Wiiseguys Written Review – Gyrostarr

So, every now and then we get one of those unique gems on Nintendo’s long-awaited “WiiWare” service.

But the real question is: Is Gyrostarr one of those titles?

Is this a title worth deleting your Virtual Console copy of Samurai Shodown and “cleaning the fridge?”

Let’s Be super honest here! There’s not much on WiiWare right now! Of course you have the awesome stuff like Lost Winds, and TokiTori, and Lost Winds.  And of course, we can’t forget about Lost Winds.  These are all amazing titles, with great gameplay and of course, that epic feel of replayability!  And then you have your somewhat mediocre titles:

Well guess what, you can add another title to that “Awesome” list, and it’s High Voltage’s second journey into the world of WiiWare: Gyrostarr!

Gyrostarr is a fast paced vertical scrolling shooter.  The stage set-up is very similar to those of the Sonic the Hedgehog bonus stages, being a seemingly endless halfpipe.  The presentation can only be described with one word: intense.  Seriously: You havent seen this much crap going on since the olden days!  One thing you can relate the style to is Geometry Wars.  Of course, with gaming these days, this style is really fun.  Intense at times, but it just adds to the overall environment and theme going on.  Sure there isn’t exactly a storyline, but if you are looking for an old school feeling vertical shooter, read no more.  This is a really, really good one!

Great control, graphics are fine and fun, the learning curve is perfect, if it exists at all, and it provides a good time for hardcore gamers who feel like shooting crap.  The multiplayer mode is fun too, but dont expect to base a whole party around this feature.

But of course with every game there HAS to be some flaws.

1.)  The motion controls are less then decent.  They get the job done, but really, the Wiimote sideways D-pad controls are so much better!  the only problem with Gyrostarr is that no matter how much you tilt the Wiimote in one direction, the ship goes the same speed, thus feeling really unresponsive.  Standard Controls are great, use them!

2.) Spoiler! The bonus stages are a barf fest.  Maybe it’s just me, but what is pretty much a virtual roller coaster going at super high speeds with so many different colors and flashy things passing by makes me really sick.

3.) Confusion.  No lie. I dont have an HDTV, so maybe this game looks better with one, but in the beginning I found myself getting really confused.  “Wait, is that an enemy or a power up?  Do I get the shiny blue things?  What the hell was that?”  You’ll see

Final Verdict: Buy it! It’s really fun! makes time pass by like no one’s business! Fun to play in short bursts with your buddies to pass some time. It’s worth the cleaning of the Fridge, and the 700 WiiPoints!

-ArakniD

Tags: review, wiiware