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Game review for N2
Graphics -
For an independent game, N2 is fairly pretty. The 2D graphics are uneven, but the 3D ones are pretty decent. It isn't quite commercial quality, but particle effects and decently textured models make the game a pretty nice looking experience. The in game menus could use a little bit of work, for some reason they lack consistency in the art. However, that's really a minor nitpick. It is a fairly well decorated game, and explosions are nice too.
Gameplay and Controls -
The Gameplay, however, is somewhat confusing. The game feels like it could have been a Starfox game where you can control the rails, and a clone of Space invaders all at once. The problem is that this type of gameplay is rather confusing. Stopping to shoot at enemies abruptly doesn't seem quite right, since we're all used to continuous momentum space shooters. Further, the targeting controls are kinda iffy. One small annoying issue is that you can't use the mouse to select your team in the team configuration menu, and it took me a while to figure out you had to use the keyboard.
Another small issue is that the left and right movement is non continuous. It has selected tab stops, much like an old typewriter, or an old Game and Watch. It's unclear why this is, being that it's fully 3D, and the projectiles are moving in full 3D space. It kind of takes away a bit from the game when the ship jumps from space to space when moving left and right. Overall, I find the gameplay idea unique, interesting, but too many abrupt stops to be ideal. The multiplayer on the same computer is wonderful, however. Too few games allow this, and I applaud the developers for adding it in.
Sound -
The sound effects are pretty nice, and the music is fairly appropriate. The music however, at the main menu, make me want to 'throb' the menu, which doesn't move. It's nice enoughthough, so decent sound.
Overall -
The game is playable, but not something i'd kill a saturday on. Still, it's a decent distraction, and it would make a nice screensaver if it were set on auto or something.
Graphics 9.0
Sound 8.0
Gameplay 6.0
Overall 7.0