Review
Iridion 3D is one in a long legacy of shooters heavy on flash but lacking in any real interactivity. Those with long memories will be reminded of early laserdisc games like Astron Belt and Firefox, which overlaid sprite-based graphics on top of full-motion video backdrops. Iridion 3D offers a strikingly similar blend of attractive environments topped with what looks like pasted-on objects.
The fact the Game Boy Advance is capable of rendering such smooth pseudo-3D backgrounds is amazing, and the game serves as a great demonstration of the portable's graphical capabilities. The seven levels each have a distinct theme, ranging from outer space to molten lava, and look great in motion. But look closer, and you'll see that the background never changes while the scrolling terrain merely loops indefinitely until the end of the level.
The overall effect is successful, but it doesn't take long to realize Iridion 3D is nothing more than a glorified technology demo, as actual gameplay is essentially nonexistent. Because of the behind-the-ship perspective and the limitations of the GBA's small screen, enemy ships are tiny and impossible to distinguish from one another. You never really get to see what's coming at you; you just know you have to dodge everything and keep your thumb on the fire button.
The levels go on way too long, without any variation or sense you're heading toward a destination. The only foreseeable reason to trudge through the game would be to see what visual tricks the next level holds. One of the main features usually distinguishing one shooter from another is the power-up system, and Iridion 3D comes up short here as well. Weapon upgrades are collected in the form of different colored orbs, but their effects make little difference.
Because of the obvious effort that went into the surface elements of the game, Iridion 3D can't be completely dismissed. Besides proving it's possible to depict a fast-paced, three-dimensional environment on the GBA, Iridion 3D is yet another reminder of what gamers everywhere already knew: eye candy is no substitute for meaningful gameplay.
Graphics 
The game boasts great looking, looping backgrounds that scale smoothly. Enemy ships, however, are small and severely lacking in detail.
Sound
An exciting, catchy soundtrack enhances the dramatic feeling of the game.
Enjoyment 
Iridion 3D would benefit greatly from a larger screen and more variety. Aside from changing backgrounds, every level plays the same.
Replay Value 
If you put the screen really close to your eyes and concentrate intently, it's possible to play the game for more than a few minutes with the hope of seeing the next level.
Documentation 
The black-and-white manual features screen shots of each level and boss, as well as providing your only chance to see enemy ships up close.