I never got the chance to try out Nano Assault when it was released for the Nintendo 3D in retail stores. This was one of those shoot-em up games brought to you by Shin’en with the added bonus of the 3D effects. Then apparently, the Wii U got to see this type of action in Nano Assault Neo with all the glory of the high definition. Well now, the game is at it again with Nano Assault EX, this time as a downloadable-only title available within the Ninendo eShop. While this appears to be the enhanced version of the original retail title, one must ask: is there enough content and inclusions that will attract more players to Shin’en’s creativity?
In Nano Assault EX, the world is plagued with the Nano virus and it is up to you to find the cure. Specifically, you’ll be guiding your space craft through various planet as you journey across a diverse number of environments and crevices. In addition, you’ll need to go around and collect a certain number of DNA strands in each level as well as defend yourself against incoming organisms by blasting them to oblivion. There are also boss fights that are pretty difficult but engaging. While the premise the simple, the challenges and amount of fun are plentiful.
Getting down and dirty with Nano Assault EX, you’ll notice that the controls play similarly to that of a twin-shooter. You use the d-pad to control your ship while the four face buttons serve as your direction to fire your weapons. The L button will allow you to adjust the angle and spread of the projectiles you unleash. While the movement is quite responsive and the control scheme is pretty simple to get a handle of, using the face buttons for your projectile direction may seem a little awkward at first. But you’ll most likely get used to it soon enough. However, if you’re still wanting the true twin-stick shooting experience, then that’s where the circle pad pro accessory comes into play.
Diving right into the game, Nano Assault EX seems straight-forward in terms of objectives. Nonetheless, the amount of action is plenty with its arcade style approach. Furthermore, the amount of content packed in this title is abundant. Initially when you jump in, you only have the Story Mode accessible where you’ll be playing through level after level as the details of the plot unfolds at certain points of the game. For every level you successfully complete, you’ll be able to access in the Arcade Mode as an opportunity for you to go for a higher score. Eventually, you’ll also gain access to the Buss Rush Mode, where you’ll simply face boss after boss of insanity. And for those who want to punish themselves even further, the Survivor Mode is there to see how long one can last before he gets wiped out.
In terms of the audio, Nano Assault EX truly delivers. The music that plays all throughout the gameplay is very catchy and enjoyable, especially if you enjoy the electronic type of genre. Working perfectly along with that are the trippy audio effects of the weapons firing as well as the female voice that soothes while at the same time alerts you of the craziness that’s about to take place.
But the real star contributing significantly to Nano Assault EX’s successful execution is the visual presentation. The detail to all aspects of the game from the space craft to the environments is astounding. Every background literally leaps out of the screen thanks to the effective implementation of the 3D effects. The animation runs smoothly all throughout the gameplay. Despite the number of items showing up on screen, it still doesn’t appear to be cluttered. With the beautiful color scheme and excellent amount of detail, there’s nothing that’ll keep your eyes staring away from your screen.
While Nano Assault EX appears to be an upgrade to its previous retail version, it certainly earns its right to be recognized by players as one of the most extraordinary shooter by far for the Nintendo 3DS. On top of that, it’s available in the eShop for $14.99 which is a real bargain with the added content and improvements. Because of its impressive presentation and entertaining arcade-style gameplay, Nano Assault EX should be considered to be an EXcellent title to own.
