XBLIG Review: Infinity Danger

The number of potential dangerous spots here certainly isn't finite.

By: Uma Smith

To be placed in a dangerous situation can be unsettling. Imagine being at risk of losing your life or your loved one. Damage would follow suit, which would ultimately lead to a long-term drastic effect. But for some, danger brings about thrills that can leave a sense of satisfaction. Perhaps this explains the appeal to video games. They engage players in a challenge that can bring danger to their characters’ lives or, worse yet, their reputation! But once successfully overcome, it leaves a sense of accomplishment. Video games can actually simulate the danger without fear of physical damage. If that’s the case, then players can rejoice as game developer Milkstone Studios has brought an infinite amount of danger with its latest Xbox Live Indie Game, Infinity Danger.

This particular title has really made its mark in the shooters genre. Rather than having the usual mass of enemies flying left, right and center bombarding you with their gifts of bullets, there is just one enemy taking up a majority of the screen that consists of up to seven different kinds of weapons, including laser cannons and gun turrets. Therefore, players must focus on attacking certain parts of the boss and progressively make their way to its vulnerable core where it can finally be eliminated.

As you progress from one battle to the next, the game actually takes note of and analyzes your performance, thereby resulting in the bosses constantly evolving according to your skill level. Executing and adjusting your strategies is critical for achieving victory over these enemies. The AI behind this game is impressive as later levels increase in difficulty as they learn and exploit your weakness during battles. Since your enemies are evolving, you must do so as well.

Chaos is the premise of Infinity Danger as you will face a constant barrage of bullets and projectiles that pepper the screen, forcing you to dodge like crazy to survive. An effective way to return the favor is by aiming for the appendages, specifically at the spots where they connect to the bosses’ main body. This makes the attacks more effective and efficient as doing so will destroy everything attached.

But with all the dangers that lurk ahead, how could one possibly survive? Well, do note that Infinity Danger equips you with unlimited lives, which means that the number of ways to die in one sitting is practically infinite. However, there is also a time limit, so thinking outside the box and working fast is very important. More points are rewarded the quicker the level is completed. Unfortunately, Infinity Danger does not allow you to continue. So once you fail to complete the level within the time limit, you will have to start over from the beginning, which can be incredibly frustrating if you’ve gone pretty far in the game.

Players who wish to exercise their bragging rights from their performance should be satisfied by the online leaderboards. This gives a good reason to revisit the battles to ensure that the high score earned as well as the global rankings improve or be maintained.

Controls are very straight forward. Typical of a twin-stick shooter, movement is executed with the left stick while aiming and firing is performed with the right. In addition, the left and right triggers serve to spread or shrink the attacks. One small complaint is that the right stick does not feel as smooth when rotating which can be a big issue during those critical times in battle.

Infinity Danger looks polished with its 3D-rendered graphics, providing a visually pleasing experience with all the chaos and havoc showcasing their impressive effects. However, upon closer examination, the background appears to cycle over while the bosses seem to look almost the same with just variations in shape.

As for the sound effects, they are acceptable and do what they are intended without standing out. With the music lacking in variety, it can seem repetitive and even serve as pollution to the ears. Fortunately, the game’s strengths compensate for this particular shortcoming.

OVERALL (3.75/5)

Infinity Danger provides simple gameplay that is filled with action courtesy of the bosses that constantly evolve according to your performance. Despite falling short from perfection on account of repetitive music and some recycled visual elements, the value is in the dynamic challenges, overall presentation and simple controls that are easy to figure out. For 80 MS points ($1), you too can experience the enjoyment from the infinite possible dangers that lie in this XBLIG title.