XBLIG IMPRESSIONS: "Score Rush"

Recently I was contacted by Matthew Doucette, one of the developers of Xona Games about a review code inquiry I had sent. I had pretty much given up on hearing back from any of the developers, but it was nice of him to send me a reply. The game I was inquiring about was a new shmup shooter titled "Duality ZF" that's scheduled to be released soon. I had a handful of reasons why I wanted to review the game, and one of them was that the developers behind Xona Games realize what shmups (shoot 'em ups) are all about. They seem to value a good shmup just as I do, and they also know that shmups have a long lasting quality. After reading the email Matthew D. sent me I decided the least I could do is review one of their games. I watched trailers to all of them, but the one that really caught my eye was 'Score Rush'.


Score Rush takes all that I love in a shmup, and amplifies it. The game features a bullet hell style of gameplay that is challenging yet not too severely difficult. Being the shmup fan that I am I was able to enjoy the trial of the game thoroughly. They used a vivid color scheme, and an easy control setup to bring this awesome title to life. I honestly think they succeeded in making one of the best bullet hell/shmup shooters available for the Xbox 360 console. Their obvious knowledge of the factors that make a shmup shooter great shined through in this game. Anyone who is a die hard shmup fan will tell you that score, music, and gameplay/controls are keys to a successful shmup game. Xona Games covers all of that in Score Rush. I will say that when I first watched the trailer to Score Rush I thought it was a bit too busy, but upon sampling the trial I realized I was wrong. The visuals are delivered in a manner that isn't too harsh on the gamers eyes, and allows you to focus on the onslaught of bullets that is constantly advancing towards you without hindering your gameplay. Aside from offering a single player mode, Score Rush goes the extra mile with 4 player co-op gameplay. I was only able to sample the single player, but I do imagine the 4 player mode would make for an awesome party game.

At the end of the trial I found myself wanting more. Score Rush is delivered in a brilliant, and solid package that pays homage to the shmups of the past. It also delivers the genre into new territory while still keeping true to the old shmup formula. My praise goes to Matthew D. and his fellow developers at Xona Games for making a worthy addition to the shmup genre.