Radiangames is a hallmark for the Indie Marketplace with their monthly additions that never fails to impress. The sixth instalment is a sequel to their famously put together take on “Space Invaders”, Crossfire. Recently, Radiangames announced that this may be their last game depending on how well Crossfire 2 sells. This is sad news for all Indie players as Radiangames has been a staple for smooth and intense gameplay. Seeing as this is this could be the last game, does it have what it takes to continue on the path of Radiangames’ legacy or get caught in the “Crossfire”?
As mentioned before Crossfire 2 is a sequel based on a new way to play Space Invaders. The game is similar to the first where you must destroy enemies in an X-axis format. But the difference between Crossfire and Space Invaders is that you have the option from switching from the top of the screen to the bottom, creating a new dimension to strategies. Since you have the option of switching between the top and bottom don’t think the enemies with just focus on one side as they will adjust accordingly.
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Since switching was an element in the first Crossfire, let’s discuss what is new to Crossfire 2. First and foremost, the game is smooth as ever with no hindrance of level performance, i.e. you cannot complain about cheap deaths due to lag. Another addition would be the ability to upgrade your ship through various stat options which can mean life and death due to poor choices. For example, do you want to fully upgrade your ships health to take more damage, or focus solely on your fire power? The choice is entirely up to you which add a fun RPG element to this fast paced shooter.
A greater and more fun addition to Crossfire 2 is the Score Attack mode, you try to complete 60 waves of increasingly difficult enemies to score the highest amongst the world. You start off with a set amount of stat attributes to distribute and get the chance to upgrade and heal every 10 stages which is a godsend as you will likely need that sooner. This game mode definitely drives that addiction to try to get the best score possible and seeing how you compete against everyone. Since this is truly an arcade game for the ages there is competition to be had amongst the best of the best. For example, upon release I managed to get to rank 2 in the world and as of now I’ve dropped to 7. Now if that isn’t incentive to go back and try to gain a higher score then I don’t know what is.
Score Attack isn’t the only game mode Crossfire 2 has to offer. You have the standard campaign mode called Conquest, where you battle it out through 60 waves across 3 planets with 3 different difficulties. You still have the options to upgrade your ship, but start off with fewer and gradually increase every 2 waves. Since you cannot track your score through this mode you can bring a friend along for the ride to fight off waves from Mars to Orion. Upon finishing Conquest, you unlocked Conquest Plus mode where you start off with a lot more stat points and unlock an additional row as well. This mode is truly a way to demolish the enemies that make you feel Godly.
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The enemies in Crossfire 2 have their distinct manoeuvres that feel unique from another. One menacing enemy shoots at an angle and rotates 360 degrees which adds to the chaos as you try to keep track of the bullets. Since you have the option to switch the difficulty in game it does ease the tension of never being able to pass a level, because lower the difficulties decreases enemy speed and increases your ships health. Another lovely option is the level select menu, I know it isn’t that innovative, but if you manage to see impressive enemy formation and want to show it off you can easily do that.
Crossfire 2’s visuals do slightly look similar to the original, but seeing as it is a sequel that is understandable. Now saying it looks similar isn’t a bad thing either, because Crossfire looks incredible. The neon and retro feel of the game impresses with particle effects and fluid movements of both enemies and your ship. The presentation is well done with little to no clutter on screen and the HUD (heads up display) is perfectly implemented in the background and the top left of the screen, so you’ll never have to search to find it. Radiangames doesn’t ever disappoint with their music and seeing as it’s a Radiangames, you know it will be an upbeat and catchy techno soundtrack.
Overall, I can go on and on about what there is to enjoy about Crossfire 2, but let’s face it if you’d enjoyed any Radiangames then you’ll enjoy Crossfire 2. Now seeing as this may be the last Radiangames then I can honestly admit they truly went out with an incredible bang. Personally, from how fun this game is for only 80 :MSPoints: I cannot see it failing to impress anyone. So do yourself and flavour and play this piece of arcade perfection!
You can find more information as well as download the trial or purchase the full version from the Xbox Marketplace. You can also listen to the soundtrack for free by streaming it or purchase it for $1.99 here.
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