87
CRITIK
Ikaruga
In this vertical scrolling spaceship shooter, you control a ship that can change its polarity at will. As blue/white, the ship can easily destroy red/black enemies, and vice versa. Bullets of your polarity can be collected to fuel your energy gauge, but those opposite will kill you. Destroying an enemy ship causes them to fire revenge bullets which can be absorbed and fired back by the player. Different difficulties exist to change exactly how you interact with polarized points, or how they appear. It is the spiritual successor to Radiant Silvergun, featuring similar level and boss design, as well as it's buddhism inspired themes and aesthetics. Both are directed by Hiroshi Iuchi, who also composed Ikaruga's soundtrack.
Game analysis
Critik Scorecard
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Reviews
37 reviews found100
GameXplain
May 25, 2018
Summary and quote unavailable.
100
The Outerhaven Productions
Jul 9, 2018
Summary and quote unavailable.
100
GameCritics
Jun 11, 2018
In the last fifteen years, I’ve purchased this game four times, and happily agreed to acquire it again for a fifth. Find me another game that can still fill me with sheer elation after conquering it for the fifteenth time, and I’ll tell you that it’s not possible because one doesn’t exist. Ikaruga is a flagship title that’s been cherished for nearly two decades, and will continue to be relevant for many, many more. There’s no better way to spend money in the e-Shop. Disclosures: This game is developed by Treasure and published by Nicalis.
100
Nintendo Times
May 25, 2018
Ikaruga is an outstanding classic, which I find myself mentioning to anyone who will listen. It is a defining game in the shooting genre that all gamers should experience. The Switch version is true to the arcade, but goes above and beyond with the portable vertical play and global leaderboards. Don’t miss out! Ikaruga was reviewed using a final retail Nintendo Switch download code provided by the publisher. Adam “McSNES” Martinez, gaming drop-out and FuncoLand ghost, has spent his entire life training to review games for YOU, the loyal readers of Nintendo Times.
100
Universo Nintendo
Jun 2, 2018
Summary and quote unavailable.
95
Destructoid
May 25, 2018
Being able to easily bust out the Joy-Con controllers for co-op and flip the system on its side for a vertical screen orientation is the real deal. Ikaruga is a timeless classic, and for those of us without a swiveling monitor, the Switch is just about the ideal way to experience it.
95
Digital Chumps
Jun 4, 2018
Ten years since the last home console release and some fifteen since it was last on a Nintendo platform, it’s great to see this classic game available again. It’s a timeless blast from the past that’s easy to recommend to anyone looking for not only a piece of gaming history but a game that still thrills to this day.
92
The Games Machine
May 31, 2018
Summary and quote unavailable.
92
PC Gamer
Mar 10, 2014
Summary and quote unavailable.
90
EGM
May 25, 2018
Summary and quote unavailable.
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