Occasionally here at Player2.net.au we will play something that deserves your attention but probably doesn’t need a full review written for it. Be it DLC for the latest AAA title, a little indie game or even an Android/iOS title. We play these titles for the same length as the average blockbuster movie (about 2 hours) and report back to you the reader on what we found. So grab your popcorn and settle in for the latest episode of Blockbuster Gaming.
Blockbuster Gaming – Super Mutant Alien Assault
Developed in Australia by just one man, this old school 80’s styled arcade game immediately put me in mind of the 20c pinball parlor I used to spend so much of my pocket money in as a child. This is a game that is dripping with nostalgia and anyone who remembers the sights and sounds of that era is likely to get a kick out of Super Mutant Alien Assault. This is both the game’s highlight and downfall. Let me see if I can explain.
The game is designed with that arcade mentality in mind. It is brutally difficult and I often found myself crying out for the reflexes of my youth. Taking my small robot through the single screen levels, fighting off wave after wave of baddies and trying to achieve objectives with a limited supply of ammo was an enormous challenge and as such gave me a huge sense of satisfaction every time I finished a chapter. It is the type of game that forced me into a zone, ignoring all outside distractions and focusing solely on the job at hand. It is not a game for someone who wants a casual stroll through outer space let me tell you.
This then becomes the game’s biggest criticism. Due to the nature of the title it is questionable whether it has the staying power to hold my interest for a long period. There is no doubt that I am enjoying my time with the game but I can see that once I have unlocked everything it will be very easy to forget and move onto something else for my Arcade shooter fix. I feel if it included some rouge-like elements the game could have held the staying power of something like Spelunky but as it is there is little incentive to keep coming back except to beat a high score.
However this failing is not a result of the very talented developer who put this game together. It is more a limitation of the genre as opposed to anything inherently wrong with the game. The controls are fast and responsive, the art style appealing and the randomly generated levels are all enjoyable to traverse. This is a well-built game and there is certainly enough here to entertain fans of the genre. I especially enjoyed the game’s soundtrack (which is about the only modern element of the game). I am not usually one for techno beats but in this instance it felt perfect within the game world.
With Super Mutant Alien Assault I have a game in my possession that achieves exactly what it sets out to. A highly polished, highly enjoyable arcade shooter that will have those hankering for some old school arcade action salivating with joy. There may not be much to keep players coming back in the long term but it is certainly a fun ride while it lasts.
Super Mutant Alien Assault is available now on Steam in early access.
Matt Hewson
