Rez HD Review

I missed out on Rez the first time it appeared on the Dreamcast, and also its subsequent port to the PS2. An enhanced version is now also available from Xbox Live Marketplace for 800 MS points and this time I’m not going to miss out.

The story is a simple one providing enough detail to form a setting for the game. In Rez, you’re a hacker infiltrating a super network controlled by an artificial intelligence. Known as Eden, the AI has recently begun to question the meaning of its existence and has started to shut down. Your task is to enter cyberspace and infiltrate the core to re-awaken Eden.

Rez HD is an on the rails shooter and thus the player has no control over movement as you follow a predetermined path through each level. Emphasis is instead placed upon aiming as you guide the onscreen laser reticle over swarms of viruses and projectiles holding down the “A” button to get a lock-on to each target. Up-to a maximum of eight targets can be simultaneously locked-on ready for a laser attack when “A” is released.

Throughout the game you can pick up a couple of different power-ups. The red “overdrives” are in essence smart bombs and when activated with a press of the “B” button clear all onscreen enemies for a limited period of time. In addition blue "progress items" can be collected to increase your evolution bar, which when filled will see your character evolve to the next form. The evolutionary form of your character acts like a life counter. Every time you are hit by a virus or projectile you will devolve to the previous form until eventually only appearing as a wireframe spherical object. Once in this vulnerable state if you’re hit again then the infiltration of the mainframe was unsuccessful and its back to the menu screens.



Visually and aurally Rez HD is a treat. Yes the graphics are simple by design mainly being a mix of wireframe and polygons, but splashed with such a vivid colour palette that they’ll burn themselves onto your retinas. Of course it’s all the more perfectly realised now it's all in high definition and in widescreen.

The background music, all trance, builds from the first tentative beats of the track to a full-on crescendo as progress is made through the level. Not only that but the sound effects for your laser shots form part of the music and vary depending on the number of locked-on targets. This all sounds excellent in stereo but if you have a 5.1 channel surround system hooked up to your Xbox 360 then this is the way to experience the game.

The game itself is short with the core of the game featuring only five areas, the first four of which are split into ten "layers" as you delve deeper into the network. To clear each area you will need to progress through each layer before finally defeating the boss at the end of the level. To help longevity there are some extras to play around with, once unlocked, including extra levels, additional game modes, and the ability to apply different visual or aural effects to the game. The original version of Rez (is this now Rez SD?) is included but is only really here for historical completeness.

Although Rez HD is short, it represents excellent value for money for what is one of the best Live Arcade games available at present. A game that attacks the senses and is perfect for a quick blast whenever the mood strikes. Sit back and enjoy the ride!