Blast Factor (PS Store) review

Blast Factor is one of the first PlayStation 3 exclusive downloads that you can purchase at the PS Store for a reasonable sum of 3.49. This small fee gives you a shooter that is without question heavily influenced by Bizarre Creations' excellent Geometry Wars, but manages to add a twist to the addictive formula.You take control of a G-18 Nanite Interceptor which is injected into a selection of infected specimen cells. How or why this happens does not come into the equation, given that Blast Factor is only 118MB, so the need for a plot is dispensed with. The aim is to work your way through each cell, clearing it of deadly viral swarms until you reach the boss (Nano-Core) for that cell level. Once clear you move onto the next until you reach the seventh and final cell.Each cell is broken down into hexagonal stages that must be cleared. With each hexagonal a variety of viruses can appear and attempt to take down your craft. Thankfully, you do have some serious weaponry that can be powered up to take on anything that comes your way. There are several types of upgrades but these only appear on screen for eight seconds, meaning that you must weigh up the risk of reaching them against dealing with existing opponents. Not only must you reach the power-up you have to destroy the canister within which it is held. At this point will you know what power-up is on offer- these can range from useful homing shots to extra lives or a 3-way shot. Merely shooting isnt enough to get your through each stage as Bluepoint have added a repulse weapon which is activated by either L2 or R2. This weapon is far from infinite and the payload must be used wisely normally when the odds are against you and the virus is swarming in from all sides.Controlling your craft could not be easier, especially if youre a veteran of Geometry Wars. The left analogue stick controls your movement, while the right stick allows you to shoot in whatever direction you dictate. For the initiated this does take a few turns to sink in, as shooters are primarily top down or side scrolling. Blast Factor allows you total freedom within the game area, just like that other game. So wheres the twist we hear you ask? It would have been too easy for Bluepoint to stop right there and fail to take advantage of the motion sensing capabilities of the SIXAXIS controller. These cells are full of fluid and in Blast Factor there are viruses that cannot be overcome initially by gunfire due to their armour, but like a jellyfish they possess a weak underneath. Shaking the controller creates a tidal wave that can flip such opponents. Only then can you actually inflict damage before they correct themselves after a few seconds. The skill is trying to maintain control of your craft whilst shaking the controller, or manoeuvring to find a moment to do so. The difficulty grows as you progress and never feels harsh. Blast Factor also has that one more go quality prevalent in the best arcade releases. The Grudge Match Mode also allows you to take on friends, with a co-operative mode also being available. For the seriously skilled the AT and 2xAT modes ramp up the pace of the game, creating a hypnotic killing frenzy that never pauses for breath. This is the home of champions and an ideal location to rack up high scores that are available online for others to overcome. Unfortunately the additional modes all rely on someone else being in the room with you to partake in the action. Being able to take on others online would have given the game a life beyond the few levels it offers.Blast Factor has the bonus of supporting 1080p and while it lacks the spectacular lightshow of Geometry Wars, the neon colour scheme is very subtle. The high tempo action is matched by a fluid frame rate that does not seem to dip even during boss encounters. While it lacks the draw dropping visuals of many full price counterparts, for 3.49 (until 23 May) it is a fine start to the PlayStation Store and a refreshing pit stop to keep on your hard drive.