News

Bullet-hell classic Ikaruga zaps onto Google Play in Japan

Polarity shift

Bullet-hell classic Ikaruga zaps onto Google Play in Japan
|
| Ikaruga

Beloved bullet-hell shooter Ikaruga has just blasted its way onto Google Play in Japan, leaving the rest of the world's Android users shaking their fists towards the East in envy.

Widely regarded as one of the best shmups ever made, Ikaruga tests your dexterity to breaking point and beyond.

In addition to memorising the swooping attack patterns of enemy ships and defeating the gigantic (and merciless) bosses, you must master a polarity-based weapons system.

By switching between red and blue polarities, you can tailor your weapons and shields to respective enemy types. Pick the polarity that causes your enemy maximum damage, mind, and you make yourself more vulnerable to your foe's attacks.

Blast from the past

Originally released in arcades, then later on the Dreamcast and GameCube, Ikaruga was last seen in 2008 all dolled up in HD on Xbox Live Arcade.

Now, though, Japanese customers can download Ikaruga for their Android handsets for ¥800 (around £5.70 / $9.20).

It's one of the best examples of the genre, and could easily give Cave's DoDonPachi series a run for its money in the mobile marketplace.

We hope Ikaruga finds its way to Western handsets in the near future. If / when it does, you'll be the first to know. Well, second. You know what I mean.

James Gilmour
James Gilmour
James pivoted to video so hard that he permanently damaged his spine, which now doubles as a Cronenbergian mic stand. If the pictures are moving, he's the one to blame.