Nano Assault Neo X (PlayStation 4) Review

Nothing has really changed since appearing on Wii U, so those that loved Nano Assault Neo a couple of years ago will likely still get their kicks from this thrill ride. Those that have yet to sample its delights, though, are certainly in for a treat. Whilst not the fastest shmup out there, Nano Assault Neo X does enough to raise the heart rate and cause palms and brows to start perspiring more than would be deemed the norm, especially in the latter parts of this space shooter.

The core game takes place across four worlds, each with four sub-sectors. A small selection overall, perhaps, but the difficulty level towards the end and sheer replayability thanks to the multiplayer and online leaderboards make for an addictive experience that belies its initial appearance of being bite-sized.

The idea of the main mode is to take charge of a tiny ship and exterminate any parasites roaming around cell clusters (yes, this is a highly zoomed-in world where objects normally only seen under a microscope are magnified considerably!), wiping out at least 90% of the critters in order to move onto the next area. Each stage is a small planet-styled environment, filled with all manner of other-worldly foliage, rock formations, energy fields and various other elements that make traversing a tricky enough process as it is, with the camera swirling around as flight (using the left analogue stick) is carried out and shooting (using the right analogue stick) commences to clear a pathway to victory.

Special additional weapons and bombs, plus satellite shooting accompaniments that can be pointed in any direction desired, help to make the action all the more exhilarating, and during the barrage of enemy fire being dodged there is the chance to collect currency for purchasing additional firepower, shields and even lives between stages, as well as picking up letters that spell 'BONUS,' triggering a tunnel level featuring nothing but hazardous obstacles and a plentiful supply of monetary tokens. Rushing to the end of all the 12 stages may seem too brief for some but the replay value is immensely high, with new modes opening up for those that make the effort, an addictive two-player option, as well as the draw of climbing online scoreboards to see who is the ultimate Nano Assault champion.