Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. 90
    Definitely one of the better arcade games around and it gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The game mechanics are very simple but it remains challenging and that’s what is making it so addictive.
  2. Official Xbox Magazine
    85
    If you like twitch games, Heavy Weapon is an explosively explosively good time. [Feb. 2007, p.75]
  3. With long lasting Mission mode, an unlockable Boss Blitz mode, satisfying Achievement Points, and smooth and addictive Live play, Heavy Weapon adds its name to the list of must-own Arcade titles.
  4. Where the game really separates itself from the pack is the armory functionality, its visual style, and the super weapons that it gives to players. The gameplay feels wonderful, even new in parts, the visuals bring a new flair to a classic style game, and the multiplayer trimmings are just icing.
  5. The frantic 2D play, the limited movement options and the massed death from above make it a challenge even to twitch gamers. Throw in four-player survival, a boss battle mode and great co-op and it’s a must-buy.
  6. As much as you might not be thrilled about the prospect of a 2D scrolling tank shooter, Heavy Weapon is far better than it initially appears to be. As an example of how to bring the past up to date, it's one of the best examples on Live to date.
  7. Heavy Weapon is the type of brief, brainless fun the service is built for, without looking and feeling like a crusty old arcade game. It's easily one of the 360's best downloadable games yet.
  8. 360 Gamer Magazine UK
    80
    With classical gameplay at the heart of Heavy Weapon, what seems like minutes turn into hours of old-school fun. [Issue 22, p.62]
  9. Heavy Weapon might seem very basic in design but we guarantee this particular download will have you playing long into the night just to make a dent on that now famous Xbox Live Leaderboard.
  10. It's cheaper than the PC version, and when you take into account the challenging story mode, enhanced visuals and features, as well as a slew of other options and robust multiplayer, it's hard to not recommend Heavy Weapon.
  11. Heavy Weapon's arcade-style shooting is incredibly appealing, especially when you get into the ridiculous action in the multiplayer modes.
  12. A simplistic shooter that is charming precisely for its simplicity.
  13. Oh, and if you thought Geometry Wars was pretty tough on the eyes, think again... Heavy Weapon is the most tear-inducing Xbox Live title we've yet beheld.
  14. 73
    A fun little game that gets a bit too repetitive for its own good. It's a well conceived shooter with some nice presentation and it does a fine job organizing the achievements.
  15. Heavy Weapon might be distinctly unoriginal in what it does, but it's a fun, action packed experience that is ideal for Microsoft's online service.
  16. 60
    Heavy Weapon is a fun, if repetitive, game for one, but it is truly comical multiplayer diversion.
  17. X-ONE Magazine UK
    50
    We're so incensed with yet another Xbox Live Arcade game using "Robotron"-style controls. [Issue 17, p.116]
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 27
  2. Negative: 3 out of 27
  1. Aug 14, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Communism was defeated we need more games that we can defeat communism in wherever it spreads to next we need to stop communism in everything communism is bad and we need to destroy it Full Review »
  2. May 30, 2019
    7
    Heavy Weapon is yet another Xbox Arcade game that is pretty fun to play with some friends.
  3. Andyman
    Feb 14, 2007
    8
    Twice the cost of Namco's reruns, three times the fun, and five times the replay value. Heavy Weapon is worth the 800 points for the Twice the cost of Namco's reruns, three times the fun, and five times the replay value. Heavy Weapon is worth the 800 points for the 4-player co-op Live play alone. It's the perfect stress reliever after a hard day. Full Review »