Star Ixiom

The story mode pulled me in way more than I expected for a space shooter, and cruising through those missions between the battles keeps the pace just right. Visuals are a nice step up from the older titles too, though it's the way the narrative threads through the gameplay that really sells it.

The explosion effects are genuinely impressive, and the space cruising missions feel much more engaging than in older games. I've been playing through the story mode and it's surprisingly immersive for a shooter.

The explosions alone are worth the price—they're so detailed you'll lose track of the mission for a second. Story mode actually pulls you in, which is rare for this genre, and the space cruising between fights gives you a breather without feeling boring.