Super Stardust HD does remarkably well when it comes to its presentation. Although each stage roughly looks the same (with only slight differences with each of the planets), the asteroid animation looks superb in 1080p and the frame rate holds up for the most part. The weapon effects, clouds, enemy movement and explosions pack the screen with plenty of visual fireworks.
Along with a straight-to-the-point Arcade mode, Super Stardust HD also allows players to go through each of the five planets individually in Planet Mode. More planets would have been a nice touch, but these five include enough challenges. An online leaderboard updates high scores on-the-fly, so people can see how they match up against the community. Sure, a score of eight million might impress the locals, but it just can't hold its own against 115 million.
Two players can also team up in the enjoyable co-op mode, fending off the steady barrage of targets. Unfortunately, this particular part of the game can't be taken online, leaving those without a second SIXAXIS controller unable to enjoy it.
In spite of not having any online play or a bigger galaxy to cruise around, Super Stardust HD justifies its $7.99 price tag. Its visuals, gameplay and intricacy make it the best downloadable shooter available since Geometry Wars: Evolved – end of story.
Final Score: 9 (out of 10)
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