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There are two genres you'll commonly find when browsing the XBLIG library (and most any indie game library, for that matter): Platformers and SHUMP's. There are more than enough to choose from for even the most die-hard fans. So, in such an over-saturated market, how do you stand out? This week's pick will show you that sometimes, you just have to do it right.
Score Rush is a shoot 'em up through and through; you shoot things, make sure your tiny hit box isn't hit by ones of the seemingly thousand bullets whizzing by, and try for the highest score. There's really nothing more to this game, either; no collectibles, no unlockable options, just you and the score. Of course, this begs the question… do we always need more? In this case, the answer is 'no'.
Score Rush is a twin stick shooter, much like Geometry Wars is; in other words, you control the movement of your ship with the left analog stick, and control the shooting of your bullets with the right stick. It works well in this game, as you'll constantly be forced into tight corners and have to change where you're shooting to get out of. The graphics are pretty standard, but they get the job done and look far from bad, and there's no way to blame you dying on looking at the intricate details of your ship. The music is a hardcore rocking track that plays, heightening the already high-pressure mood. Finally, all of the bosses are well-designed, with patterns and bullet tricks that'll require good reflexes to dodge and defeat.
In case you haven't noticed, this game is hard. This can be even be considered one of those 'bullet hell' games. While it certainly isn't as bad as the Touhou games or anything else Japan can think of, trying to dodge between little packets where the bullets aren't at certainly doesn't make for a walk in the park. But it's that difficulty, and the arcade-like sensation of working for that high score that keeps you coming back for more. The fact that the game is a relatively quick play, giving about ten to fifteen minutes for longer runs, makes it great to just pick up and try when you're short on time or don't want to put a lot of time into a game. Score Rush also offers up to four-player co-op, so you and your buddies can try to survive together. Lives are shared, though, so you have to be careful, lest your friends try to throw their controllers at your head!
This is one of the earlier bosses.
Score Rush is a simple game. It gives an arcade-like splendor; the sensation of beating that boss that killed you so many times before, and joy of achieving the high score, the pride you feel in your gamer skills… it really is an old sense of nostalgia. Score Rush does nothing different from so many other SHMUP's, but it all feels so… right.
Interested? Score Rush is 80 MS Points ($1), and you can check it out here.
Got an Indie Game that needs some love and attention? Post it in the comments, and I'll check it out (and give you credit, of course)!