Nanostray is a vertical scrollingshooter video game for the Nintendo DS. The user takes control of a futuristic spacecraft against a horde of enemies. A sequel, Nanostray 2, was released in 2008.
Gameplay
Basic gameplay consists of first defeating waves of many small enemies and then greater, stronger enemies. When all enemies in a wave are destroyed, a blue powerup that restores the power weapon bar is released. Enemies can also release coins when destroyed, worth some points. At the end of each level there is a boss that represents the theme of the level. The game has three difficulty settings; Normal, Advanced, and Expert. Each progressive level diminishes the lives, energy, continues, and smart bombs replenished after the player loses a life. The Nintendo DS touch screen is used for boss scanning, radar, and weapon management.
Weapons
There are four different types of weapons. The weapons range in projectile type from a basic forward-shooting laser, to a weapon that only shoots to the side, to a forcefieldgenerator. Additionally, each weapon has a limited-use special attack, which, in essence, is a mightier version of the weapon's attack.
Modes
There are four game modes to play: Adventure, Arcade, Challenge, and Multiplayer.
Adventure: To unlock other features, the player must first play through adventure mode. Each level cleared in the Adventure mode is made available in the Arcade mode, and one or more challenges are added to the Challenge mode. The game allows the player to play the first three stages in any order. After these three stages are cleared, the player can do the same with the following three stages. Then the player must clear Chuuroh City to reach the final stage, Zenshoh Station.
Arcade: The objective is to score as many points as possible in advanced difficulty. When a stage is cleared, a passcode is generated, which can be entered in the official site to create an account and be ranked.
Challenge: A total of 22 challenges are presented. Challenges force the player to end the stages with different conditions, in example, a minimum score, without smart bombs, without using the sub weapon, with only one life, etc. Each beaten challenge adds a new "extra". Extras include background music, concept art, etc.
Multiplayer: Two players can compete in four different modes: 120s, 60s, 25k and Bonus Race. Since Nanostray supports wireless single card download, only one cartridge is needed to play.
Reception
Most reviews focused on the impressive quality of the graphics. Nanostray has an average Metacritic score of 71.
