I didn't notice any story segments in the 360 version that weren't in the Cube version, the difference in visuals is negligible* (except for the wallpaper on the title screen which looks a lot sharper) and the Cube version also has a rotate mode (with two sets of controls, so if you can't rotate your TV, you won't have to rotate your controller like you do on the 360).

Playing the two versions back-to-back (Cube & 360), I think the GC version's controls a little bit better, not enough to be a huge deal, but it was easier for me to maneuver through tight spots on the Cube version - the 360 controls (both stick and pad) were a bit too jumpy/touchy in areas where you need tighter, more sensitive handling.

*if you're playing it in progressive-mode on the Cube/Wii.

There should be text over the intros to each stage. It might not be immediately noticeable.

Buying the individual expansions (in stores, for a real product*) is more expensive than the DLC.


* Real product. n. A 2" piece of wood with a hat on it.

I'm going to have to do a side-by-side comparison of Ikaruga on the 360 and on my Dreamcast, where I have the actual game. (Not a CDR, thanks!)

That's true, but at least you have something you can put in your hand. I'm willing to spend the $50 or whatever it was on Carcassonne the board game and 5 expansion packs, but not willing to spend nearly $5 for 8 new tiles on XBLA. Especially with the DLC issues and the fact it's not clear what will happen when the console goes out of date.

Long story short, I didn't feel ripped off buying the board game, but I felt like they were trying to rip me off by paying $4-whatever on XBLA.

Damn, Ikurga is hard. It's great looking and I like the two color mechanic; it makes for interesting gameplay. Still that game is just brutal for a spaz like me. I'm impressed, but think I'd rather get Rez than it. Frankly, I think beating the demo might take me quite a while.

And about that text stuff : I see there is writing there but on my 42" plasma, I can't make out a single word if it.

I too had my first exposure to Ikaruga last night. I had to play through stage 1 about 6 times before I was able to beat it on Normal difficulty. It is definitely a challenge, but the polarity mechanic and the awesome music make for a pretty compelling experience. I'm enjoying it more than Triggerheart Exelica and I'm glad that I'm finally able to play the game after years of hearing people praise it.

I was about to ask Pixy... Ikaruga (which I have on the Gamecube) or Triggerheart?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Triggerheart. I just like the polarity gameplay in Ikaruga more than the lasso gameplay in Triggerheart.

I got the the Ikaruga demo on normal difficulty no problem, but when I put it on hard? I don't think I'm built for these kind of games. I'm an old 26 and this spastic gameplay might be beyond my capabilities.

Still is fun though.

When it gets hard, memorization becomes the most important key to success. That is my main complaint about the game.

Wow, my first time playing Ikaruga and it is a BLAST! Instant purchase for me!
I don't even care that I suck at it, it's fun and not frustrating at all IMO.

Only thing I don't like is the tiny eeny weeny text in the interface elements.
And they should have made it smoother to end a game and go into a new one,
rather than making the A button try to save a movie. Those are pretty trivial complaints though.


Just tried N+ and I thought that was pretty fun too, I would have bought that if
not for Ikaruga...I'm sure I will grab it soon though.

$10 is nothing for games of this quality.

the extra boost of difficulty comes from the lack of continues in default mode. From what I recall, you always had 3 continues by default (on the Dreamcast version). You can turn on continues, but the leaderboard and replays are strictly zero continue bonuses.

Game is just as fun and addictive as I remembered it. Amazing how something as simple as changing between black and white can add so much to a game.

I see that now. When I play against the first boss, I'm so used to looking at what he/she/it is going to do next in these kind of shooters, when really I needed to be focusing on my ship and what type of bullet was about to hit me. In a way it's like Geometry Wars in that you hit that "zen" state and you aren't even really aware of your movements, yet you make them anyway.

This game is only five levels right? Are the later levels a bit longer than level 1?

Yes, each level is a little bit longer than the last - though not by much.

Hey everyone let me all know when you want me to start "The XBLA Thread Part II" so that this one can be closed and I'll start it up

I will grab Ikaruga. I played the bootleg DC version for a few hours, and I'd like to support an official release. Never got around to getting the GC version. I waited for the price to drop, that didn't work out so well.

It always kicked my ass though, but I like games that are a challenge.

If only you showed your actual 360 as much love as you do your 360 thread. . .

I bet Deb is regretting signing up for 360voice for all the shit we give her.

I didn't realize the top 100 places in Ikaruga (on the leaderboard) have their replay files attached, that kicks ass.

If anybody wants to see all Ikaruga has to offer, and see people make it look easy, check those out

I'm assuming some are the developers/porters or what have you (considering a few start with "MS" in the name) but still pretty ridiculous, especially considering the player in the #1 spot almost pulled off a perfect game (didn't watch the whole thing, but died in level 3 with something like a 170 chain.)

Tomorrow's XBLA games : Rocky & Bullwinkle (800 pts), and Battlezone (400). The early review for R&B in OXM was brutal. My suggestion -- pass on the game, but download the 200 point R&B pinball table (and the pinball game if you haven't already) instead.

Hey, you can't get a Rez or Ikaruga every week. Still I was hoping for Peggle. Screw this, I'm downloading it for the ipod for $5; I'm tired of waiting for it.

edit : Actually Battlezone looks pretty robust for a classic 400 pt game :

The original tank vs. tank action classic Battlezone has received an Xbox LIVEŽ overhaul, adding in exciting new multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag. This updated version is truly a must-have for any fan of the original, which is also included. Additionally, players can use the Xbox LIVE Vision camera to watch live video of their opponents. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions, and you have the killer arcade classic as you've never experienced it before.


Classic Atari arcade game action: Continuing in the tradition of Centipede and Asteroids, Atari brings you another arcade classic, Battlezone, updated for the next generation with both enhanced and original game graphics and play. For its time, Battlezone was revolutionary with its vector graphics and its intense tank-on-tank action. Now you can play both the original and enhanced versions and take it to the next level with multiplayer play.
Multiplayer modes: Include your friends inBattlezone play with the new Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag multiplayer modes.
Camera-enabled: Use the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera to see the reactions of your friends as you blast their tank off the screen.
New achievements: Twelve new achievements are provided for you to master and improve your Gamerscore
Images

Sweet. I'm now officially holding out on Peggle, it's bound to show up for free now.

Man, that joke never gets old, even when used incorrectly, like in this instance.

I like Battlezone, but I'm fairly sure you can play it for free as a java game.

It was a stretch, but sometimes it's worth it. I am looking forward to seeing what the hype is about and have also considered the iPod version instead of waiting on XBLA.