Controlling your pod is relatively simple with the analogs providing your trajectory and movement with the fire button in a very familiar place. There is no health or sheild bar, instead mortality is regulated via a heat bar. When you completely overheat the pod tumbles and falls to the ground. Sometimes you can save yourself if there is a means to cool off before you reach the ground.
By default you have the option of rapidly spitting out missiles or you can make use of homing missiles. Homing missiles add more heat and will need to be regulated. Along the way you will encounter a few power-ups and secret areas to mix up the gameplay. Later levels include lava and ice guns as well as armor types that invert or anti-magnetize the pod, each provide for some truly genius gameplay mechanics. The difficulty does ramp up a bit on the last several levels, but the bosses are easily dispatched if you keep your wits about you. If a friend joins you via local co-op the balance definitely falls in your favor as many of the smaller challenges are much easier with a buddy to lend a hand.
Graphics are very cartoon like almost in a Ziggy way and works well with the themes of the game. The game runs at a brilliantly colored 1080p with a rock solid framerate. The fluid physics are the best I have seen on a 2D game and near simulation quality. Water, lava and gases move with realism and offer interesting gameplay devices for each level. The screen transitions add a nice effect in a way that wasn’t available in the games that inspired this title.
PixelJunk is well known for showcasing electronic music talents and shooter does not disappoint. The rhythmic music sounds like a cross between Thievery Corporation and LTJ Bukem. The track selections while electronic have an organic quality work in tandem with the presentation. Most of the sound effects for the game have a very 1980s arcade sound to them that only add to the familiar feel.
Shooter is a great PSN download game with all the trappings of an old school side scroller classic. Yet by the end of the game it left me wanting more. Not just because the game is so well done, its very short. It almost seems there was a focus on delivering DLC. Most people will finish this game in a few sessions, granted that won’t be 100% but you once you beat it you will be revisiting old territory.
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PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
A fun tongue and cheek experience from start to finish. It’s over way too quickly. |
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