Regulators

This is a great game. Pascal overdid himself. I was afraid that it would be a frantic bullet hell. Like the old cannon fodder on the Amiga. But instead there really is some stealth and tactics there. Also all the small mechanics make everything more dynamic while not making it too complicated. Your assistant even can do some difficult work for you. Really interesting to see how this game evolved and surprised it ended up this great. Go buy and play this.

Probably the best OrangePixel game so far! This game is a great mix of a lot of my favourite things...and some more. Love the polish on this game.

Regulators is a standout indie gem that blends retro pixel art charm with deep tactical gameplay. From the moment I jumped in, I was hooked by its crisp visuals and tight mechanics. The pixel art is absolutely outstanding—vibrant, detailed, and packed with character. It perfectly captures the gritty, chaotic atmosphere of a city overrun by mutating villains. Gameplay is where Regulators truly shines. Every encounter feels strategic and rewarding, thanks to an excellent balance of weapons, gadgets, and unique superpowers. The game encourages smart play and experimentation, and it rewards you for both. The feedback you get as a player—whether through animations, audio cues, or on-screen prompts—is incredibly well designed and made learning the mechanics both fun and intuitive. The story adds another strong layer. While it keeps things straightforward, the narrative is engaging enough to give purpose to each mission and adds personality to your team of mercenaries. Overall, Regulators delivers a thrilling tactical experience that respects your intelligence as a player while offering plenty of fast-paced fun. Whether you're a fan of top-down shooters or just appreciate a well-crafted retro game, this one is well worth your time.

Regulators is an action-packed top-down tactical shooter developed by Orangepixel and published by Orangepixel together with HandyGames. Blending arcade-style gunplay with squad management and procedural mission design, the game delivers a refreshing mix of strategy and fast-paced combat. Its premise revolves around a city thrown into chaos after a mysterious alien substance known as Ooze begins spreading through the population, turning ordinary criminals into dangerous mutants. Players take command of a specialized enforcement team tasked with restoring order while uncovering the source of the growing catastrophe. What immediately sets Regulators apart from many indie shooters is its emphasis on teamwork. Rather than controlling a lone hero through endless waves of enemies, players recruit and manage squad members who contribute directly to mission success. These recruits are more than simple followers; they can be assigned specialized duties such as gathering intelligence, planting explosives, or completing critical objectives. As the campaign progresses, squad management becomes increasingly important, creating a rewarding sense of growth that extends beyond improving weapons and combat statistics. The mission structure provides a steady stream of variety. Operations range from hostage rescues and intelligence-gathering assignments to targeted eliminations and demolition tasks. Because objectives differ significantly from one mission to another, the gameplay avoids falling into a repetitive routine. Players are encouraged to adapt their tactics depending on the situation, whether that means carefully coordinating squad movements or engaging in direct confrontations with overwhelming enemy forces. The inclusion of procedurally generated mission layouts further enhances replayability, ensuring that no two campaigns feel exactly alike. Combat is both accessible and surprisingly layered. The controls are straightforward enough for newcomers to enjoy, but the game rewards thoughtful positioning and strategic decision-making. Enemy encounters often require balancing aggressive action with careful resource management, especially during tougher operations where poor planning can lead to costly losses. The shooting mechanics are responsive and satisfying, while the constant stream of upgrades and unlockables gives players a reason to continue pushing deeper into the campaign. A notable feature is the roster of playable heroes, each equipped with unique abilities derived from exposure to the alien Ooze. These powers provide meaningful gameplay differences and encourage experimentation with different playstyles. Some characters excel at mobility and evasion, while others offer stronger offensive or tactical advantages. Unlocking additional heroes adds another layer of progression and increases the game's replay value, allowing players to revisit missions with entirely different approaches. The visual presentation embraces a colorful pixel-art style that fits the game's energetic tone. Orangepixel's distinctive art direction gives the world plenty of personality despite its retro-inspired aesthetic. Character animations are smooth, environments are varied, and enemy designs effectively communicate the bizarre effects of the alien substance. Combined with a lively soundtrack and energetic sound effects, the presentation succeeds in creating a world that feels both chaotic and entertaining. Beyond the main campaign, Regulators includes several features that extend its longevity. Cooperative play allows two players to tackle missions together, making squad-based gameplay even more engaging. The addition of a level editor and community support provides creative opportunities for players who enjoy designing and sharing their own content. These features help transform the game from a straightforward action title into a package with significant replay potential. While the game excels in many areas, it is not entirely without flaws. The story functions primarily as a backdrop for the action and may not satisfy players looking for deep narrative development. Some objectives eventually become familiar after extended play sessions, and the retro visual style may not appeal to everyone. Nevertheless, these shortcomings are relatively minor compared to the strengths of the overall experience. Regulators succeeds by combining tactical decision-making, cooperative gameplay, character progression, and fast-paced action into a cohesive package. Its blend of strategic squad management and arcade shooting creates an experience that remains entertaining throughout multiple playthroughs. For players who enjoy top-down shooters with a bit more depth than the average action game, Regulators offers a compelling and highly replayable adventure that stands out within the indie shooter genre. Rating: 8/10

Got this to try due to advertised split screen co-op, but didn't even get to the point of trying it with a second player because: 1. the multiplayer option is hidden in the "press escape during gameplay" menu, which I didn't try until I'd already decided not to bother, and 2. it's clear that all the noisy most-of-the-screen pop-ups of disarm a trap, crack a safe etc. would be incredibly annoying with two players. They're already *quite* annoying with one player.

Orangepixel's best game yet! Oozing with charm, action and of course: chunky chunky pixels.

Great fun! Regulators has a super retro feel that takes me back to days playing the likes of Double Dragon in the arcades. Love the little puzzles and stealth features and your trusty sidekick, who can take care of baddies while you're down to your last HP. I've played a couple of hours so far, and died quite a lot, but the game has been pretty easy to get to grips with, and it feels like there are many more layers to uncover. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a quick blast of satisfying shoot-em-up action.