Iridion II

Game Boy Advance
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. There’s not a great deal that can be done to improve the 2D shooter’s basic premise, but Iridion II raises the bar by including superior audio, very decent graphics, and a good variety of both new (auto-upgrade) as well as classic (super-shot and smart bombs) gameplay features.
  2. Fans of "Ikaruga" will be glad to know that there is finally a comparable title available for the Game Boy Advance.
  3. What it all boils down to is a game worth playing if only to see how great the GBA can look and sound, but an average player shouldn't expect to get more than two or three long road trips worth of play out of this one.
  4. It looks gorgeous, sounds great, and plays at least as well as many of the classics of yesteryear.
  5. 80
    There's not a whole lot of technique in Iridion II. But what is here is extremely challenging and a lot of fun on the Game Boy Advance.
  6. Game Informer
    80
    Unlike the hollow gameplay experience of the first, this title gives fans more classic shooter action. [May 2003, p.94]
  7. It offers some decent old-shool action and the web stats but the old-school passwords kick it in the teeth.
  8. Pocket Games
    80
    Looks great and borrows play elements from a number of classic arcade shooters. [Fall 2003, p.46]
  9. Play Magazine
    80
    Drop-dead gorgeous visuals and an old-school shooter soundtrack, coupled with an intelligent shooting system and interface, beautifully rendered enemies, arcade and story play modes and even a gallery with a doorway of special effects. [May 2003, p.70]
  10. 73
    While it's easy to nitpick its gameplay to death, the one area where Iridion II is beyond reproach is its graphics.
  11. Nintendo Power
    70
    Play control is tight and the graphics are detailed, with a great sci-fi style. [July 2003, p.147]
  12. 70
    While all the aforementioned features make Iridion incredibly unoriginal, they also make the game finally worth playing for more than the visuals. [June 2003, p.99]
  13. Cheat Code Central
    70
    This time around they have not only made a great playable shooter, but they've come up with a new and interesting way to process 3D graphics.

Awards & Rankings

31
53
#53 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Apr 28, 2023
    7
    Vertical shooter reminiscent of Nanostray on the DS with very nice graphics and very cheesy music. Missing that je ne sais quoi that makes forVertical shooter reminiscent of Nanostray on the DS with very nice graphics and very cheesy music. Missing that je ne sais quoi that makes for a truly great shmup, but a good solid effort. Full Review »
  2. Dec 25, 2018
    8
    A solid shoot-em-up with amazing 3D visuals. Shmup fans are really going to enjoy it.
  3. Apr 18, 2017
    8
    Very fun game with great music, level design, graphics, and gameplay. All around veryVery fun game with great music, level design, graphics, and gameplay. All around very solid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:0:D:):))))))) Full Review »