A little over two years ago, not many gamers knew FuturLab. The UK developer had released a few small projects, but it was the PlayStation Mini, Velocity, that put the developer on the map. Last year saw an updated version of the game, Velocity Ultra, released on PC, PS3 and PS Vita. All three versions featured updated graphics, and the Vita version also added touch support. This year, FuturLab shipped a proper sequel, Velocity 2X, which continues the series' trademark gameplay and adds some platforming elements.

Picking up where Velocity left off, Velocity 2X continues the story of Lt. Kai Tana. Critically injured and left for dead after being sucked through a black hole, Kai is rescued by Ralan, an alien whose people have been enslaved by the warlike Vokh. Ralan saves Kai from dissection by Vokh scientists, and the unlikely pair decides to take the fight directly to the Vokh.

Velocity 2X starts out with a handful of stages meant to emulate the original game. This serves as both a tutorial for new players as well as fostering a sense of familiarity for returning veterans. The combination puzzle/shooter mechanics are fully intact, with high scores requiring quick thinking and quick reflexes. Simply shooting all the enemies may be enough for other games, but not here.

What makes Velocity 2X special (and so addicting) is the delicate balance between combat, rescuing prisoners and speedrunning. Achieving any one of these goals is easy enough; achieving all of them simultaneously is where the challenge lies. In that regard, playing Velocity 2X is somewhat reminiscent of the original Sonic the Hedgehog. Your first time through a level is bound to be clumsy and awkward. After playing for a bit, the muscle memory sets in, and the initial clumsiness is replaced with the grace of a prima ballerina going full throttle through every obstacle.

This balance is carried through to the platforming segments, which take Kai out of her ship and drop her into a side-scrolling adventure. On the surface, these two styles may seem quite different, but the team at FuturLab deftly converted all the key elements and crafted an on-foot experience that is almost as finely tuned as when you're flying around in a ship. I say "almost" due to the way the long-form teleport works while on foot. Kai is forced to stop, use the left stick to aim and then throw the telepod. By itself, the mechanic is sound, but it interrupts the elegance of a speedrun with a forced stop.

Teleporting is a key element of Velocity 2X, especially in the later levels. Early on, teleporting merely offers up a speed advantage, but at a certain point, you'll be blocked from progressing if you don't use it. For example, there are certain areas where Kai has to shoot a series of targets while falling and then teleport back to safety before hitting a lava pool below. There are also Vokh warriors who can only be damaged if Kai teleports through their shield (to disable it) and then shoots them in the back.

Mastering some of the more precise teleports is one of the biggest challenges in Velocity 2X, but it's also where the Vita version shines. Unlike most cross-platform games, Velocity 2X was designed with the Vita as the lead platform. While there is a PlayStation 4 version of Velocity 2X, only the Vita version offers touch teleport while in your ship. Touch teleport offers up an amazing level of accuracy, which helps throughout but becomes incredibly useful during the final few stages. The bits that Chris called out as frustrating in our PlayStation 4 review of Velocity 2X work fabulously on the Vita.

Because of the reliance on speed, Velocity 2X has to maintain a solid frame rate, and it does so without issue. Movement is always smooth and fluid on the Vita, and the game never makes you feel as if you are fighting the controls. There were times (while on foot) that I did wish the short-form teleport had just a hair more range, but otherwise, there is little to complain about.

Visually, Velocity 2X shines on the Vita with artwork that is designed for the Vita's native resolution and a sharp anime style that complements the story interstitials. Although the plot elements aren't incredibly deep, the artwork used to illustrate the story sequences is easily poster quality. FuturLab could take any number of these, blow them up to poster size, and sell them as framed prints. It's too bad the in-game art viewer doesn't allow you to completely remove the UI, as they would make for some slick system backgrounds.

With most PSN exclusive titles coming in at $14.99 or less, Velocity 2X is on the pricey side given its $19.99 MSRP. For someone who has mastered the original, it's worth the cost, but if you're new to the series, Velocity Ultra may be a better place to start. By the time you're ready for Velocity 2X, there will likely be a sale.

Combining the best elements of arcade-style gaming, Velocity 2X feels like a game with the soul of the '90s and the tech of the current generation. As the saying goes, Velocity 2X is easy to learn and difficult to master. Getting to the end of the story isn't a challenge. The challenge is doing it with a perfect on every level — but that's the whole reason for playing.

Score: 9.0/10

Editor's Note: Check out the Velocity 2X OST 3-Track Preview