Death and destruction - two words you better get acquainted with real fast when dealing with this game. Sure, you'll cut through the hoards of enemies coming at you, but the tables can just as easily turn against your favor in the blink of an eye. Timing is crucial as Ikaruga demands great devotion from the player where visiting each level numerous of times helps in determining enemy patterns and polarity (color), so memorization is also key. You'll need to be quick, conditioning yourself to be one with the game and nothing less to achieve victory. Time can also be your enemy as one false move, one shot, one collision, and a precious ship stock is squandered.

The basic idea of the game follows that of any other scrolling shooter formula - you against an entire armada of mindless killing machines, an insane degree of enemy fire riddling the screen, obstacles to avoid or destroy, and giant bosses at the end of each chapter. Memories of playing Silpheed when I was younger instantly came flooding back (after all, Treasure is responsible for both Ikaruga and Silpheed), but I couldn't quite recall the same degree of profanity that passed my lips when playing this beast as when I played Silpheed. Ikaruga is difficult to say the least, but loads of fun. What sets Ikaruga apart from any normal shooter though, is the fact that your ship can change polarity (color) which is done with and just as quickly with the touch of a button. With a ship that's invincible to enemies of the same color and able to deal double damage to those of the opposite color, it can get pretty hectic managing this system, but with some time one can become the master of it. I still find myself changing at the wrong times and not changing fast enough, but it's all part of the learning process. Saving your hide isn't the only thing going for you with the light-dark system, as valuable homing missiles can be obtained through like-colored absorption and can be a real lifesaver when the screen is swarming with enemies. A fun combo/chain attack system that uses this light-dark system also brings a level of intensity to the battle and can at times mess with your head when trying to destroy at least three enemies of the same color in a row. The light-dark system is a nice touch and one of the elements that really makes Ikaruga such a fun and addictive game, not just setting it apart from the classic elements of a scrolling shooter.

The two-player mode has also stayed true to form in accordance to the one-player mode and likewise can work for or against players. If the one-player mode is too tough, try playing with a second player and assign each player a task not only for survival but added strategy not typically found in a game of this type. For example, one player could act as a shield to protect the one who's dealing out the damage. Be careful though, as both players' ships can't take up the same space and can thusly be pushed by one another. Though you won't die by touching each other, you could inadvertently trigger a collision with enemy fire or an enemy ship, which will result in death. Make sure your teammate is skilled or don't rely too heavily on his or her help. Quick reflexes and the knowledge of enemy patterns are important when recruiting a good copilot.

Difficulty options can also be one's ally, but the player will still need to hone his or her skills. Easy, normal, and hard modes will help immensely and choosing the number of ship stock or lives may give you the edge in attaining victory. Also available is a Trial Mode that helps to teach you the basics through a tutorial and lets you play through the first two chapters. Other options allow the player to customize screen presentation (vertical size as well as horizontal viewing), controller configuration, icon placement, and more.

Practice mode is also something one may want to explore thoroughly, but only to obtain a higher score or if one is having trouble with the last level he or she visited as only previously visited levels can be accessed through practice mode.

Challenge Mode allows the player to post their game accomplishments online, either in Arcade or Prototype mode. The website is now open to the US public and the link is provided on the password screen at the end of a play session in this mode. For those who are curious though, here's the link: http://www.ikaruga-atari.net

There's even more to be had though, as there are several extras to be unlocked in Ikaruga, either by way of completing a given task or playing for a certain amount of hours (total hours viewable in the save/load screen). The ways in unlocking the extras actually go hand in hand, as you'll need to put in some solid playtime to complete either one. I've only unlocked Gallery 1 containing some Ikaruga illustrations so far, by way of completing the given task, but I'm sure I'll unlock the majority of the other extras by way of logging hours before unlocking them by completing the given tasks. Also included among the numerous extras is the ability to harness the extreme "Bullet Eater" technique, which takes the light-dark system to a new level of difficulty. In order to obtain any ammo whatsoever, one must first be hit with the same polarity much like trying to acquire homing missiles, except now you have to get hit in order to have a means of attack. The extras only add to Ikaruga's appeal and the number and ways to get them give the player more things to do and more content to explore.

Ikaruga's gameplay is extraordinary, wicked yet addictive and the game's 3D graphics are breathtaking and more than get the job done for a game with 2D play. Ship designs are beautiful and unique and though the color department isn't very assorted, it's enough to look good and not confuse when color is a crucial element to success. The action is fluid and fast without any real slowdown, speed is determined by the player and the controls (one of the most important aspects of any game), don't get in the way either (and thankfully, as the game can really push the limits of your skill). The music is reminiscent of earlier games of this type and the sound effects do it justice. I'm pleased that the package is so well rounded, the only flaw is the fact that Ikaruga has a habit of getting real tough, but I like a good challenge.

Beware the beast. Ikaruga is not for the casual gamer seeking victory just by way of jumping into the fray. Constant focus on playtime and knowing your enemy is what counts, as Ikaruga is an intense and frenzied game of mind numbing proportions and is a difficult game even for the hardcore gamer. Jumping into the fray and finding joy is different. For any old school gamer who remembers the days when the term shooter referred to games like that of Ikaruga and found joy in them, bliss will surely be instantaneous. Ikaruga uses what made classic shooters so great and improves upon those elements of gameplay mechanics found in this genre. For any newcomer with the desire to obliterate their enemies, fight against all odds, and push their limits to the breaking point, pleasure won't be far behind either. Yet, for those who own the Dreamcast version, I don't think there are many new additions in the GCN version to warrant a purchase unless you're seeking an English translation, the Challenge Mode and a few minor extras that haven't much to do with the core gameplay. But, with all of that said, I suggest to most gamers renting Ikaruga first, as it is still an acquired taste.