Players can also ops to use their Classic controller and its studded thumbsticks, which may prove helpful because it will always shoot at a 45° angle. It also has a retro feel to it. Still, the Wiimote allows for full 360° targeting, which the classic controller can do, but the studded thumbsticks make aiming between the studs difficult, and more like playing Everyday Shooter. After using both, it’s hard to continue using the standard thumbstick layout.


Though even this flaw has its part to play. Knowing that the edges are dangerous means making strategies based on each specific level, not only by how enemies enter the playing field or what the conditions of battle are, but also the shape of the map itself. With enough imagination and testing, nearly everything can be used to your advantage, including tiny crevices and corners.
Additionally Geometry Wars Retro Evolved is included with both single and multiplayer modes, meaning a friend can start any game with you, sharing your points, bombs and lives or on their own. Cooperative play punishes those with weaker friends by sharing lives and bombs, and rewards those who can choose more wisely. Versus mode is just the same, except nothing is shared and selfishness is the name of the game. Take all the kills, and you take all the points. But if you drop out first, that means your opponent keeps going and can take their sweet time.

Cooperative mode is also available in standard Galaxies, though it’s for a set solar system. Ten planets are available, so no giving someone a helping hand with their single player campaign. Playing with someone who’s on their DS version is also possible, and seven levels from the campaign are set just for that.
Taking the incredibly strong gameplay of Geometry Wars and tweaking it slightly for the system is done excellently. The gameplay is intense, and most will find it difficult to sit for too long before just being unable to play any longer, but that’s expected. With so many levels to play through and so many high scores to set, Galaxies is one of the few mini-games for the Wii that doesn’t get old fast and is exciting to play alone, something monumental for the console named specifically to play games with a friend.
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