Spark

Spark is a 2D retro side scrolling shoot 'em up that's been slapped together with the godawful GameMaker Studio video game construction kit from Yoyogames. Gameplay consists of side scrolling shooting and dodging. The game has a mechanic where you have different kinds of ammunition that you fire, and the objective is to hit some of your bullets with other bullets to make them explode. As if you haven't got enough to do when playing a bullet hell shmup. PC gamers will immediately be insulted by the requirement to "push left thumb stick to move". I had a good long hard look at my keyboard and I couldn't see a single key that said "left thumb stick". Perhaps the developer has confused PC gamers with console peasants and requires use of a console peasant children's toy gamepad. If so, that's completely unacceptable. It also seems there's no keyboard controls, which makes this unplayable for any PC gamers who don't treat their elite gaming rigs as console peasant gaming appliances. I didn't spend thousands on parts to build my rig so I could pretend it's a Nintendo Wii or whatever the peasants are using lately. GameMaker Studio is a very poor quality game construction kit, and unsurprisingly results in products that have little to no value as games, especially when compared to the work of professional developers who create genuine products for gamers. Using a video game construction kit requires little to no talent or skill as a game developer. Very often, GameMaker Studio is used to make shovelware and lazy cash grabs, although in this case the game has been made completely free, it originally wasn't, the developer had their hands out for $7 for mucking around with video game construction kit templates. Oof. While this is free now (and I feel bad for anyone who paid real money for it), the quality is very low and this should be avoided, not least because of the insulting attitude of the developer towards PC gamers. If you're looking for a good side scrolling shooter, Sine Mora Ex is a good entry in the genre.

I'll start off by saying that Spark is a good game. It is an arcade style shoot 'em up with 3 different modes. Arcade-style means that your goal is to get to the highest score possible, and when you die... you have to restart. This means there is no real progression, the only progression is in your skills and how far you can get and how high a score you can achieve. I personally enjoy this type of game, but people searching for a compelling story and level progression should probably search elsewhere. Gameplay wise. Spark IS fantastic. The combo system is what makes this game stand out from other shmups. You have access to four different bullets, if you shoot the slower more powerful ones... you get exhausted fast. That means that you have to balance getting the big bullets out there for big combos, and shooting smaller bullets to keep the mobs cleared. When you combine the big bullets with the small bullets, you get COMBOS. Combos are what make Spark great, there are so many different combos, every time I play I feel like i am discovering new and better ways to destroy enemies. Also, it seeing the colorful explosions of bullets all across the screen is great and reminds me of fire works. The game is very difficult if you are not a shmup player. It seems to be balanced around knowledge of the combo system, so if you are not using combos it is likely you will get overwhelmed very fast. This can lead to a frustrating learning curve. After you get some combos/super combos down, the game feels more like a traditional shmup and is more about dodging and hitting big combos than anything. When you get to that point, it is super satisfying... but the road leading to that can be VERY hard for new players. PROS: [list] [*] Awesome and unique concept with the combo system. [*] Good enemy variety [*] High skill ceiling [*] AMAZING SOUNDTRACK (seriously I love it) [/list] CONS: [list] [*] Long tutorial [*] Difficult learning curve [*] No story or level/character progression [/list] Overall, I recommend this game. If you don't think its worth the price, just catch it on sale!

different modes skill and luck needed plus the code from the guide would recommend

Spark is an arcade-style shoot-’em-up developed and published by Knightmare Games, Limited that embraces the spirit of classic arcade shooters while introducing its own scoring mechanics and gameplay variations. Designed primarily around skill, speed, and replayability, the game focuses on delivering a fast-paced experience where the player’s performance and mastery of mechanics determine success. Rather than presenting a story-driven campaign or deep progression system, Spark centers on pure arcade action, challenging players to survive waves of enemies, chain together powerful attacks, and climb global leaderboards through increasingly efficient play. The core gameplay revolves around controlling a small spacecraft equipped with multiple types of projectiles. Instead of relying on a single weapon, the player can utilize four distinct bullet types, each with its own characteristics such as speed, damage output, and firing behavior. Learning how to use these projectiles effectively becomes essential for mastering the game. The different shot types allow players to approach combat situations in creative ways, combining them to create chains of attacks that destroy multiple enemies in quick succession. This system encourages experimentation as players discover which combinations work best against different enemy formations. One of the defining features of Spark is its combo-based scoring system. The game rewards players not only for defeating enemies but also for doing so in rapid and efficient sequences. Successfully chaining attacks together builds score multipliers that significantly increase the points earned during a run. Because of this system, the player’s goal extends beyond simple survival. Instead, the challenge becomes finding ways to eliminate enemies quickly while maintaining the momentum of the combo chain. This dynamic adds a layer of strategy to the otherwise straightforward shooting mechanics, transforming each run into a careful balance between aggressive scoring and defensive maneuvering. The game features several distinct modes that offer different interpretations of the core mechanics. The primary action mode places players against waves of enemies arranged in complex formations, reminiscent of traditional arcade shooters. In this mode, survival requires quick reflexes and precise movement as enemies launch patterns of projectiles that must be avoided while the player continues to attack. Boss encounters appear periodically, presenting larger enemies with unique attack patterns that demand careful timing and positioning to defeat. Another mode introduces puzzle-oriented challenges where the player must clear specific targets using limited shots or carefully planned attacks. These levels slow the pace slightly compared to the standard action mode and encourage players to think about how to use their weapons more efficiently. Instead of relying purely on reflexes, players must analyze the layout of the level and determine the best sequence of attacks to complete the objective. This mode highlights the versatility of the game’s shooting mechanics by showing that they can function not only as tools for combat but also as instruments for problem-solving. The survival-style gameplay mode focuses on endurance, asking players to withstand increasingly difficult waves of enemies for as long as possible. As time passes, enemy patterns grow more intense and the screen fills with projectiles that test the player’s ability to dodge and respond quickly. In this mode, the scoring system becomes even more important because high scores depend on maintaining long combo chains while surviving the escalating chaos. The pressure created by the constant threat of defeat encourages players to refine their techniques and gradually improve their performance. Visually, Spark adopts a bright and minimalist style that prioritizes clarity and readability during fast-paced gameplay. The environments and enemies are designed with simple geometric shapes and vivid colors, ensuring that players can easily distinguish threats even when the screen becomes crowded with projectiles and effects. Explosions and visual feedback accompany successful attacks, providing satisfying confirmation when enemies are destroyed or combos are executed effectively. While the graphics are relatively simple, this approach works well for a game that emphasizes speed and precision. The sound design complements the arcade atmosphere with energetic sound effects and rhythmic background music. Each shot fired, enemy destroyed, or combo triggered produces distinct audio feedback that reinforces the intensity of the gameplay. The music maintains an upbeat tempo that matches the pace of the action, helping sustain momentum during extended runs. Although the soundtrack is not particularly elaborate, it successfully captures the feel of a classic arcade experience. One of Spark’s greatest strengths lies in its replayability. Because the game is built around improving scores and mastering mechanics, players are encouraged to replay levels repeatedly in order to refine their strategies. Small improvements in timing, positioning, or weapon selection can dramatically increase a player’s score. This constant pursuit of better performance mirrors the design philosophy of classic arcade games, where mastery comes through repetition and incremental skill improvement. However, the game’s strong focus on arcade mechanics also means that it lacks some of the features found in modern action games. There is little in the way of narrative development, character progression, or long-term content expansion. Players seeking a deep campaign or a variety of evolving gameplay systems may find the experience somewhat limited. The relatively small number of environments and enemies can also make extended sessions feel repetitive once players have mastered the basic mechanics. Additionally, the difficulty curve may present a challenge for newcomers unfamiliar with arcade shooters. The emphasis on precision movement and rapid reactions means that early failures are common while players learn how enemy patterns work. For experienced fans of shoot-’em-ups, this difficulty can be part of the appeal, but casual players may find the learning process demanding. Despite these limitations, Spark succeeds in delivering a focused arcade experience that captures the excitement of classic shoot-’em-up gameplay. Its combination of combo-driven scoring, multiple weapon types, and varied gameplay modes creates a satisfying challenge that rewards practice and skill. The simplicity of its presentation allows the mechanics to take center stage, emphasizing the importance of reflexes, timing, and strategic use of weapons. Overall, Spark stands as a solid example of a modern indie game inspired by traditional arcade design. While it does not attempt to reinvent the shoot-’em-up genre, it provides an engaging and challenging experience for players who enjoy competitive scoring and fast-paced action. For fans of classic arcade shooters and players who appreciate games built around mechanical mastery, Spark offers a rewarding and replayable challenge. Rating: 7/10

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Challenging game but would recommend

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