quick fun ... lasting challenge
The controls take 30 minutes to get used to. There are still plenty of times when I would prefer dual sticks to aiming with the wiimote, but it is a viable control method.
The graphics look good on a standard def TV. There is only so much detail needed after all. Everything is clean and colorful. The animation runs very smoothly.
The gameplay has that quality that makes you play 'just one more time.' You can pop in the game, play for a few minutes, and then head out the door. Or, you can play for a couple of hours trying to unlock medals, unlock more planets, and upgrade your drone. Upgrading the drone consists of using it for one of several different roles. One of his jobs may be to set up as a rotating turret taking out enemies. Another role sees him as a collector of the important geoms (score multipliers and currency for the game). The various planets available offer different shapes of landscapes and different rules of play with the same theme of destroying everything in a quest for a higher score.
The multiplayer is a great addition, but the screen gets hectic. If you can maintain focus on your shooter, you'll fare well.
If you have a DS you can download the full version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved from the Wii to the DS for playing on the go. It'll keep me going until the full DS version releases later this week.
It's a great deal at $40. I'm anxious to see if/when it comes to the 360 so I can compare scores.