Traditional 2D-shooter games have fallen further and further from grace since the 3D gaming revolution in the mid 90s. The genre seemed to be dead and without innovation until Treasure came up with a unique gameplay concept. In Ikaruga, all enemy ships are either black or white, and fire black or white projectiles accordingly. The players' ship has the ability to change it's color between black and white; absorbing the projectiles of same-colored ships and doing double damage to opposite color ships. In addition, absorbing enough projectiles allows the players' ship to unleash a volley of homing missiles to wreak havoc on ships and bosses.

The game screen is a pleasant sight, with plenty of colorful and detailed 3D backdrops (despite your play in two dimensions). There's always lots of action on-screen, with extremely few instances of slowdown. The black and white color scheme of the game is oddly attractive, adding to the compelling and urgent atmosphere lacking in all but the best shooters. The sound, on the other hand, seems to be from 1993 instead of 2003. Explosions and projectiles sound weak and slightly muffled or filtered. The music is MIDI-like (similar to Metroid Prime's soundtrack actually, which is acceptable, but not anything memorable.)

Ikaruga can be accurately categorized as a simple concept that turns out to be an engaging experience. You'll have to consistently change your ships' color while moving and firing back at enemy ships. As fun as it starts out to be, it gets old rather quickly. Fortunately or unfortunately, the game is extremely short, and on its easiest mode can be completed in about an hour. This, coupled with a written-on-the-back-of-a-napkin storyline, does not give much replay value for the title. Hardcore shooter fans may be drawn to trying to perfect the game and beat it flawlessly on its hardest difficulty level; for those inclined, this is a must-have. For the rest of the gaming populous, a rental will suffice.