Steel Alcimus

Steel Alcimus is a 2D retro pixel top down shooter that's been slapped together with the godawful GameMaker Studio video game construction kit from Yoyogames. It's got a military/helicopter theme that riffs off games like Raid on Bungeling Bay by a little known developer called Will Wright, who would later go on to make some other simple 1980's game called "SimCity", not sure if anyone has heard of that. Anyway. The game plays okay and there's a few gameplay mechanisms that innovate over the original shooters from the 1980's and 1990's that this is ripping off, so that's a plus. I would say if this was released in 1987, it would be very highly regarded. The problem is... it's not 1987 anymore. They chose to use obsolete retro pixel "art" as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics. It's unclear if this is due to lack of budget or talent, regardless, the overall visual quality of the game is extremely low as a result. Resolution is locked, but at least you can customise the controls. The visual flaws and locked resolution push this game far below minimum acceptable standards for PC. 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 is mostly free (the developer has their hand out for a small, optional donation). Nothing speaks more to a developers belief in themselves and their product than making their game available for everyone without remuneration. This is certainly a gesture that shows dedication to the gaming industry. It's a shame in this case that the implementation is below the minimum standards a dedicated PC game should offer to enthusiasts. There's no "maybe" option in Steam, unfortunately, but I hope to see more work from this developer, perhaps as part of a professional game development company that can make full use of their talents without needing to make budget/quality compromises like pixel art and using off the shelf game templates and construction kits.

мне понравилось

Лучшее что случалось с игровой индустрией! 11/10

Cool! but controls are a nightmare. great way to kill time. i like smaller games like this. pretty neat 8 bit graphics. im really into this developer.

Could be better

Steel Alcimus, developed by Hijong Park and published by PsychoFlux Entertainment, is a retro-inspired top-down helicopter shooter that blends classic arcade sensibilities with a slightly more structured, objective-driven approach. At first glance, it appears to follow a familiar formula—pilot a combat helicopter, destroy enemies, and survive escalating threats—but it distinguishes itself by incorporating mission-based gameplay that adds a layer of purpose beyond simple score chasing. The result is a game that feels grounded in old-school design while offering just enough variation to keep it engaging across multiple sessions. The gameplay centers on controlling the Steel Alcimus helicopter through a series of missions that vary in objective. Rather than simply clearing enemies, players are often tasked with specific goals such as escorting allied units, rescuing stranded personnel, transporting cargo, or eliminating key targets. This variety helps break up the action and encourages players to approach each mission differently. Positioning becomes crucial, as players must balance offensive actions with defensive awareness, especially when protecting allies or navigating tight environments filled with hazards. This objective-based structure gives the game a more tactical feel than many traditional arcade shooters. Combat is fast-paced but controlled, emphasizing movement and precision over overwhelming firepower. The helicopter handles responsively, allowing players to weave through enemy attacks and reposition quickly when necessary. As missions progress, the intensity increases, introducing more enemies and more complex scenarios that require quick decision-making. The game also includes a light upgrade system, where players can enhance their weapons or capabilities through in-game resources. While not particularly deep, this system adds a sense of progression and allows for some customization in how challenges are approached. One of the stronger aspects of Steel Alcimus is its mission design. With a wide range of scenarios and objectives, the game manages to maintain a sense of variety even within its relatively simple framework. The inclusion of allied units further enhances this, as players must sometimes coordinate their actions or provide support rather than acting independently. These elements add a layer of depth that goes beyond the basic shoot-and-survive formula, giving the gameplay a more dynamic and purposeful feel. In addition to the main campaign, the game offers an alternative mode focused on continuous survival. This mode strips away structured objectives in favor of a more traditional arcade experience, where players aim to last as long as possible while dealing with increasingly difficult waves of enemies. It serves as a complement to the campaign, appealing to players who enjoy testing their endurance and improving their performance over repeated attempts. While it does not introduce new mechanics, it provides an additional way to engage with the game’s core systems. Visually, Steel Alcimus adopts a minimalist 2D style that prioritizes clarity and functionality. The environments and units are simple but easy to read, which is essential for a game that often fills the screen with movement and action. While the graphics lack detail and visual flair, they effectively support the gameplay by ensuring that players can quickly identify threats and navigate the battlefield. The presentation is consistent with its retro inspiration, focusing on usability rather than spectacle. Despite its strengths, the game does have its limitations. The difficulty can be quite demanding, especially in later missions where precision and quick reactions are essential. While this challenge can be rewarding for experienced players, it may feel punishing for those less familiar with the genre. Additionally, while the mission variety helps maintain interest, the core mechanics do not evolve significantly over time. This can lead to a sense of repetition during longer play sessions, as the fundamental gameplay remains largely unchanged. The overall scope of Steel Alcimus is relatively focused. It offers a solid amount of content within its framework, but it does not attempt to expand into deeper narrative or complex systems. The story serves primarily as context for the missions, providing a basic backdrop without becoming a central element of the experience. This keeps the focus on gameplay, but it also limits the game’s ability to create a more immersive or emotionally engaging experience. In the end, Steel Alcimus is a well-executed homage to classic helicopter shooters that successfully combines arcade action with mission-based variety. Its responsive controls, diverse objectives, and steady pacing make it a satisfying experience for players who enjoy skill-driven gameplay. While it does not push beyond its core concept or offer significant innovation, it delivers a consistent and engaging experience within its chosen scope. Rating: 7/10

A lot of other reviews mirror what my brother had to say about this one, that it's clunky, doesn't feel good to play, and is made harder than it should be with poor control.

The game is fun, but controls are poor. Zeewolf-inspired sequel with better gameplay and appeal

Awesome gameplay like C64 style top down shooter!

A actually pretty fun game when you dont have much time. It feels like I could find it in a arcade cabinet. I dont think the tutorial tells you that you can strafe using space though.