12DOVE Verdict
Pros
- +
A unique blend of two game types
- +
Plenty to do
- +
given your limited input
- +
Always a challenge
Cons
- -
The difficulty is unfair
- -
Bad luck = you lose
- -
When the timer runs out. Argh
Why you can trust 12DOVE
Ikaruga. Know what it means? We'll give you a moment. If you're still stumped, then you probably don't care about Odama. The very definition of a niche title, Ikaruga is a game that few non-hardcore gamers know about, a top-down, GameCube shooter that's as challenging as it is beautiful -and it's very beautiful. The point is, if you didn't track down Ikaruga and then spend hours mastering each and every level of that punishing but polished game, then you probably aren't going to want to spend the time and effort it takes to deal with Odama's bizarre mixture of pinball and strategy either. It's in the same class.
More info
Genre | Strategy |
Description | Forget logic, just enjoy the strategic and arcadey fun, as pinball meets strategy. |
Platform | "GameCube" |
US censor rating | "Everyone 10+" |
UK censor rating | "" |
Release date | 1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK) |

The Baldur's Gate 3-themed Stardew Valley mod that Larian boss Swen Vincke called "amazing" gets DMCA'd by D&D publisher Wizards of the Coast

After PlayStation boss praises Nier Automata as a savior for Japanese games overseas, Yoko Taro says he was specifically told to focus on Japan because it wouldn't fly overseas

"Should JRPGs be considered a distinct genre?": Lunar icon Kei Shigema reflects on the genre with new remasters on the way and how RPGs have changed 33 years later