by Brian Duncan

Created on: April 10, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2008

Crystals of Altaxia 2

Crystals of Altaxia 2 (verybiggames.com) has a fair share going for it. The strategy required to get to the Altaxium crystals on a randomly generated map is simple enough to not be overbearing. There are three game modes that come into play when you encounter resistance in space. Though these games vary in style (there is a labyrinth that must be navigated, a Galaga-type shooter and an Arkanoid type pong game) they aren't very challenging and can quickly grow old.

The first fifteen minutes of the game are spent trying to figure out just what it is you are trying to do. With no introduction, the game launches itself into play leaving you to try and piece together the hints given by the help screen, which you can open and close without interrupting game play. The most helpful hints come from the computer's commander, who hints at your prime directive (collecting 1000 crystals) and informs you when a milestone has been hit, such as clearing the current screen of all crystals. Though after awhile this, too becomes redundant and you are forced to turn it off or go mad from reading the same messages over and over.
The game does have a feature that allows you to upgrade your ship with credits that are found on the screen and are awarded in the mini games. This, along with the desire to collect as many crystals as you can before simply giving up, makes the game addictive, if only for a little while.
The graphics are on par with some of the bigger name space shooters, lending 3D graphics and interactive ships (yours leans left and right when the arrows are pressed) to decent old school game play. The sound effects are your run of the mill space shoot em up soundtrack. While this makes the game playable for much longer than it would be without, it demands the question: why not spend a little more time on the game play and add some variety?
All in all the game is a good play and one that you will come back to time and again to build on your score and explore deep space. With a galaxy of randomly generated levels and possible warp trips across them, this could take you awhile.
If you're looking for a time killer that doesn't take a lot of thought and you can take and go as you please Crystals of Altaxia is the game you want. Despite first impressions, you will come back to it and play again and again.
This game scores a 3/5 for bringing it old school with a new twist and for being simple enough to become addictive.

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