Revolver360 (XBLIG): "A Nex-Gen Revolving Shoot 'em Up"

I'll begin by saying that Revovler360 is one of the most unique shmups available today. It was developed, and created by 'Cross Eaglet' in 2010. I am a bit late on getting the review out there, but I just started my site this year. I figured it was a good idea to backtrack a bit, and get some reviews of past XBLIG titles out to you guys. While searching the XBLIG library of games I came across 'Revolver360', and was determined to do a review of it. I ended up contacting the developer, and got lucky enough to receive a review code for this one-of-a-kind shmup.

Revolver360 is one of those games that takes an old genre, and redefines it in a whole new way. The games ever-changing, and beautifully rendered backdrops make the game really stand out. You'll find yourself flying among a primeval earthen landscape, space, the streets of what appears to be Tokyo, and even some surreal futuristic landscapes. It's gaming eye candy at it's best. While the backdrops are quite noticeable they don't take your focus away from the objectives at hand which is very nice. Enemies in this game are basically 3D geometric shapes that spray bullets out like in any bullet hell style of game. This is what makes this game a shmup along with the fact that you are piloting a similar shaped craft, and trying to shoot down your opponents. The gameplay has a twist that other shmups don't though. In order to survive for the long run you must 'revolve' the screen to dodge, and maneuver around the enemy's bullet sprays.

Controls in Revolver360 are kept simple, and are well placed allowing the player to focus on achieving a high score. This isn't a dual thumbstick shmup though, so learning the controls will be needed to adjust to the game's mechanics. For movement you will use the left thumbstick. The 'X' button is for the basic shot while the 'A' button is for the laser. You all so can use an 'overdrive' (Y button) feature that allows you to rid the screen of bullet sprays. Any fan of shmups will likely recognize this type of feature. Both the laser, and the overdrive can only be used when they reach a certain level which is indicated by outer rings on the ship. The actual revolving can be done by using the 'Left, and Right Trigger' buttons. Each button will rotate your ship in a different direction. Learning to utilize this feature is key in making it far.

The game features two different modes with very different objectives. There's a 'Short Range' mode in which the goal is to build up your multiplier, and destroy the most possible bullets/enemies. At the end of short range mode which only lasts through one boss you will be awarded points/a score according to how well you did. This outcome is determined by the amount of enemy bullets, and ships you destroyed as well as the miscount (I assume how many hits you recieved?). How well, and often you use your lasers/overdrive will greatly effect the final score. The other mode available is called 'Infinite Range Mode'. This mode is exactly as it sounds. It's a neverending mode that features various waves of enemies, and backdrops as well as large bosses (3D Geometric Shapes) that spray different types of bullets/bullet patterns. Throughout the mode's waves you will find items such as extra lasers, enhanced shots, overdrive power-ups, and even life refills. These items are necessary if you wish to achieve the highest score. The life items in Revolver360 are few, and far between so learning the games controls as well as how to outmaneuver bullet spray patterns via revolving is a must.

Aside from the gameplay Revolver360 also features several customizable options, and extras. The game keeps track of your in-game gameplay by keeping count of such things as play time, play count, enemies destroyed, bullets destroyed, multiplier items got, and miscount. It's like a personal record kind of thing. Revolver360 also features in-game trophies that can be unlocked by accomplishing certain goals. These goals include high scores, waves reached, lasers used, and the number of overdrives you use. There are a total of 21 trophies to be earned, and not all of them are simple to acquire. Other features in the game include a game configuration that allows such things as language alteration, brightness adjustment, vibration functionality, and display options for life/items. You'll find that there are also 4 secret options that must be unlocked via gameplay. Key configuration, and screen adjust options are also available.

I found Revolver360 to be an absolute gem of a game. It's definitely one of the best shmups available on the Xbox 360 marketplace. The replay value is very high, and the leader/scoreboards will have you attempting to set high score records over, and over again. I did however find one flaw which involved the leader/scoreboards. In order for you to have an accurate view of where you place you must do a network update. In order to perform this network update you must have an Xbox Live Gold subscription. I do have such a subscription, but was unable to acquire an update. I actually tried several times with no success. I'm not sure if that option is no longer available, but it would have been a nice feature. Other than that one issue the game is amazing. It's definitely worth the microsoft points required for purchase. Revolver360 is definitely on my highly recommended list!