Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic twin-stick space shooter has only inanimate zapping.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Super Stardust Delta
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
SUPER STARDUST DELTA, a traditional space shooter available only through the PlayStation Store, makes use of the Vita's twin thumbsticks: one to guide a ship as it glides across the surfaces of heavenly spheres, the other to control the direction of the energy weapons you fire at deadly asteroids and enemies. The front and rear touch screens are used to initiate special attacks, and players can quickly tilt the Vita to the left to launch an electromagnetic pulse bomb. Slower tilts shift the camera angle by a few degrees in different directions. You work through multiple missions on five separate planets, going up against a boss enemy at the end of each. Scores get posted to online leaderboards, and a new mini-game is unlocked each time the player completes a new planet.
Is It Any Good?
The exorbitant cost of Vita memory cards means you're generally much better off buying games retail than downloading them, but this shooter -- only available via download -- is well worth the memory. Its controls are instantly accessible and it's easy to get hooked on its simple but challenging play. Plus, its explosive visual design and pounding music are a treat for both eyes and ears.
It won't take most players too long to work through all five planets, and the mini-games don't add a lot to the experience (they're more like quick tech demos -- one simply involves destroying asteroids by pinching them using the front and rear touch surface). However, it costs just $10, and the replay value is terrific for players who take satisfaction in working toward higher scores.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about real-world instances in which reflexes are important. Swatting flies, hitting a baseball, and driving a car are all examples of situations in which hand/eye coordination can play a vital role.
Families can also discuss how to develop and foster patience. Some challenges in both video games and the real world are difficult and take time to overcome. What are some examples in your life in which patience, determination, and perseverance have paid off?
How is playing on the PS Vita different than playing on other consoles?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation Vita
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release date : February 22, 2012
- Genre : Arcade
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 28, 2022
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