Nanostray - First Play

Approaching the Sekihi Belt, the first asteroids are coming in sight. I arm my seeking lasers to help track the shifting rocks. As first contact is made, I can’t help but wonder at the sights that are before me. The craters and textures of these rotating monstrosities are just phenomenal, and in the split second I get caught up in their majesty the first fighters flurry into an attack formation reminding me that the universe’s obstacles are not what I came to overcome.

I slide on my headphones and let the synthesized beats guide me into a zone where the intensity of my surroundings becomes a dance. Through deft maneuvering and thoughtful use of weaponry the task to reach the end and defeat the guardian machinery seems possible. There are four primary weapons at my disposal each with their own unique secondary and quite devastating attack. All of these weapons are immediately at my disposal. However, the secondary weapons require use of rechargeable energy and therefore must be used wisely and the energy left by destroyed enemies collected swiftly. Finally, there is the small battery of smart bombs, which eradicates all that surrounds me that I may choose to employ. These must be used cautiously as their numbers cannot be replenished.

Like a roller coaster the terrain below rises and falls and sways side to side as I make my way towards my goal. The action is intense yet like most similar missions, there is a soothing flow that can be found to make the moments metronomic. And then the end, the giant craft that must be defeated to rid this corner of the universe of its evil rises through the alarms of a warning. I quickly press the instrument panel below to scan the craft to reveal its weak points and then choose the weapon that I feel will bring me a swift victory. Now as the warning alarm subsides and the music in my ears kicks in, I unleash.

The Sekihi Belt was one of eight zones that I have battled through in my adventures. Overall, it was a rather short but incredibly satisfying experience. The sights you will see and the sounds you will hear are worth reliving and maintain an awe that will surprise you. In addition to the adventure, there are numerous challenges that remain including tallying new records to rank myself against my peers in the galaxy and other goals set for me to master in an effort to improve my skills and solidify my place in piloting history.

The experience of Nanostray is an excellent one. This showpiece of sight and sound demonstrates the capabilities of the hardware and is a testament to the fact that there is a time and place for innovation and for how something familiar done right can be so satisfying.