Ikaruga Critic Reviews

Treasure has crafted another masterpiece of hyper-tuned overhead shooter action, the likes of which the world may never see again.

Ikaruga owns you. It's hard as heck, but it's also a pleasure to play and watch. Don't wuss out; play it.

While the game obviously plays like a 2D shooter, the backgrounds are 3D rendered and the game just combines the technology of today with the old-school gameplay perfectly.

Once I reached that Zen state of immersion, it felt as though the controller and I were one entity, working together to achieve a common goal. As I wove through a barrage of bullets, deftly changing colors in order to survive, I knew that Treasure had crafted a jewel.

If you love shoot'em ups, or even just love great games, go out and buy Ikaruga now.

Games like this simply aren't made very often, especially not of this caliber. It has incredible depth for a shooter, replay value through the roof, and most importantly, it's fun to play.

Ikaruga is the finest shooter I have ever played. From Space Invaders to Xevious all the way to the games spiritual predecessor Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga is the epitome of the vertical shooter.

Addicting, beautiful, and challenging; everything anyone could ask for in a video game.

An absolutely amazing game for anyone who has ever even considered liking arcade space shooters. The action is intense, the visuals are great, the sound is solid, and there is plenty to keep you coming back for more.

Ikaruga rests its laurels on hard and fast gameplay, and while it is good gameplay, it's also very challenging, fairly short, and not what I'd call a mass appeal title.

A fantastic game which is an absolute must buy both for fans of the genre and people looking for a real grown up challenge on the Gamecube.

A disorienting thrill ride of white/black strategy; an unbelievable roller coaster of shooting glory.

While some may complain that the game is technically short, where the strength of the game lies is in its replayability. Shooter fans will be addicted by the game, which beckons multiple play-throughs just to improve their score and hopefully their internet ranking.

Ikaruga is not an easy game. Even on Easy difficulty mode it is quite challenging, and the higher modes just ramp things up another notch.

Ikaruga successfully blends nostalgia with new and modern twists in a usually very rigid genre, while providing a challenge that few other games come near to presenting, without ever feeling unfair to the player.

Ikaruga is the best shoot-em-up on the current generation of consoles. With perfect gameplay, perfect difficulty curve, and beautiful graphics, it provides an intense experience like no other.

Brilliant. It's hugely playable, graphically sublime and even more importantly, once again Treasure have raised the bar for top-down shooters.

One of the best shooters to date.

Quite possibly the greatest entry in one of gaming's oldest genres, Ikaruga is brilliantly innovative, visually stunning and one heck of a challenge.

One of those rare games that is beyond criticism. It plays beautifully, and gives you the opportunity to become at one with it - provided you're willing to put the hours in. Try playing this one at 3am and you'll see what we mean. The best shooter in years.