An Original Shmup

R-Theta 2 is a game that takes a new look at all the shmup games out there for GameMaker. Rather than taking the classic approach at simply moving a ship around and blasting aliens, this game gives almost a radar-like approach at the game. You move around with the arm that goes around inside the view circle and try to blast enemies as you move up and down the arm only and dodge enemy attacks. This makes the gameplay seem even more original than the graphics style itself.

The graphics are very simple, and seem to be done via GameMaker drawing functions. It works incredibly well for the game's style, which is a radar-screen, or even something that might appear on a graphing calculator. Really, this game is a creative way of using math equations to achieve a pleasing visual style.

The only complaint I can give is towards the menu music, which is incredibly funky and random; however, it's really just a matter of opinion and can suit the game's style nonetheless. There is no music during the gameplay, but it gives the right kind of atmosphere, almost like it's being played on the Atari 2600 or Commodore 64.

Overall, this is worth a download, and it's a simple game well-deserving of a life on your hard drive next to games like Solitaire, Minesweeper, or Pinball.