The shoot em up. Some love it, other don’t. Regardless of where your loyalties lie, however, you can’t argue that the venerable shmup genre has become home to some of the most iconic games in history. Games like Space Invaders and Galaga pioneered the genre back in the 80s. Since then the genre has come and gone in waves.

Well, this week, a new one came out called Crossfire, the second XBLIG title from Radiangames. While it might not do anything terribly different, or innovate the genre in any meaningful way, the game is not without it’s own sort of charm.

Crossfire, as stated above, is a shmup. In fact, unlike most modern smhups out there today, I’d actually say the Crossfire hearkens back to the original Galaga/Space Invaders formula most, with a special emphasis on the Space Invaders type gameplay.

The concept is pretty simple. There are waves of enemies attempting to kill you, you simply have to kill them first. Of course, the caveat is that you are able to warp between the top and the bottom of the screen in order to shoot them from behind if you’re finding it’s just getting a little too hot on one side.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy by any stretch. The warping ability is simply a mechanic to liven up the gameplay of this well worn genre. In no way does it actually make things easier. In fact, I’d say it might make things more challenging. Which is a good thing, mind you. Challenges are why we play games in the first place.

Finally, I can’t help but comment on Crossfire‘s amazing style. Like Radiangames’ previous title, JoyJoy, Crossfire looks beautiful. With all sorts of neon colors, and bright lights swooshing around, you’d have a hard time finding another XBLIG title that is as graphically pleasing. My one complaint is that, during my trial, most of the enemies were only a couple of colors, which could get a little bland.

Still though, Crossfire is only 240 MS points ($3) which means it’s a far better proposition than, say, buying Galaga Legions which is currently 800 MS points ($10). And, honestly, it’s a better game too.

[Buy/Try]

[My impressions are based off the trial and do not necessarily reflect the full game.]

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