Game review: Super Stardust Ultra

Oldies tours make big money on the concert circuit, and gaming oldies can go the same way when they're done well. Super Stardust Ultra aspires to be one of those, now landing on the PlayStation 4 via the PSN with a shiny paintjob and the kind of visuals only Keith Richards might be able to see naturally.

If you know Stardust, this is Stardust with polish but essentially the same dual-stick, spherical space experience long-term players know - with only minimal modern twists.

The interactive streaming promises a kind of arcade throwback element where, instead of another player dropping 20c in the slot to help you out, a viewer on Twitch could send you some aid remotely - or call in some more enemies to mess with your intergalactic flow. It's not quite the same premise as some munter leaning over the cabinet with their hot dog sauce dripping on the glass, but there you go. Super Stardust Ultra is not a leap ahead of Super Stardust HD, but only hardcore space shooter fans are likely to mind, or even notice.

This game would be a distraction for many, not a devotion, and unlike the Rolling Stones, this is likely to gather moss.

Platform: Playstation 4 (via PlayStation Network)
Rating: G

- nzherald.co.nz