[Review] Nano Assault (3DS)

In recent years, twin stick shooters have gained quite the popularitywith games like Super Stardust HD andBangai-O HD: Missile Fury. Often,they involve futuristic concepts and larger than life proportions. Nano Assault, the third game in the Nano series from Shin’en, goes the otherdirection and takes players within to fight on the surfaces of infected cells. Likethe unexplored depths of the ocean, this proves to be just as interesting ajourney despite it being so close to home.

Each mission sends players to a different cell or part of abody to fight off infections, but players may soon forget this after severalmissions. Every level is satiated with cosmic colors rather than the dull, darkred that players would expect to find in their own bodies; if it weren’t forthe non-spherical structure of the cells that the Nanite fights on, I couldhave easily thought this game had taken place in space. Stereoscopic 3D visualsare put to great use here; the depth of field truly gives the trek around the cellsa magnificent view. It may take some getting used to and may be a bit dizzying atfirst, but once players get used to it, NanoAssault could be one of the most beautiful games on the 3DS.

While the sound effects themselves are nothing to write homeabout – many of which mirror the generic laser sounds science fiction isridiculed for – the soundtrack matches the game’s tone and becomes a key partof the experience. The eerie tone of the music appropriately conveys themystery of the microscopic world while featuring a high paced rhythm that eggsplayers on.

Aside from the 3D twin shooter control levels, the game alsohas levels that take place on a 2D plane and others where it acts as a thirdperson shooter. The former are generally designed well, keeping in mind the Nano series’ 2D roots. Though movementis restricted to two dimensions, players will be able to shoot and shot at inthree dimensions, retaining the game’s twin stick mechanics. The third personshooter levels are intense, often throwing projectiles and obstacles at theplayer at high speed, requiring quick defensive shots or maneuvering. Theexecution of these levels, however, is somewhat of a bust. Enemy shots’distances are often hard to judge, leading to delayed maneuvering and consequentialdeath, and both piloting and the aiming reticle are handled by the analogstick, which had me compensating and aiming at a group of enemies again afterdodging. Luckily, collecting blue gems dropped by enemies give players extrastarting lives, which make the occasional accidental Nanite death more passablethan frustrating. With each life, players get a full refill of special weapons that can be expended freely, robbing the game of its intended difficulty.

Though the twin shooter segments may be what draw gamers in,the boss fights are what keeps them in and take place primarily on the thirdperson segments. Precluded by long segments of exploration and trivial enemies,boss fights are also featured in an unlockable boss attack mode. Often, thesebosses throw cleverly placed projectiles towards players, requiring alertmovement to survive, not unlike the shooters of yesteryear.

The 3DS and its controls may not be the perfect setup for a twin stick shooter, but this game proves that we can still have one on the system. Visually breathtaking and a trip to microscopic levels that players may not have even fantasized about before, Nano Assault is as much an immersive journey as it is a captivating game. With only a few blemishes under its belt, this is definitely a worthy addition to any 3DS library.

Available on: 3DS; Publisher: Majesco Games; Developer: Shin'en; Players: 1; Released: December 5, 2011; ESRB: Everyone; Official Site

Note: A retail copy was provided to Denkiphile for review purposes by the publisher.