Better to Look At
Reviewed by CommanderVideo on or around 18th May 2012
I like the Pixel Junk games quite a bit. But I?m a huge fan of super tight incredible shmups as well, and while Pixel Junk Sidescroller is pretty fun, it ends up being too easy or too shallow, or too... I dunno... too something.
The thing is, there was something in Sidescroller that made me happy it was over once I beat it.
Of course, that?s not to say that it was a bad game. Certainly not.
But I think that it was more important to the develope...rs that the presentation was shit-hot, which it was. And I definitely appreciate this.
In fact, I would absolutely, without hesitation, buy a sequel to this game.
But if you?re looking for one of those shmups that pushes you to the limit, forces you to learn the ins and outs of its deep gameplay, and rewards you massively once you figure it all out, you?re better off playing something like Ikaruga, Mobile Light Force 2, or Xyanide.
Still, Sidescroller has something that those games don?t have, and that?s a design sensibility that is retro yet refreshing.
I just wish that there were more to the game. It did not leave me with the sense of accomplishment that I like to have when I beat a damn fine shmup.
And the Pixel Junk Shooter cross-reference somehow cheapened the whole thing for me. Which is weird, because I also enjoy the Shooter games.
Mind you, it?s arguable that you won?t have a good time playing this game with a friend. In fact, if you do decide to play it, I encourage you to do so with a buddy by your side. It?s much more fun that way.
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