Ion Assault

 Xbox 360
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. GameWatcher
    73
    A superb addition to the Xbox Live Arcade library that is full of shoot ‘em ups. It’s a smart purchase for any Geometry Wars fan that is dying to fill their time with a similar title. The controls could’ve been tightened up and the single-player campaign could’ve been longer, but in the long run, Ion Assault is a surprisingly great title for 800 MS Points.
  2. Gamers' Temple
    72
    Ion Assault can be fun for fans of the genre, especially if they're looking for something a little different. For everyone else it's probably too different and too difficult to be of much interest.
  3. Digital Chumps
    72
    Ion Assault is worth a look if you are a fan of the genre or space arcade shooters in general. It combines two well established formulas and adds some extra mechanics to make a rather interesting game. It's fun, challenging, and often frustrating.
  5. Vandal
    70
    Although the shoot'em up genre is one of the most populated in the Xbox Marketplace, we have to reckon this as one of the most original and best polished, compensating its short campaign mode with comprehensive multiplayer modes, both local and online.
  6. Official Xbox Magazine
    70
    Ion Assault occasionally feels insubstantial and rarely replicates the big, tense moments of other thrill-a-second shooters, but it works well as a slightly more strategic alternative. [Nov 2009, p.72]
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  7. GameSpot
    70
    Ion Assault is an engaging addition to the dual-stick shooter genre, but first-time players might want to look elsewhere.
  8. GamesRadar+
    70
    The multiplayer modes are a welcome addition that extend play slightly. With a little patience, Ion Assault is still a solid choice for giving your thumbs a workout.
  9. Thunderbolt
    70
    Although it isn’t without its flaws, Ion Assault is one twin-stick shooter worth getting sucked into.
  10. Gamer Limit
    65
    Ion Assault is an enjoyable game, but it's way too short to warrant the $10 price tag.
  11. Gamer 2.0
    61
    While Ion Assault’s gameplay is interesting and fairly unique with some depth to how you can approach each level, but it’s the overall lack of modes or features that makes this worth its 800 points price ($10 in US dollars).
  12. GamePro
    60
    Ion Assault is a decent download, but don't expect to be very hooked after a few days of playing it. It doesn't boast a "Wow!" factor whatsoever.
  13. GameFocus
    50
    I hate to put my final comment in such a blunt manner but I do not want anyone to be confused of my overall view of Ion Assault. So my bottom line is, skip this game at its current price and pick it up when it is 5 dollars or so.

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. JohnnyToe
    Sep 24, 2009
    9
    I like the strategic twist that comes with the collect-shoot-collect mechanic. It's a fresh take on the modern shooter genre! Also I doI like the strategic twist that comes with the collect-shoot-collect mechanic. It's a fresh take on the modern shooter genre! Also I do not mind the controls that the first reviews complain about. After 10 to 15 minutes max. you know what you are doing. Overall I'm having more fun with it so far than I had with the other more "generic" twin stick shooters out there since Geometry Wars. For me its one of those games that are fun to play over and over again since you notice how your performance improves every time. Haven't had that in quite a while!… Full Review »
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