Velocity 2X
Overview -
From FuturLab comes the sequel to the well-received and lightning fast space shooter 'Velocity Ultra,' 'Velocity 2X,' which hits the PS4 and PS Vita as a PS Plus free title in the first month of its release. FutureLab has promised a game that's more than just a shoot 'em up. Whether on foot or in control of the Quarp Jet, 'Velocity 2X' hopes to provide an addictive level of action, but will mixing genres make for PlayStation success?
Video Review
Like the game design, the visuals here are pragmatic to the point of forgettable, while effective as a means of level creation. Though a persistent, futuristic sharpness (you know, how people in the 1950's imagined the cars of today) does make for a unified style, and in theory, grants the game a bit of an edge, despite a lack of variety. Still, the walls are mostly just walls that needed to be walls.
What minor animation work exists, exists mostly to the advantage of obtaining simplicity and directness. Cutscenes are presented in single-panel stills, which are drawn out in the same sharp-edged, colorfully vibrant way as the levels. You get the feeling that, with more substantial and dare I say, edgier writing, this could end up a really great comic strip in (of) the future. Luckily it's a game that never needed ambition beyond being extremely playable.
The one exception to all of this is the lighting that accompanying the various weaponry and the ensuing explosions of their projection. It's a wonderful little fireworks show running at 60 fps on both the PS Vita and PS4.
Audio Review
Joris de Man returns to the series to provide an excellent, adrenaline-pumping soundtrack. It never overindulges, interferes or corrupts the experience, but that's just the worst thing I can say about it. It beats the beat that feels right, and it never bops, to the advantage of all.
Final Thoughts
My qualms with the game's identity and lack of overt motivation likely signals a desire for more than what an arcade like title is meant to offer. Still, 'Velocity 2X' is impressive in its devotion to its namesake, and even more so in the advances it makes past the original title. Adding the sidescrolling segments was a risky idea that paid off, not because of sheer luck, but because the developer knew exactly how to accomplish that same feeling of speed and urgency on foot as in the void violent space. Not competency, but real talent in level design, highlights 'Velocity 2X' as a pristine example of the common "teach them, test them, then move on" theory of progression, all at a lightning-fast paced sure to go unmatched until the next of the series.
