I hate taglines...


1992, Japan. A new video game named “X” is released for the Game Boy system. Using vector-style graphics, the game had actual 3D gameplay as a first-person shooter, which was quite impressive for an 8-bit system. It was critically acclaimed and highly influential as the first ever 3D game released for a portable system. A USA prototype version was made, but never completed. 18 years later, an internationally released sequel was developed by Q-Games for DSiWare. That sequel was titled X-Scape.
X-Scape, or 3D Space Tank, as previously stated, is a game for DSiWare, going for 800 Nintendo points. Whether as a sequel or as a stand-alone game, it absolutely does not fail to impress for DS Retail standards, and as a DSiWare game is an absolute steal. The retro-style graphics fit perfectly to the game, unlike several other retro-styled games. The minimalist soundtrack accompanies the graphics and gameplay perfectly as well. Gameplay is just incredible for a DSiWare game and a marked improvement over the original, with better controls. Everything here adds up to what may be the deepest, most enjoyable game on the DSi Shop.
In the game, you control VIXIV (pronounce it how you want), the same ship from the original game, although upgraded. Returning home after a decade-long tour of duty brings a serious surprise. The original narrator from X has become the main enemy, a corrupt commander and an evil warlord, and it’s your job to protect 20 different planets and end his reign. By hacking into objects, you can learn more about the planet/plot, and all major plot points are resolved by the end of the game.
The graphics of the game are retro-styled, and unlike several other games that use the idea, such as Mega Man 9 or Dark Void Zero, this one does not disappoint. Using a two-color scheme for each planet works splendidly, and the vector-style “blocky” graphics only enhance the game. Within the graphics, there are several references to what influenced the art style, such as Tron and Amiga vector games. You won’t miss on much have you no knowledge of any of this, but if you do, the experience feels somewhat more interesting.
For the music, the composer for “X” returns again for an even better score. The soundtrack has a spacey, minimalist sound which fits perfectly to the game. Each planet has its own background song, and the diversity keeps the music memorable and engaging. DSiWare games are seldom praised for having a good soundtrack, but this could be the exception.
The fact that a first-person shooter is on DSiWare is already impressive. The fact that an enjoyable and engaging first-person shooter is beyond words. On land mode, you move through planets, kill enemies, complete missions, and hack into buildings. Although it may sound bland, it truly is innovative, far more then it seems in words. One of the best parts of the game are the bosses, who, while mostly easy (until the end) are creative and a blast to play.
Warping from planet to planet requires you to go through tunnels, where gameplay is rather similar to AiRace or AiRace: Tunnel. Moving forward is automatic, but the are obstacles you must dodge, and enemies to kill in hopes of picking up coins to beat the time limit. These warp tunnels do not take up much of the game’s time, and do not outstay their welcome, as the land mode is the far more engaging part. These do, however, make a fun little burst of something different.
As for difficulty, the game offers a tutorial on the menu, which is conveniently passable for people who like to discover everything alone, but does a fine job of explaining the game. The game itself starts out very easy, and curves at a steady rate until the final boss which is completely unforgiving. Nowhere in the game does the difficulty feel uneven.
Lasting appeal is often the main criticism of the game, but I cannot help to disagree. Beating the game takes about 6-10 hours, which may be short, but taken into comparison with other DSiWare/WiiWare games at the same price, or even some retail games that cost far more, length is certainly no problem. Replay value mainly stems from completing unfinished missions and finding alternate paths, which should tack on an extra hour or two. Perhaps it’s not the best bang for your buck, but it’s definitely not too short and the fantastic, well, everything else repays you already.
For DS retail standards, I would already recommend this as a solid 8.5-9 out of 10. For a DSiWare game, this is almost automatically a must-buy. Retro Game aficionados, modern-day DSi owners, hardcore gamers, casual players, completionists, it doesn’t matter as this game appeals to all unless you are color-blind or Jack Thompson. With engaging, unique gameplay, incredible retro graphics, a beautifully minimalist soundtrack, and a fairly lengthy campaign with some replay value all for 8 bucks, this should be on the top of your list of DSiWare games to buy. This may as well be THE DSiWare game to buy. This is the closest thing to DSiWare perfection on the market right now.

SCORE BREAKDOWN (After a year and a half, still not an average)

Graphics: Perhaps not too easy on the eyes, but incredibly unique and a fantastic throwback to everything vector. 9.5/10

Music: Fits the game perfectly with every single minimalist sound it makes. 10/10

Gameplay: Duh. 10/10

Difficulty: A perfectly even slope. Never does the game feel too difficult or too easy. 10/10

Lasting Appeal: Perhaps a tad on the short side, but certainly worth the small asking price. 9/10

X-Scape receives, for the first time in my reviewing pseudo-career, a very well-deserved 10/10