Geometry Wars sequel wishlist revisited

by Christopher Grant { Jan 29th 2006 at 8:00AM }

When we posted our wishlist of features for a Geometry Wars sequel, we knew there would be some things we'd leave out. So we asked you, loyal Joystiqers, to fill in the blanks. Here are best of the rest:

Powerups: When all you need is a little hand, ideas ranged from close-range proximity bombs, to temporary 2-second shields, to a Matrix-like time bomb, to recreate the feeling of playing 3 straight hours of Geometry Wars, tanked up on 6 cups of espresso, and watching time s l o w d o w n.
Tournaments: How about special events, held monthly, challenging players to specific tasks, and posting a leaderboard for that challenge? You might not be number one, but you were number 42 in last week's challenge to kill only the green squares while avoiding everything else.
Replays: This was the number one request. Above and beyond spectator mode, we want to watch the high score runs over and over and over again. The video of Striker's 2.1 million run blew our collective mind, so why not store replays of the top 10 highest scores? No need for full video, just recreate them in engine for the full experience. Throw in voice support to hear the collective "oohs" and "ahs" of your fellow gamers.

We want to reiterate that it isn't that we think Geometry Wars is in need of an update; the game is evergreen. We simply want more!

Tags: Geometry Wars, GeometryWars

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

GrumblyStuff @ Jan 29th 2006 11:11AM

So the best game on the X360 is a pick up and play arcade game?

If this isn't a sign that Nintendo has the right idea about games, I don't know what is.

Alex K. @ Jan 29th 2006 11:13AM

I really don't think Joystiq readers care half as much about Geometry Wars as Joystiq does.

Buying a $400 console and having the best game on being a game that could easily be ported to a game boy or SNES is not my idea of fun.

There's probably a flash port of it already, anyway.

Mike @ Jan 29th 2006 11:31AM

^^^^. yeah. Joystiq posts about geometry wars way to much, like its some sort of halo. Cause its not. A game of PDZ multiplayer will keep you much more entertained then this game will.

And if you want to keep it within the arcade realms, Marble blast 3D would be a better purchase. It is double the price of geometry wars, but has levels that end and a multiplayer mode to keep the game going forever.

I just cant see whats so fun about playing this geometry wars games over and over when its so limiting and all your doing is trying to get points. If they wanted to sell me on this game it would need at least 10 weapons, levels you beat (like mutant storm) and a multiplayer mode with different gametypes (capture the flag heh). Playing in the same ol box to see If I can beat my previous score is tedious and boring.

Perhaps a GW sequel could be good if they added all the stuff I mentioned above, but even then, it wouldent be the greatest thing since sliced bread like Joystiq makes the first one appear to be.

Pravus @ Jan 29th 2006 11:32AM

Actually with all the particle effect and "gravity distortion" from the blackholes and bullet shots it does take a decently powerful system. Not even including HDTV support. The games is massivly addictive and fun, and it doesnt need a bajillion polygons to accomplish that.

If you had the prettiest game in the world but it was boring as hell, what would be the point? Not really a good game then.

GunForHire @ Jan 29th 2006 11:32AM

You do know that it's been bought by almost 50,000 people now don't you? Geometry Wars is an incredible little game.

As for being easily ported to a game boy or SNES? Like hell - have you actually seen this game in motion?

KrAzYmAn @ Jan 29th 2006 11:32AM

That game would just not be the same on a GBA. Have you even played it. I have it and it is fun, but not the best Xbox 360 game. Plus, for me I can not get a very high score, so I guess that is one reason why I don't love it.

Anyways, in a sequal, I would like to see multiplayer support. Like a 2-4 person co-op mode. That would be awesome. This could be done on the same system with two controllers or over live.

ill trooper @ Jan 29th 2006 11:58AM

Jeez, haters, don't get mad at people's enthusiasm because you don't like the game. These people probably haven't played it or seen it in action, based on the 'SNES' comment. Plus, it's a new millenium, refine your skills in "Grammar Wars": "Your" is not the same word as "You're."

The theory of a game being 'the prettiest game, but boring" is valid, however it doesn't hold up in this case, because the game ISN'T boring. You know what IS boring? Perfect Dark Zero one-player. Corny too - show me with blue arrows where to run? Lame. Plus you're comparing a $60 game to a $6 game. A lot more leeway (and budget) for variety and level design. And you can actually play both games if you want - Geometry Wars is a good way to spend a few minutes while you wonder when new 360 games are coming out.

I mean, the game isn't for everyone, but why hate? Just be glad there's something to make other software companies see how a well-designed straight-forward affordable game concept can sell well over the Live Marketplace model.

As for improvements to Geometry Wars, I would like to see a 2 (or more) player version over LIVE, pinball-style, where you can alternate between players like old games of Asteroids or BattleZone, watching and talking to your friend(s) over LIVE while you wait for your next turn.

I'll put my quarter up on the screen!

Tiremfej @ Jan 29th 2006 11:59AM

"Buying a $400 console and having the best game on being a game that could easily be ported to a game boy or SNES is not my idea of fun.

There's probably a flash port of it already, anyway."

That's hilarious. It'd be like porting Halo 2 to a Pong machine. The game isn't the best game on the system, it's just nice if your lazy to click a button and not have to get up and switch the disc out. I play quite a bit of the arcade games, they're easy to jump into and they aren't half bad. I'd rather play COD2, Condenmed, PDZ, PGR 3, DOA4 than play GW. GW is a nice break though.

b @ Jan 29th 2006 12:09PM

Yeah, I'd much rather see co op than any of those things

OMAC @ Jan 29th 2006 1:26PM

You guys are missing the point of Geometry Wars. The game is an XBOX Arcade title. And for those of us that remember arcades before they were invaded by crappy prize-claw machines and idiotic ticket-reward games, Geomtery Wars is a great treat. Every single one of you guys complaining about or bashing GW has never played Asteroids or Galaga or any of the other countless 70's and early 80's classic arcade games in a true 'Arcade', dark and smoke filled, with a few of your friends, and the change guy that always tried to gyp you out of a quarter or two. Yes, this was the PT era, or Pre-Token era. When you could go in and a single game cost a single credit, and credits were always a real quarter...no Token machines in sight! Those were the days...and for the few minutes I play Geometry Wars, I am transported back in time to that mystical Pre-Token era...

The whole point behind XBOX Arcade is to get people interested in the console that would otherwise ignore it. Do you honestly think the youth of today gives a shit about Gauntlet when there are much more advanced games out there? I was talking to a friend about the XBOX 360 and Gauntlet came up. He asked if it were true that the Gauntlet could be downloaded to the 360. This man is 38 years old, and he had no interest in the 360 until he heard about this. He will probably go out and buy the 360 now just because of Gauntlet. He won't exclusivley play Gauntlet, but that was his hook into the realm of the 360.

Is Geometry Wars a great game? Absolutely. If you haven't played it then you should keep your negative opinions to yourselves. It wasn't meant to compete with games like Project Gotham or DOA4, it is just one more thing you can do with the 360 is all.

Big Ice D @ Jan 29th 2006 1:52PM

I couldn't see what the big deal was with GW....until I got my 360 and played it on an HD monitor w/5.1. It's fun as hell to play/look at/listen to.It grabs peoples attention when I show them...added bonus: Chicks dig it(helluva lot easier to show them how to play this than explain what a cover 2 LB blitz is in Madden!)

My only suggestions for improvement would be the ability to skin the background/color scheme kinda like swithching arena's in DOA. And whover says a "port" is out....I think not...unless there is a HD portable I haven't seen on engadget;)Although a watered down version could be fun on the DS with the stylus. Homebrewers...get crackin!

gamer1 @ Jan 29th 2006 3:09PM

What I love about Geometry Wars is its excellent use of dual analog control. Very rarely do we ever see games where having dual analog sticks are crucial to gameplay. Not only did they incorporate the control scheme and shooting ability to work fluidly together, they both are essential play mechanics on their own.

Not only does each of these features work great in the game, the designers have exploited these features with their arrangement and variations of enemies. For example, if you were to be surrounded by snakes, you may not want to fly full speed while shooting your way out of the mess to avoid crashing into their bodies. Another example is when an enemy is far away, you can still hit them without moving because of the intricacies of analog control shooting.

This game innovates in terms of analog control that it rivals today�s complex 3D engine games in terms of gameplay. That is the beauty of Geometry Wars. It brings a new sense of freedom that is smooth and fluid, an aspect that you will never see in classic arcade games where game play controls were derived from the combination of 4 microswitches (8 way joystick) and single microswitch (buttons) gameplay. To disregard this game because of its two dimensional presentation would be ignorant to understanding what is innovative and fun.