So awesome. So awesome is the correct answer to that question.
Back when the Xbox 360 launched, it was no secret that it took a while for a worthwhile library to build up. The Xbox Live Arcade hit, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, was one of the few games that kept me firing up the Xbox 360 between the times when I was bit by the red ring of death (three times, and counting…). The Robotron-inspired twin stick shooter proved to be a perfect fit with Live Arcade and its Leaderboard functionality as the game pleased skilled veteran gamers and humbled pretenders. When Geometry Wars 2 was announced, I couldn’t have been happier to hear it.
Compared to Retro Evolved, Geometry Wars 2 offers more modes (6 in all), more challenges, better graphics, new enemies, and even better Leaderboard integration into the game. As you chase down your own high scores in each mode, you can see how far you are off at catching up to your buddy with the closest score to your own. This simple hook is enough to keep you falling victim to the “just one more game” trap.
Unlike many arcade-style games, each mode in the game is vastly different in regards to what is offered to the gamer. I won’t detail them here, but also worth noting is that none of the six modes are cheap or simply tacked on. And again, getting to the top of the Leaderboards on your friend’s list is enough motivation to keep you playing each of the six modes.
Geometry Wars 2 is easily one of the best games available on the Live Arcade service. There’s no reason why anybody that enjoys a solid challenge should pass on the game. Be warned, however, neither one of the Geometry Wars games is for the casual competitor.
For those interested in running me down in the Leaderboards, my Live Gamertag is Gamblor 155.
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