Every Extend Extra Extreme (which will be called E4 for the sake of the reviewer) is a beautiful action shooter that blends music and visual effects into one. However, anyone playing the game for their first time will no doubt be very confused as to what is going on. Surprisingly, the gameplay is rather simple and ingenious once you get to grips with the concept and gameplay mechanics.
Starting the game you will control a ship which can detonate and destroy all enemies in your close proximity, causing them to explode. Their explosions will cause a chain reaction and explode other enemies around them. Killing enemies will drop a range of pickup items that extend time, increase speed, increase ship shield time and add additional bonus multipliers to your score. As the game progresses, the enemies will come onto the screen faster and the overall chain reactions can become rather magnificent.
The music will work around the pace of the game and the explosions caused by your ship or the enemies will develop a percussive background beat to aid the music. All of the sound effects and the music track will come together to create your own musical creation. From this, E4 puts a spin on the typical arcade shooter experience, of which is a welcome change.
Not only is the game challenging and enjoyable by default, but you will also get three additional game modes and a range of stages on all. You also get online multiplayer, some great achievements and leaderboards.
Allowing you to play against the time, free of time, with your own Xbox 360 tracks or even with bullets instead of explosions; it is clear that E4 is a fantastic package for 800 points.
