Rez

1UP (10 out of 10)

So, is Rez HD even worth it even if you already have the original? Absolutely. The way the game just comes together in this version can't be stressed enough. In HD, true synaesthesia has been achieved. Rez HD is one of the best games ever made, it costs around $10, and you don't even need to leave the house to get it. In over a decade of critiquing games I've never felt the need to say these words in a review until now: Just buy it.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (10 out of 10)

At the time of the original's release Rez attracted critical reaction ranging from unfettered recommendation to shrugging indifference: it was too new, too unusual, too unfathomable, too much the possibility of Emperor's clothes for some. But time has chosen to amplify the adulation, not the reservation and, as most of that reservation focused on the fact the game was short and expensive, they've been completely silenced by today's GBP 6.80 price point. Back in the day we said of the original: 'When Rez eventually turns up cheaply it will become indispensable, but until then it's a luxury.' Xbox Live Arcade is, then, our modern printing press: digital distribution transforming the expensive and exclusive into the affordable and inclusive. Joy has rarely come so reasonably priced and, whatever the price, videogames, rarely come so joyful. Indispensable, then.

Gamernode (10 out of 10)

When you look at Rez through the glasses of traditional game design and try to determine its "value," you might boldly declare that it's worthless because it only has 5 levels and a minimal amount of extra content. Now that the game costs a mere 800 Microsoft Points (roughly $10) and you no longer have to throw down $100+ to a shady dealer on ebay or even $40-50 at retail just to own the game, even those wearing those short-sighted glasses will probably find a great deal of "value" here. Everyone else will find that the brilliance of Rez isn't in some singular quality like graphics, but in the way everything comes together to create an audio and visual interactive experience that is uniquely its own. Sure, you can dissect the simplicity of an individual element such as gameplay or the lack of traditionally perceived "value," but you'd be missing the point.

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (A)

As shooters go, RezHD is not terrifically long, with five levels, each taking around 10 or 15 minutes to finish. But the finishing is not really the point. It’s the sorta game that encourages massive amounts of replay, unlocking new modes like Time Attack and Boss Rush. Perfection in a level is rewarded with new playable characters and you can even activate fun visual and audio filters to give the game a totally new look. RezHD is more like the sorta game you just have to show off. Gamers and non-gamers alike can’t help but be drawn to something so unique, and now that the graphics have been up-rezzed to HD, there’s no better way to trip out your big screen.

Gamestyle (10 out of 10)

For Xbox Live users Rez HD is the chance to relive a classic, experience something as fresh today, as it was six years ago. The game will not appeal to everyone, especially players who enjoy big epic titles or rampaging shooters with extreme difficulty curves. For the price of just 800 Microsoft points you can acquire a gaming classic and one that still is relevant in the high definition era.

Totally Gaming Network (10 out of 10)

As a final thought, it’s worth remembering that this game is an extremely reasonable 800 points. This seems amazing when you consider its stablemates and the fact that games like the truly abhorrent Feeding Frenzy or the dire Undertow cost the same. It’s also worth remembering that up until the XBLA release, Rez was pretty tough to get hold of so don’t miss out this time if you've never seen it before, go and grab this now as it comes with the highest recommendation.

Retro Gamer (99 out of 100)

We'd have happily paid 1,200 points for this, but 800 is an absolute bargain, particularly when you consider the high prices that the Dreamcast version still manages to fetch. All that's let for you to do now is to get hold of the biggest television you can find, close all the curtains switch off the lights, crank up the sound and lose yourself in one of the most breathtakingly wonderful games that has ever been made.

Atomic Gamer (94 out of 100)

Rez HD is a perfect fit for the 360 and its affordable 800 point ($10) price tag makes this one a must have. Well, if you really hate the rail shooting genre, and you hate electronic music, and you hate fun, then you might want to skip this game. Otherwise, pick it up now.

Jolt (UK) (9.3 out of 10)

Without games like Rez, Mizuguchi would never have gone on to create the likes of Lumines and Every Extend Extra, and for just 800 Microsoft Points, Rez HD is more than a mere bargain. Its music and visuals might not be to everybody’s taste, but it’s hypnotic, synaesthethic and addictive – even more essential today than ever. Melting your eyes, ears, hands and friends has never been so beautiful, or cheap.

4Players.de (92 out of 100)

Rez ist eines dieser zeitlosen Spiele, die man immer wieder aus der Schublade holen und stundenlang zocken kann. Wer einmal durch die faszinierende Welt aus organisch-technischen Gebilden geflogen ist, kann sich dem bunt leuchtenden Treiben auf dem Bildschirm nicht so schnell wieder entziehen. Um so erfreulicher, dass sich jetzt auch Xbox360-Besitzer durch den Cyberspace ballern dürfen – und das für läppische 800 Punkte. Neue Levels gibt es zwar nicht und außerdem haben geübte Spieler nach nur zwei Stunden den Endboss zum ersten mal besiegt. Doch danach es ist ungemein motivierend, noch viele Abende lang den Assault-Modus sowie die versteckten Levels mit allen möglichen Grafik- und Sound-Modifikationen zu meistern. Das Design und die Musik-Tracks des Originals wurden zum Glück nicht angetastet. Doch die auf eine hohe Auflösung aufpolierte Grafik steht dem Spiel gut zu Gesicht und auch die subtile 5.1-Abmischung ist gelungen.

AceGamez (9 out of 10)

Whether you played Rez back in 2001 or missed out on it, you should snap up Rez HD. The same creative gameplay, visuals and music are still there, along with some welcome additions that are sure to satisfy those who have played the game before. Sure, Rez HD isn't perfect; although the gameplay is fun, it may be too simple for some, and it doesn't offer a whole lot after completion. But for 800 Microsoft points, Xbox 360 owners are getting a fantastic game that is up there with the very best that the Xbox Live Arcade has to offer.

videogamer.com (9 out of 10)

Games aren't art. Games like Rez laugh in the face of art. Mizuguchi's creation looks up at art from the gutter and sneers. Even the most modern, pretentious, sensationalist piece of art can't hope to rival Rez's bold blend of craftsmanship, fun, interaction and sensory tantalisation. While art hangs on the walls in plain white rooms, Rez is out in the playground and at the front of the rave, and you're obliged to join it.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (9 out of 10)

Kick out the missus, get on the big telly and turn the bass all the way up and you're in for an hour chock-full of some genuinely iconic gaming moments.

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (9 out of 10)

This is a truly different breed of game and it's unmatched in terms of style. If you've still got the PS2 version, it's definitely worth the upgrade to HD for the superior video and audio. If you haven't played any version of Rez, what are you waiting for? This is a fantastic shooter, and one well worth owning.

GameDaily (9 out of 10)

Although it'll take you a few hours to beat the main quest, Rez has plenty of extras. Along with the option to choose between Rez HD and the original game, you also earn access to other modes. You have Boss Rush mode, where you run through the game's multiple boss battles non-stop; a Score Attack mode, which lets you compete for the highest point count possible; the two additional Trance Mission and Beyond levels; and numerous Achievements, most of which you unlock by beating the main game at least once. The game also lets you plug in three additional controllers for "Trance Vibration" support, in case you aren't feeling enough pounding through your hands. Other hidden features are unlockable as well, but we'll leave them for you to discover.

Gamer 2.0 (9 out of 10)

What Rez HD offers is an old-school feel with modern touches. It brings together the senses in a way that no other game has done before, and it does it in style. If you were one of the people who missed out on Rez the first time around, and that is a lot of people given how the game had a very limited release, you now have the chance to see what all the fuss was about. Rez HD is a fine addition to the Xbox Live Arcade and well worth the small asking price.

Netjak (9 out of 10)

For a long time, Rez was like the Underworld track that gave it the name - difficult to come by but very, very worth it. In a sense, it still is: Rez, the song, was a non-album track until Underworld released it on their 2000 live album Everything, Everything. The advent of digital distribution has brought both song and game into a more mainstream prominence; iTunes lists the album in the top 100 for Dance/Electronic, and the Xbox Live Arcade now presents this masterpiece of gaming to one and all. There's no two ways around it. If you have an Xbox 360, you simply must try this game. Download the demo, see for yourself. Once you get a taste of synaesthesia, you're hooked.

DarkZero (9 out of 10)

To end then, a great shump with a simple mechanic but massively deep scoring system. Turn off your lights, turn up the sound and prepare to have your senses stimulated. So hard, so deep, so stimulating, so… Rez.

NZGamer (9 out of 10)

When all the elements work in tandem, this game is extremely immersive - particularly if you have a 5.1 system (or at least a subwoofer) and an HD TV. But don’t take my word for it – go download the demo right now. No seriously, right now.

Worth Playing (9 out of 10)

It's hard to really come up with any reasons to not recommend Rez HD to anyone with $10 and a penchant for fun, unique games. The premise and presentation may be a bit too "out there" for some, but those who aren't afraid to try something new will likely be pleasantly surprised. Furthermore, given the fact that there's a lot of junk polluting the gaming atmosphere, it's always good to support one of the truly innovative titles that actually manage to see the light of day. If you're on the fence about this one, then do yourself a favor and go ahead and take the plunge. You'll likely be glad you did.

UOL Jogos ( )

Ação e música são um só em "Rez HD", uma viagem intensa cheia de êxtase, abstracionismo e música eletrônica. A experiência proporcionada pelo jogo de Tetsuya Mizuguchi, criador de "Lumines" e "Space Channel 5", continua tão intensa quanto era seis anos atrás. É uma das maiores obras-primas dos jogos musicais em sua total plenitude, com qualidades visual e sonora elevadas ao máximo. Se você gosta de música eletrônica, aprecia o poder da linguagem jogos ou simplesmente sempre teve curiosidade de conhecer o jogo, "Rez HD" é indispensável.

Defunct Games (90 out of 100)

Not only is Rez HD unlike anything you've ever played before, but it's also one of the best looking Xbox Live Arcade games you can own. Even if you already own Rez on the PlayStation 2and Dreamcast, this Xbox 360 port is definitely worth checking out. Thanks to its interesting use of multiple controls, fantastic music and replay value, Rez HD is easy to recommend.

TTGamer (9 out of 10)

Rez is still as impressive as it was on its PS2 debut. The fact it is now a download on the 360 allows many more people to become enamored by its charm and extends the audience beyond the Playstation 2 which is sure to make a sequel all the more likely to happen. 360 gamers simply must play this.

360 LIVE (9 out of 10)

(...) Ist also alles im Handumdrehen erlernt und steuert sich auch herrlich genau. Noch dazu sieht »Rez HD« dank des abstrakten Neon-Looks nicht nur saugut aus, sondern passt auch wunderbar zum phänomenalen Elektronik-Soundtrack. Speziell für Besitzer einer 5.1-Anlage ein absoluter Ohrenschmaus. Damit auch Einsteiger sofort klar kommen, gibt's ein Tutorial-Video und den vereinfachten »Travel«-Modus. Für 800 Points also definitiv ein Kauftipp!

Thunderbolt Games (9 out of 10)

When you sit back and think, not much has changed in terms of how Rez will be received. It’s still a marmite game – a lot of you may be convinced that the folks over at Q Entertainment have been smoking illegal substances at some point in production. But if (like myself), you find that all the individual components in the game click into place and at all the right times, playing Rez will be an almost religious experience.

Xbox World Australia (XWA) (89 out of 100)

Rez HD is a perfect port that has maintained its beauty with age; even though compared to other arcade titles, it's still quite young! It's a truly engaging and immersing experience that, as the tag line suggests: 'needs to be played to be believed'. If you're an avid rail-shooter enthusiast, I do recommend you play Rez if you haven't already, because it will draw you in, only letting go when it's ready.

TeamXbox (8.7 out of 10)

Rez HD is a real blast, but more so for those who aren’t familiar with the original game. It may not be as strategic as Lumines but it’s more visually engaging, especially when taking full advantage of the, er, Rez upgrade with a suitable, er, HD television. Even if you get tired of Rez HD’s gameplay, it’s pretty exciting to see what Mizuguchi has in store aesthetically for the user as the levels progress. Definitely add this one to your collection if you find the visual experience of a title is just as important as the gameplay experience.

IGN (8.6 out of 10)

Rez is a cult classic with good reason. It's fun and different but perhaps a bit too wacky for its own good. The mass market might not "get" the experience. Regardless of what side of the fence you sit on, this is a game that is at least worth trying. There's simply nothing else like it on Xbox 360 or Xbox Live Arcade. The improved visuals are indeed pretty and though the new additions may be minimal, the game was pretty darn good without them.

Game Over Online (85 out of 100)

For those who have not been fans in the past, Rez can be a tough sell. Its unique style may be considered “too unique” for some and it is definitely not a title for the masses. However, the much lower price point of this new version may be the gateway for those unwilling to take the plunge before, and Xbox Live Arcade offers free trial versions for download should you be one of those who are “on the fence” about the whole thing. If you give it a chance you just might find yourself locked in the trance that so many have come to enjoy.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (8.5 out of 10)

Rez is the kind of rare game that due to it’s simple and focused outlook, it doesn’t really carry many (if any) flaws. However, it’s something that will limit its appeal. Along with the presentation, if a player doesn’t like on-the-rails shooters, let alone ones with a remarkably unique style, there’s not much here for them. However, for those with an open mind and/or an affinity for shooters or techno and electric music, they’ll thoroughly enjoy a remarkable experience. Furthermore, even if shooters as all the rage on the Live Arcade, there’s just nothing that comes close to what Rez has to offer. Even if you don’t buy it, it’s worth checking out.

GameSpot (8.5 out of 10)

Up until recently, copies of the original game have commanded hefty price tags from collectors or gray-market suppliers. Rez HD is offered on Xbox Live for the comparatively low price of 800 points, or $10. Given the sheer volume of content, the unique experience, and the pick-up-and-play nature of the game, it's hard not to recommend Rez to any shooter fan. Similarly, if you enjoy other Mizuguchi experiences and you don't have Rez, you owe it to yourself to download this one. If you already own a copy of the game on the Dreamcast or PS2, online leaderboards and a slick facelift may not be enough to make you want to drop another $10 on a game that is seven years old.

GameCola.net (8.2 out of 10)

However, for what Q Entertainment has offered in this remake, Rez HD is a winner.10 The gameplay has remained untouched since the game's original release seven years ago, and the HD visuals are absolutely stunning. If you don’t know if you’re really going to enjoy this or not, try out the demo. It takes you through the first level, all the way to the boss. If you like that, you will fall in love with this game. The atmosphere, the design—it’s all got classic stamped all over it in red ink. There is a reason people rejoiced when this game was announced to get the XBLA treatment,11 and now it’s up to you to find out why. Not only that, but your sore back will be no more, and you’ll find a new respect for our Commander in Chief. I promise you.

Gamervision (8 out of 10)

Rez is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the ears. Based on old school vector graphics (think Tempest or the original Star Wars arcade game), the look of the game is somewhere between Tron and the Lawnmower Man. Your enemies are blocky geometric creations, and while their poly-counts may not be that high, they are distinct and visually interesting. The environments, on the other hand, are pure techno-craziness, with tons of transparencies, pulsating lights and vector effects that make you feel as if you’re traveling through the nervous system of some massive computer network. In motion, the game is truly a sight to behold, as it doesn’t really resemble any other game out there.

Official XBox Magazine (8 out of 10)

Sure, the game's $10 price might not exactly justify its lack of multiplayer or short-lived content - Score Attack and a "story mode" (playable in HD or original low-res visuals). But Rez HD hits a rhythm that feels absolutely right for those willing to try something perpetually new, no matter what year it actually debuted.

MS Xbox World (8 out of 10)

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.

Gaming Age (B)

Unfortunately, all of this innovation - this non-standard game form- leads to another distinguishing characteristic of Rez; it's not for everyone. Actually, if trance/techno really bothers you, you won't like Rez HD. You just won't. In fact, it may even come across as annoying. If that's the case, you probably won't be able to play it enough to get into it, which means the whole experience will fall apart before you even get the chance to enjoy it. A real shame too, because for the rest of us, Rez HD is frickin' awesome.

Killer Betties ( )

In the end, Rez HD is a very good game, but perhaps one not so deserving of its cult status, as the game isn't terribly hard and the game is over long before you want it to be (sure, you can extend game time by going for Achievements and leaderboard scores, but for those who don't care about that they'll find no extra enjoyment or game time in those modes). If you've got the points to blow, go ahead and get Rez HD, otherwise you're almost certainly better off leaving the game to the videogame history books.

Wonderwallweb.com (5 out of 10)

By all means, if you’ve never played Rez, download the trial - it’s what it’s there for. “I couldn’t possibly recommend this game” is possibly a bit harsh. It’s different for sure, and it offers a big challenge. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s a very niche game. I personally feel it needs too many boxes ticked to be a ‘great’ game. I think Rez excludes a hell of a lot of people who are then looked down on with resentment because they don’t like something that is quite frankly, a pile of tosh. If you’ll allow me to open a can of worms…..I’m very cynical to the reasons why so many journalist proclaim Rez to be a work of genius.