I received this as a gift, but this is definitely worth their full $5 asking price.
This is a completely seated VR game. No large playspace needed.
While clearly made by a smaller studio, this game actually has a lot going for it. The game is engaging and fun. The main gameplay is a standard/basic Rogue-lite loop where you play the game from start over and over while gaining credits to upgrade yourself at the main menu, so that you are stronger and stronger for repeat playthroughs. Each playthrough has you start at lvl 1 and each time you level up, you pick from 3 random upgrades. This is the only place they added variety in your playthroughs. All enemy patterns, maps, and bosses are the same each time.
In essence, this means that in all other regards, this is a SHMUP style game. So you will be dodging bullets while attacking the enemies. It is entrancing and an enjoyable experience and I feel SHMUP fans will feel right at home.
I have NOT finished the game yet, so take my opinions with a grain of salt. My biggest concerns at this point are a lack of depth and dull start for each loop. While the gameplay and levels are enjoyable, it was fairly simplistic in enemy patterns, and the playspace you are allowed to move in feels a little small. Repeating the same starting level gets tedious pretty quickly as it feels like you have to grind the slow start to get to the more challenging levels. This gets more noticeable as you upgrade yourself. It also feels that almost all of the upgrades are just stat upgrades. I would have loved to see some that changed the runs themselves. (e.g. New weapons to use, new levels to go to, new enemies to fight, etc.)
Their map designs are fairly simplistic with a repeating landscape that you are hurtling forwards through. Notwithstanding, the maps really fit the vibe of the game and wind up looking great. I enjoyed the environments they designed quite a bit.
There was definitely polish put in on game experience. The main menu looks amazing and there is animation when you start the game. I always appreciate developers that put in these little immersion details. The visuals in this game are quite well done. Unfortunately the same can't be said about sound design. Some of the sounds get repetitive and don't sound great, such as some of the special weapon shooting sound effects. Nothing that can't be ignored/overlooked.
I'm honestly hopeful for a sequel or for the devs to surprise us with some other new fun experience. They truly made something fun and I hope they make more.
