Why 2D will never die

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Flat gameplay shines on, even on next-gen machines

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved (Xbox 360)

Geometry Wars proves that true 2D gameplay can have a home on a next-gen machine, even if it is only as a downloadable title. It may play very similarly to Asteroids or any other shooter of its ilk, but there's no denying its main pull is its spectacular next-gen visuals. Watching the wireframe grid get swept out of shape by powered-up weapons is a sight to behold - and when you start shooting the orbs of light and cascading sparks around a hi-def screen, you'll be as awed as a four-year-old on bonfire night.

The game uses old-school vector graphics which are the bones of 3D, but the core gameplay uses only 360 degree rotation through the 2D playing arena, so it's technically a 2D game. You're never seeing the action from behind your craft, which is a good thing as an unrestricted field of vision is essential in the packed environment. Not only is 2D a gameplay feature, but a necessity here.

Maybe the gameplay is too narrow to be afforded a full-price release. It does what it does and that's all. But as Xbox Live's premiere title, Geometry Wars proves that games don't have to be 3D to be impressive - and fun.

Justin Towell
Justin Towell

Justin was a GamesRadar staffer for 10 years but is now a freelancer, musician and videographer. He's big on retro, Sega and racing games (especially retro Sega racing games) and currently also writes for Play Magazine, Traxion.gg, PC Gamer and TopTenReviews, as well as running his own YouTube channel. Having learned to love all platforms equally after Sega left the hardware industry (sniff), his favourite games include Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, Zelda BotW, Sea of Thieves, Sega Rally Championship and Treasure Island Dizzy.