Tired of trading in half of your gaming collection only to find yourself with enough credit for the latest iteration of Barbie Pony Adventure? TGR has you covered with our weekly feature on games that won’t empty your wallet but will entertain you all the same. After all, when you’re looking for deals the first place to go is always the Bargain Bin.
Geometry Wars: Galaxies (Wii, DS)
Still an Xbox Live Arcade hit, the Geometry Wars series has pretty much proven to the gaming industry that not only is there money to be had in downloadable, independently developed games, but that the arcade genre is still alive and kicking. Addicting gamers with its gorgeous-yet-simple visuals and easy to pick up controls, Geometry Wars is one of those games you can just play over and over again, making it a perfect entry into the Bargain Bin.
And while we could focus on the downloadable versions of the game, we’re going to take a look at the Nintendo-based versions, simply because I can’t think of anything better than having a high quality game that you can play on the go. Geometry Wars: Galaxies for the DS brings basically the same package into a portable format. The graphics, restricted by the somewhat inferior hardware of the DS, don’t quite hold up the visual luster of the original and latest renditions of the game, but it still looks good. That being said, it’s a little hard to complain about visuals when you’re having this much fun. Geometry Wars on the DS is still Geometry Wars, with touch based controls a given (why else would you bring it to the DS?), and enhanced gameplay and level design inspired by classic arcade games, Geometry Wars is a catch for anyone interested in retro gaming or just a genuinely fun game that can be played both at length or just as effectively in short bursts.
There are some flaws: the controls take a little getting used to at first and as mentioned, the graphics aren’t as good as the original, but they are mostly minor. Geometry Wars is a game that for $20 has the potential to last a long time.
One may also note that there is a Wii version and that it sells for the same price. While the initial reaction may be to buy the console version, by many accounts the DS copy is the better deal. Yes, the Wii visuals are more in tune with the flashiness of the Xbox 360 game, but the controls are worse. The game does let you remap them, but honestly, why pay the same amount for this when you can buy a game that is essentially the same thing and can be played wherever and whenever you please? If you have a Wii and not a DS, then sure go for it. And if you would just prefer to play the Wii version, who am I to tell you no? They’re both the same price after all, and either one is going to be a great experience, so whichever pie suits you, please, dig in!
- Amazon (Note: used Amazon prices are subject to change)
- New - $19.99 (Wii, DS)
- Used - $14.40 (Wii)
- Used - $11.12 (DS)
- Gamestop
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