The debate whether Rez is a good game or even if it’s a game full stop have just been re-sparked with the release of Rez HD for the Xbox Live Arcade. In case you've never played Rez originally on the SEGA Dreamcast or on the later released Playstation 2 version, Rez is a basic shooter, with vector throwback graphics; and although the gameplay is nothing superb this game always leaves me with a big smile. Just remember you can’t play this game on mute.

Gameplay:

Rez is at heart a shooter and not a particularly good one at that. You fly along, on rails, through different levels which are in turn made up out of different layers. To navigate your way throughout the levels you only need 2 buttons, which work in conjunction with the stick to aim. One locks on while the other launches a bomb like power up which clears the screen. That’s basically your controls. In case you haven’t already please take the term ‘simple shooter’ quite literally.
If all you care about is the gameplay then maybe you are missing a true gem and that’s not to mean that Rez’s gameplay is horrible, because it’s actually fairly good but it’s quite simplistic as well. To say that gameplay doesn’t matter would be stupid but here is your anomaly.

Graphics:

Considering the game is made up entirely of vector based shapes, this might sound bad but it gives the game a certain uniqueness. Firstly the game won’t age as fast as a normal game would, but secondly and most importantly it oozes character and charm.
If you did play the aforementioned original versions of Rez you’ll soon notice that there isn’t much new apart from the polished and cleaned up HD graphics. Don’t let this put you off, as without the new graphics this wouldn’t be the definitive version of Rez. The vectors actually look like true vectors instead of pixels, the shapes are clear and the action is easier to manage. It’s a good job they done a simple clean up of the visuals. They could have tried to re-invent the game with ‘next-gen’ graphics instead they’ve done the simple thing and it goes a long way.

Sound:

Fine, the game is up. Rez does have something to it and it comes in the form of some truly fantastic audio. Each level has its own song that it beats and moves along to. Your character pulsates along with the music and every in game sound effect is a snare or a synth key or any number of musical elements.
Then it starts to get really weird when you are popping along, essentially creating your own music, shooting vector shapes. This might sound like a very odd concept and it is, but it is something very special and very unique which makes Rez what it is.

Longevity:

A few of the achievements are quite hard to get, so this automatically extends the life of the game, if you want to nab them all that is. The fact that there are only 5 songs is quite limiting, but the amount of modes you can play on them expands it. You might not want to play this game for hours on end but it’s one that will keep you coming back for the odd hour here and there.

Overall:

Rez is a game with tons of character due to its initially innovative sound track, and although this idea has been used elsewhere, Rez still has its own charm and uniqueness that makes Rez HD a must buy for those on the hunt for something new. Even if you already own a copy in one of its previous incarnations, the clarity that the visuals provide is enough to warrant your cash the second time around.