The Best of Space

There are many space shooter games on the internet that are quite fun and cost some cash to download. Why spend money when you could play a game like this for free? Varia is a space shooter based on various (most likely the reason for the name) classic retro games. The game is simply visually incredible, and the gameplay is catchy and doesn't get old fast. Its gameplay surpasses rivals such as "Return to Sector 9" by employing "options", which can absorb and mimic enemy attacks. Time for the breakdown:

Graphics:
The graphics of Varia are absolutely stunning. The weapon effects are extremely cool--but the explosions and certain animations are better than almost any game of its kind. There is one moment graphical genius when the fabric or space appears to be warping...it’s jaw-dropping. I personally didn't think graphics like that were even possible in game maker. Nothing short of perfection.
****** 6/6

Sound:
There is an appropriate background track that fits well with the space shooter atmosphere. The sound effects are really well done and also fit the scene perfectly. There could be some variety in the music, but besides that the sound in Varia is excellent.
***** 5/6

Gameplay:
Another great thing about Varia is the gameplay. It's fun and addicting because of the "options", which mimic enemy attacks. This is what puts Varia above other similar high-quality games like "Return to Sector 9" in terms of its gameplay by adding another dimension of strategy to the shoot and dodge gameplay of many other space shooters. The only problem with Varia is that it is TOO SHORT! There are only four levels, which is not enough for such a well-made game. It starts off too difficult and ends too soon...I hope Kairos will build on this and make Varia a full and complete game. As strange as this sounds, I would also like to see even more variety in gameplay as the levels progress. Additional power-ups and/or weapons would make this game more gripping, something I'm sure Kairos is capable of doing.
***** 5/6

Story:
No story so far. I think it would be a nice touch to add some sort of plot, keeping the player intrigued.
* 1/6

Interface:
Varia has a beautifully fitting title screen that gives you everything you need to know, and the loading time is fairly quick for such a graphically demanding game. The controls are smooth and easy...don't know how much better the "Interface" could be.
****** 6/6

Overall:
Varia is one of the best games to date that I have reviewed. I consider myself a very picky reviewer, but there was not much to complain about here. I really do hope that Kairos expands this game, adding more levels, more power-ups (additions to the gameplay), and a storyline. While the general gameplay is stronger than that in "Return to Sector 9", it lacks the length and many features that its main rival owns. This has the potential to be perfect, so run with it Kairos!
***** 5/6