Super Stardust HD Review
- Posted January 14th, 2008 at 16:27 EDT by
- 20 Comments
Review Score
- PSU Review Score
- 9.0
- Avg. user review score:
- 9.2
Summary
Super Stardust HD is a brilliantly created title that has very little flaws that aren't covered up by all of the positives. You won't find a better game for the price you pay.
We like
- Vivid atmosphere and colors
- Control schematics
- Entertainment value
We dislike
- Co-op involves less mobility
- Not enough modes
See PSU's review on Metacritic & GameRankings
For months on end PlayStation 3 fans had to hear their 360-following friends tell them about how great and addicting Geometry Wars Evolved is for their Xbox 360. That has now ended. No longer will the PlayStation nation have to endure that taunt as the PSN has launched a rival analog-shooting addiction, Super Stardust HD.
A lot of similarities can be made between Super Stardust HD and Geometry Wars; however, the similarities end quickly and soon the users will tell you that there really is no comparison. One of the biggest differences is you are no longer playing on a flat surface but instead a 720 degree interface. SS:HD brings you an incredible world of vibrant galaxies filled with mesmerizing colors and explosions that no other downloadable arcade experience can bring you across any of the consoles currently available.
There are very few modes available for this smash-hit arcade title which includes Arcade, Planet Mode, and Co-Op. We plan on bringing you the dirt on each of these modes for you to better make a decision on purchasing what is unarguably the must own title for the PlayStation Network of games.
In Arcade mode you’re placed on a 3-dimensional planet of your choice; however to gain access to all planets you must unlock them by defeating each planet one by one. The planet you can start off with right away on Arcade Mode is Lave. Here you must orbit around the planet’s atmosphere destroying the comets and meteorites alike. What is your duty, you may ask? To eradicate this planet of all threats including small like mines that swarm towards you from all directions trying to impede and end your mission of dominating that planet.
Planet Mode plays very similar to the Arcade Mode, with the only difference being that the purpose is to play just a single planet in order to achieve high scores and things of that nature.
Co-op mode allows for you and a friend to play SS:HD together; unfortunately because this takes place on one screen, it heavily decreases your mobility. Though this mode is enjoyable with a friend, the true pull of this game is featured through its single-player capabilities.
You won’t be armed with some sticks and stones to take down these galactic rock forms, oh no, you’ll have at your disposal a decently-sized range of weapons at your side, including bombs. Unlike the similar title from that rival arcade, SS:HD allows you to rotate through your weapons in order to utilize the one you feel is most efficient for the obstacles at hand. The weapons at hand for Lave revolve around a Gold Melter for golden meteorites, an Ice Splitter for those frozen rocks of pending doom, and the Rock Crusher, which will destroy the basic rock form. If you find yourself being overwhelmed by the enemy, don’t fret, just let go a massive bomb explosion that covers the entire side of the planet you happen to be flying around.
While playing, you’ll notice green luminescent rocks flying around. The object is to destroy these so you can further upgrade the power of your arsenal. They will increase not only your firing rate but your size as well. Some of the upgrades can push your weapon high enough to obtain dual or even triple shooting from your shuttle ship.
The control scheme is very well done. You'll use your R1/L1 triggers to rotate through your weapon selections, L2 to use boosters, and R2 to utilize your bombs. The left analog will control the movement of your ship while the right analog controls the firing direction.
Overall, SS:HD is by far one of the most entertaining experiences possible through the PlayStation Network. It is unrivaled and is a must download.
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Comments
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plustheharm
- 1:40pm EST - January 14th, 2008
- 6
damn gingo and his dad with their crazy high scores lol
but seriously, this game is the sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit-and the whole custom soundtrack bit only adds to the experience. Slayer and SSHD FTW
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MatrixSixaxis
- 2:36pm EST - January 14th, 2008
- 10
Simple yet.....really fun and intense, and that's just the demo version!!
Great game! It's a keeper!
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Dragon-slayer87
- 10:22pm EST - January 14th, 2008
- 15
@Clarky, yes the game was released ages ago in the US, but in EU the game was released few weeks ago.. so this review isn't late for anything....
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Stef Nighthawk
- 10:33pm EST - January 14th, 2008
- 16
@Dragon-slayer87,
I hate to burst your bubble but I've bought this game before July from the EU store.
The demo with the custom audio and in-game store upgrade were released a few weeks back.
Still, great game and a great review.
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chilledbreeze7
- 11:06pm EST - January 14th, 2008
- 17
I love this game and love the fact you can choose a custom track now. I just wish they could of made it so you could choose a playlist you've made up as well.
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plustheharm
- 8:18am EST - January 15th, 2008
- 18
@15
This game wasn't just released a couple of weeks ago.....it was updated....
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DaveW
- 9:22am EST - January 15th, 2008
- 19
I guess nobody knows the terminology "Better late than never." We can agree that PSU.com doesn't exactly offer an up-to-date release of reviews. I'm trying to build the review libraries with older and newer titles. This way, newer adopters of the PS3 and guys still sitting on the fence about certain titles whether new or old, can have another source to help push along the situation. I see no reason to complain about something like this when it's doing no harm at all and it has obviously benefitted people.
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This will permanently ban this user and delete all associated comments. This action is irreversible, are you SURE you want to do this?!
