Velocity 2X is a follow-up/re-imagining of Futurlab’s previous releases Velocity and Velocity Ultra respectively. Familiar gameplay elements are tweaked and enhanced from both but only the latter shares a narrative tie-in with Velocity 2X. To an extent that makes 2X almost like the remastered version of Ultra. The story involves Kai, who is being studied by some temporarily anonymous aliens from a seemingly peaceful race that have been enslaved by the game’s antagonists. In addition to its narrative, Velocity 2X also places a heavy emphasis on leaderboards for completion times while tracking other stats like: survivors rescued, resources acquired and points.
Shoot ’em up would be the genre that all 3 games fall into. However 2X adds some great action platforming to the mix. Despite the the different gameplay styles, the on-foot portions take on a similar feel to the shoot ’em up sections. You still must use your short range teleportation ability to unlock gates and force fields to progress. The main character Kai has the ability to run, jump slide, teleport(both long and short range) and shoot in 360 degrees. As the game progresses it begins to introduce a puzzle element when there are a series of numerical gates and force fields to open. This can only be accomplished with long range teleportation devices. Your DS4 will vibrate when you approach a currently unlockable gate/branching path to remind you to drop a teleportation device so you can use the map screen to return to it later. While on-foot the longer range teleportation devices can be ricocheted off of dangerous parts of the environment to access unreachable places or used in quick fast-reflex required gate opening sequences.
Great shoot ’em up action, fun boss battles, puzzle elements, action-packed speedrun-friendly levels and leaderboards make Velocity 2X a great package.
Recommendation: Buy this game
Full Disclosure: The PS4 version of this game was provided to GameEnthus by the publisher.
Genre: shoot ’em up/action platformer
Developer: FuturLab
Publisher: FuturLab
Platform(s): PS4, Vita(cross buy and save)
Price: $19.99
http://velocitygame.co.uk/
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Scale:
Worth a buy – paying full price for fans of the series or genre makes sense – often includes a caveat
Worth a buy on sale – not quite full price worthy but close, – often includes a caveat
No – borrow it if you must play it
Please no – Don’t waste any time and/or money on it