PewPew 2

Blatantly inspired by Bizarre Creations's seminal twin-stick shooter Geometry Wars, PewPew 2 is an eyeball-searing arcade epic which was great on an Android touchscreen but packs an even bigger punch on the Xperia Play.

As before, you're presented with two main game modes: Infinity and Campaign. In the former, you're pitted against wave after never-ending wave of wireframe enemies, each more deadly than the last and all baying for your digital blood.

In Campaign, the developer adds a little variety, for this mode actually comprises several different modes - most of which take the core gameplay and add their own unique spin.

For example, Dodge This removes your ability to fire and instead tests your skill at avoiding incoming foes. Similarly, Highway sees you collecting orbs while avoiding the traffic-like movement of hostile forces.

Visually, PewPew 2 ticks all the right boxes. The graphics may seem sparse in static screenshots, but in motion they possess an almost hypnotic quality - something which isn't always welcome when you're close to surpassing your high score and enemies are swarming thick and fast.

The laid-back techno soundtrack is equally appealing, although a few more songs would have been nice. You'll spend so long trying to beat your personal best in each mode that the music will eventually grate.

Thankfully, the Xperia Play controls won't get on your nerves. The two analogue pads are used for movement and directing your fire, and the system works brilliantly. And because the pads remove the need to place both thumbs on the touchscreen, you get an entirely unimpeded view of the action.

PewPew 2 demonstrates how Xperia Play support should be handled, for the game benefits immensely from the Play's physical buttons and D-pad. For once, then, the augmented controls have been introduced thoughtfully, rather than awkwardly.

If you like your score-based arcade shooters and hold a soft spot for the aforementioned Geometry Wars, then you really should own this.