Ikaruga

 Xbox 360
Ikaruga Image
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Xbox Live Arcade] Treasure's award-winning scrolling shooter brings a tactical twist to the genre with its yin-and-yang gameplay: the color of your ship determines your effect on enemies. In this polarized system, enemy ships and their bullets are one of two colors. Attack an enemy of the[Xbox Live Arcade] Treasure's award-winning scrolling shooter brings a tactical twist to the genre with its yin-and-yang gameplay: the color of your ship determines your effect on enemies. In this polarized system, enemy ships and their bullets are one of two colors. Attack an enemy of the opposite color for extra damage. Absorb enemy fire of the same color as your ship, and use the energy for a special attack. Destroy multiple enemies of the same color to score a chaining bonus. Play solo or cooperatively, and use your polarity to achieve victory. Multiplayer support for two-player co-op offline or over Xbox LIVE allows you to clear the levels with a friend. [Treasure]… Expand

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Ikaruga - Switch Announcement Launch Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    100
    Ikaruga isn't tough our unfair, and is always kind enough to encourage perfect play without ever demanding it. [June 2008, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Cheat Code Central
    92
    It took me almost six hours just to get through the first three levels on easy with all the handicaps listed above. It is a truly challenging game, and is probably one of the best games out on Live Arcade.
  3. DarkZero
    90
    This game does not cheat, it simply requires pixel perfect shooting and dodging skills.
  4. Gamestyle
    90
    With only five levels one could argue that there isn’t much to Ikaruga. Yet what it lacks in size it more than up for in terms of playability and challenge.
  5. Gaming Target
    85
    Bottom line, if you are a fan of shoot 'em ups or just do not feel like dragging out the Dreamcast, you will not be disappointed in this updated version of a classic game.
  6. Game Over Online
    85
    I recommend it to those who grew up in arcades, those who enjoy a challenge, and casual gamers looking for something they can pick up and play.
  7. X-ONE Magazine UK
    70
    You're likely to have as much success doing this as trying to watch a 3D movie without the free Sugar Puffs glasses - it amounts to much the same thing. [Issue#32, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. ApocalypseBrown
    Jan 8, 2010
    10
    Perfection is what I'll call this side -scrolling shoot 'em up, the game was so awe inspiring ten years ago and hasn't lost a Perfection is what I'll call this side -scrolling shoot 'em up, the game was so awe inspiring ten years ago and hasn't lost a once of playability today!… Expand
  2. Homer
    Jun 5, 2008
    10
    An amazing action game that just might be the greatest shooter of all time. It's also hard as utter s***.
  4. rishabhaxe
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    I have played the trial game and know i just want the full game soooooooo badly but for some reason my brother hates it i dont know he is an idiot
  5. SamuelS.
    Aug 8, 2008
    9
    Not since Einhander have I played such a compellingly frustrating shooter of this quality. Not for the easily flustered.
  6. JON_RYO
    Apr 28, 2011
    9
    The best side scrolling shooter for the past 10 years hands down. Only problem is its very difficult but challenge is a good thing, right? AsThe best side scrolling shooter for the past 10 years hands down. Only problem is its very difficult but challenge is a good thing, right? As with the older 16 bit side scrollers this still looks beautiful by todays standards add in the twist of changing your ships colour to avoid being hit and losing a life to that of the bullets either black or white, both are fired at the same time on many occasions and you add a very original challenge and new depth to this genre. This is the pinnacle of this type of game, nothings even come close for 10 years.… Expand
  7. ChrisH
    Nov 27, 2008
    9
    Amazing game, the difficulty (even on the lowest setting, with the most lives/continues) is the key element that just makes me keep coming Amazing game, the difficulty (even on the lowest setting, with the most lives/continues) is the key element that just makes me keep coming back to play this visually stunning, devil of a game. Played it back on the gamecube and rebought it on live, I would thoroughly recommend it to any gamer with the above average caliber of skill. Not quite 10, wish it was longer and got harder!… Expand
  8. J.
    Apr 21, 2008
    8
    One of those rare, special games that's exhilarating when you succeed, and fills you with incredible self-doubt when you lose. And lose One of those rare, special games that's exhilarating when you succeed, and fills you with incredible self-doubt when you lose. And lose you will. A lot. If you're not good at shooters, do yourself a favor and don't even bother with Ikaruga, because you'll never see and play the best that it has to offer. If you're an above-average gamer, though, the highs will carry you through the lows just enough to make it essential, as the graphics, sound, and compellingly brazen approach of this title demand attention and respect.… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
86
#86 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
51
#51 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008