Games Database
PS2
Shoot 'Em Up
| Viewed: | 2D Top-down, Multi-way scrolling | Genre: | Shoot 'Em Up |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Taito Corporation | Soft. Co.: | Taito Corporation |
| Publishers: | Empire Interactive
(GB) |
Released: | 4 Jul 2003
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 11+ | ||
| Accessories: | Memory Card | ||
| Features: | Vibration Function Compatible | ||
Summary
Old school scrolling shooters, despite being fairly scarce in the 3D-gaming age, are still very popular with some hardcore veterans. Unfortunately, not many of these games get a release outside of Japan, so when one does slip through, we're curious at least. One such game is a budget release from Empire called Psyvariar: Complete Edition for PS2.
Complete with a typically weak defend-the-earth-against-aliens plot, Psyvariar: Complete Edition comprises two games – Psyvariar Medium Unit and Psyvariar Revision. Both games are very similar, with the latter game being slightly more refined and extensive.
Regardless, the Psyvariar games are best known for showcasing the all-new BUZZ system. Like Ikaruga, Psyvariar has players utilising enemy fire in order to gain an advantage. By passing as close as possible to enemy fire, players can gain improved weapons systems and abilities. Fortunately, collision detection is very accurate here, thanks to the skills of Japanese developer Success. And if you can chain your near misses, growth is accelerated, but it’s a risky business. However, this system forms the very backbone of the Psyvariar games and is a necessity. You will become good at it - it just takes a little time.
The rest of the game is very much the same as any other in the genre – proceed through the game, stage by stage, defeating bad guys and end-of-level bosses along the way. That’s about all there is to it, but it’s a magic formula that many of us will never tire of. Great stuff.
Complete with a typically weak defend-the-earth-against-aliens plot, Psyvariar: Complete Edition comprises two games – Psyvariar Medium Unit and Psyvariar Revision. Both games are very similar, with the latter game being slightly more refined and extensive.
Regardless, the Psyvariar games are best known for showcasing the all-new BUZZ system. Like Ikaruga, Psyvariar has players utilising enemy fire in order to gain an advantage. By passing as close as possible to enemy fire, players can gain improved weapons systems and abilities. Fortunately, collision detection is very accurate here, thanks to the skills of Japanese developer Success. And if you can chain your near misses, growth is accelerated, but it’s a risky business. However, this system forms the very backbone of the Psyvariar games and is a necessity. You will become good at it - it just takes a little time.
The rest of the game is very much the same as any other in the genre – proceed through the game, stage by stage, defeating bad guys and end-of-level bosses along the way. That’s about all there is to it, but it’s a magic formula that many of us will never tire of. Great stuff.
