I’m a shooter fan. Ikaruga, R-Type, Beat Hazard…I’m all about it. I see RayStorm HD when I power up my 360 so I definitely had to try it. Grabbed the demo and I have to say, I was a tad disappointed. RayStorm HD is a remake of the original RayStorm that came out in the 90’s. Most of the HD remakes I have seen have had substantially better graphics, updated music, and just better visuals all around. I can’t say the same for this one.
While the graphics were updated, they weren’t updated THAT much. It’s the difference N64 had from the PS1. Even the laser fire and power ups didn’t look that great. The sound pretty much sounds the same as it did in 96. Perhaps they were going for a nostalgic feeling?
The controls for the game come in easy and easier. In manual mode you have separate buttons for you shots and your laser. In automatic mode both functions are on one button. Shots are your standard steady stream of weapon fire. You use the the laser after you have locked onto a few targets. You lock onto a target by passing over them with the reticule. You also have a special weapon that makes a bunch of hoopla and get you out of a tight pinch. The special weapon can be depleted and will need to be recharged by killing enemies. I’m assuming later on there may be power ups to get your energy back up.
The pace of the game was pretty slow. There weren’t many enemies. I understand that this was a demo and that they don’t want to bombard you with tons of foes to demoralize you, but this was extra light. They least they could have done was have multiple enemies shoot at me at a time, but I don’t think that happened once. The lack of challenge made this one of those non fun experiences. I’m not looking for something super hard right from the start, but give me at least something to make me want to continue playing.
I may have purchased it just to see if it got any better as I progressed if this game were around 500 Microsoft points. But it sits at 1200 Microsoft points. In my opinion it’s not worth it. You may say that it’s just the demo. But isn’t that what’s the demo for? To make a good impression for me to buy the game? It didn’t make that great of an impression. It may be for some, but this one just isn’t for me.
If your interested in seeing screens from RayStorm HD you can can see Destructiod’s gallery here.
