Blast Factor Review (PS3)

Blast Factor is a Shoot Em' Up style game released on the Playstation 3 and created by Bluepoint Games. Appropriately, this game has gotten a ton of comparisons to Geometry wars. Which is the better game, though? Let's find out.

Story : There is no story in this game really, but you're in some kind of cell fighting off infections and bacteria. Not really a story, but I think the idea is pretty neat and deserves mentioning.

Graphics : The graphics in this game are really pretty and have lots of neon lights, so it's a real treat for the eyes but a bit tiring overall. There's nothing here with a great amount of detail, but then again there doesn't need to be. The main ship is animated well enough and the cells are all a pleasure to look at. I liken this game's graphics to fireworks. It's really pretty but there isn't much detail.

Sound : The sound is is the usual shooter fare. Your ship makes pew pew shooting noises and missile noises and stuff like that. All the effects fit well enough but aren't great overall. The music is mostly ambient and is quickly forgotten. That isn't too bad though, as this game does require a bit of concentration, especially near the end. Overall a good effort sound-wise.

Game Play : Well, this is a Shoot Em' Up. One of those most important things is control, and this game does have great control. Your ship is extremely responsive and not overtly sensitive, meaning you have a great degree of control of it. Those who haven't put in time with shooting games lately may be overwhelmed, as this game doesn't get difficult fairly quick. However, the learning curve isn't too big and with a few hours of practice you can do quite well.

There's special shots, as in Geometry Wars, which make the game easier and you'll need to learn to use these to their full capacity to really escape some of the harder sections of the game. One thing to note is that this isn't a scrolling shooter, you're attacked from all sides and it does quite a number on your nerves.

Re playability : This game is insanely re playable, as are most good shoot em' ups. The game tests your reflexes and memory, but in a good way and is just challenging enough to keep you engaged without overwhelming you.

Overall : 7/10. This is a very good game, but it's not quite as good as Geometry Wars. Still,it's fun and deserves a try if you can get your hands on it.