As a gamer/writer I pride myself in owning nearly everything that can play a video game. Seriously, name it and I’ve probably got it (unless it’s one of those really niche devices). Still, the one thing that has alluded me is Nintendo’s DSi. I own a DS, but not a DSi as, at the time of its launch, I saw little reason to upgrade, something that I’m definitely regretting as a shmup fan today.

Cosmos X2, as stated above, is a shmup where you’ll be fending off an alien invasion. Blah, blah… insert usual shmup story here. Needless to say, you don’t play a shmup for it’s deep and enthralling storyline/plot. What you do play them for is their abundant action and weapons arsenal, of which Cosmos X2 certainly has.

Now the real question here is just what kind of weapons can you expect? Where in most shmup games the weapons are used in a completely offense-minded attack to destroy your enemies, Cosmos X2 takes a different approach. Your ship only comes with two weapons for each level and each weapon comes with a shield. As you shoot you’re weapon will deplete your energy for that weapon. However, as you defeat enemies your weapon will recharge. It’s a sort of give and take scenario, only the end result is everybody else is dying.

Cosmos X2 is available on the Nintendo DSiWare shop today for 500 points ($5).

Trailer