Written by: Chris W.

 

 

 

The top-down space shooter is a genre that has flourished since Xbox Live got into its stride at the launch of the Xbox 360. Geometry Wars started it all and, because of this, it's difficult to not compare any similar downloadable games to Bizarre Creations popular and flashy shooter.

 

 

But in reality, "Ion Assault" actually has more in common with Atari's Asteroids, as you'll be destroying big rocks that are floating around space. That's where comparisons between the two games come to an end, though, as the Ion Assault developers weren't simply content in borrowing ideas, but have placed some pretty unique stuff in their game, as well.

 

The main thing you are going to be doing is blowing up those oversized space rocks and taking out any interfering enemies, though it's actually this shooting that is one of the games' most refreshing aspects. Your cannon gets its fuel from the ion particles in the atmosphere around you, and charging (the higher the charge, the more powerful the blast) said cannon differs in speed depending on where you're positioned on the screen, obviously the area with the most ions is where you're wanting to be, particularly if you want your ship to be a truly efficient killing machine.

 

 

Typically, the game has handy power-ups to to assist you in your fight against those floating rocks and hostiles. With a shield, for example, you'll feel less naked and perhaps will take a few more risks, the vortex grenade will suck up anything nearby and will quickly add to your points, and so on. Quick tip, If you see a pick-up, grab it when you can, you'll need it.

 

Indeed, with a busy screen Ion Assault can become pretty difficult, though steep difficulty levels do generally come with the territory, and with just over twenty levels you'll have to find that point of coolness and calmness that may have wracked up some big scores in similar space shooters for you in the past.

 

Its difficulty is all well and good, as the game isn't exactly full to the brim with content, though difficult to earn achievements and leaderboards do add to its life somewhat. There's also the multiplayer, although that's covered in the category you'd expect to find it in below.

 

 

Those used to the likes of Geometry Wars will have to get used to moving their target in the direction of the enemies or the asteroids that you want to shoot at, then blasting at them with the right trigger. This will prove cumbersome for some, though it does add an extra layer of skill into the game, as opposed to just using the stick to fire.