recommend you remove the rose-tinted specs) and for the asking price, you simply can’t go wrong.

Retro Evolved 2 takes adrenaline-soaked, addictive shooters to a level of unprecedented awesomeness.

If you loved the first Geometry Wars, you're going to adore Geometry Wars 2.

Apart from the lack of online play, Geometry Wars 2 really is the perfect sequel, it's still the same game that you know and love, but with the addition of the new modes of play it is even better.

There are a ton of new additions in this sequel making it more than worth the 800 MS Points, but somehow the game still felt like an add-on, and not a new game.

This sequel does not reinvent itself but even at double the price point of its predecessor, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 manages to offer enough new modes and graphic enhancements to make it a must buy for fans of the original.

With its subtle but significant changes to the gameplay, and with the leaderboards providing excellent motivation for just one more go, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 will last players until their skills plateau. Even those that are loath to get into the fuzzy area of downloadable content and digital rights management owe it to themselves to purchase this game. It’s simply that good.

Even the achievements are well thought-out – what began with Pacifism in Retro Evolved has expanded to the point where eight out of the twelve achievements require you to play in a non-standard manner, for example Wax On and Wax Off – gained for completing one and two complete circuits of the arena walls in Pacifism mode – or Phobia – scoring 1,000 points in Waves mode without collecting any geoms (much harder than it sounds).

Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 reminds us why the service is called Xbox Live Arcade, offering up an old school high score chasing extravaganza that's more addictive, varied and even better looking than its predecessor.

Small problems aside though, this game is more than worth it for the low, low price of ten bucks.

It’s disappointing that online co-op hasn’t been included (only local), it is however quite likely it wouldn’t work due to the twitch gameplay required. It still doesn’t stop Geometry Wars 2 being an absolute steal at 800 points.

One of the most adrenaline filled, most frantic 2D Shooters ever made. Don’t hesitate and deny yourself this experience.

It may be pulled together from no more than shards of light, but few games manage to be both a science and an art. [Oct 2008, p.99]

Does exactly what a good sequel should, retaining the core appeal of the first game but with enough twists added to make it feel as altogether new and exciting as a completely original title. [Oct 2008, p.118]

There’s a load of play modes to stop you doing the same old thing over and over again, including kickass, not internet play. The funny thing is most of us will settle for obsessively playing one mode anyway, and once again busting for just one...more...go. Not bad for a ten buck investment.

As wonderfully addictive as ever. [Oct 2008, p.94]

The daddy is back. [Issue#37, p.116]

A must buy for dual-stick shooter fans. The sharp difficulty, new modes, and low price point ($10) add up to a game that's hard to turn down.

The new game modes and offline multiplayer are sweet enough additions that it makes Geometry Wars once again like candy – addicting and highly salivating for those who want non-stop action.

Great package for the price but the feeling that it's all been toned down leaves a sour taste in our mouths. If you never played the original though, that won't matter, because you'll love this to bits.

It keeps the same excellent playability, going a touch deeper with the assortment of game modes.

Part of me feels like I need to find some kind of flaw with the game, but after weeks of playing my only problem with it is that my high score in Deadline won't go above five million no matter how hard I try. It's starting to make me feel woefully inferior and slightly less masculine every time I look at the online leaderboards.

A nearly perfect experience for a very select crowd. It might even be convincing enough to convert a few non-believers, but it's not perfect.

A solid sequel. Three of the six modes are great fun, with the other three being at least serviceable. But this is a game and a series that is showing its age.

While not as fresh and new as the original game, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is a phenomenal action game full of unique modes, fun multiplayer and tons of excitement.

Retro Evolved 2 manages to induce both nostalgia and awe, maintaining the series' status as one of gaming's purest pleasures.

If you were a fan of the original I would definitely say to download this sequel and enjoy. If you are new to the series, download the demo and you will be hooked in no time.

Geometry Wars 2 is a better game, not just because of the new modes but the emphasis on fun and novel ways to enjoy an otherwise linear experience.

When you're the proud owner of a next-gen console, the last thing on your mind is to play 2D shooting games. At least, that's what you think. Make an exception for Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2. Because of the simple fact that this will be the most frantic and over the top action you will ever see in a 2D game. Give it a go!