Velocity 2X (PS4 / PSVita)

[slateman]

As a PS+ subscriber, I was psyched to see Velocity 2X was free this month. After playing the first thoroughly, I was going to pay for this. (PS+ is fantastic)

However, we all know that Velocity (Ultra, 2X) isn't really a true shmup. I don't care though, it's friggin' fun! This new one has side-scrolling sections which are bewildering at first, but which become part of the whole speed race after just a few levels.

For anyone on the fence, there are some cool boss battles and this one has more puzzles than Ultra did. I'm only on level 36 (out of 50) but some of this game is really challenging...more on the speed/puzzle realm than shooting though. It's fast and rather fun. Glad I picked it up! Happier I didn't have to pay!

[Cata]

I need to download this today and check it out

[Special World]

I played some of it... it's a good game, but it feels really samey after playing the first one. I also feel like the sidescrolling segments highlight just how limited the design is. It really feels like there should be more there than there is, whereas the spaceship segments (which are basically the same thing) feel more impressive because of how limited scrolling shooters usually are. The sidescrolling segments seem like they should be Metroid-esque, but instead they end up feeling like runner games because they're so basic.

[slateman]

The later levels become vast, sprawling mazes with a pretty cool design. Going for speed can be awfully frustrating. I've just about given up now that I'm in the high 30s. Sure, it's limited. I got the first on sale (some Sony sale, crazy cheap) but wouldn't want to pay $20 for it. Free? OK.

[Special World]

The first one was crazy cheap even at full price