NovaStrike coming to PSN in Q2 2008

A new independent game is coming to the PlayStation Network within the next several months: NovaStrike. Helping to fill the void of a genre that is practically nonexistent in gaming these days, this dual stick shooter is the first game developed by Tiki Games.

Before you yawn or start trying to count the number of other dual stick shooters that are released seemingly every other day, check out the features list (via Evil Avatar):

• Seven expansive challenging stages driven by objective-based goals
• Free-roaming flight: there aren’t any rails here, so players can fly in any direction
• Progressive weapon acquisition and upgrade system: as the player collects weapon drops from enemy ships the weapons themselves become available to the Scythe — there are nine base weapon systems, each with three subsequent upgrade levels
• Air and ground targets: two separate weapon systems allow the player to combat both air and ground opponents
• Multi-sectioned enemies where individual components can be destroyed; for example, carriers have hangars that launch fighters — these hangars can be destroyed independently of destroying the Carrier, preventing the Carrier from launching additional fighters
• Multitude of enemies and environments: players combat enemy fighters, bombers, kamikazes, aces, carriers, and destroyers, all leading to an end-boss fight
• You’re not alone: friendly fighters, bombers, and destroyers will aid you in your efforts to vanquish the Draelus invasion
• DualShock 3 support
• Continuing support: Tiki Games will be developing additional content for NovaStrike throughout 2008

A lot of that is what you expect to see, but the free-roaming flight sounds interesting. I can’t think of any other game of this sort that isn’t level-based or something of the sort, so that alone will at least make this one worth keeping an eye on.

FileFront has some new screenshots of the game up, which you can view here. Judging by the trailer above, it doesn’t look like NovaStrike will blow you away visually like Super Stardust or Everyday Shooter, but the all-out action might be enough of a hook to earn your money. Here’s hoping we get a demo.