I didn't have much interest in the indie titles that were released for PlayStation Vita in a four-week period, but Gunslugs looked the most promising. Combining two or more elements in gaming is always a gamble, but it pays off with a great version of the game on Sony's handheld.
Gunslugs is an old-school arcade shooter with a pixelated, retro look. Players are given objectives in a similar way that runner games are. Just one life is given at the start of the game and there are no continues unless players purchase them throughout their run.
Combining arcade shooter and running objectives works out flawlessly. There's always incentive to go back and play more, and it's much more fun than replaying the same stage over and over again. Some runs can last a long time as players improve their skills.
What does that mean for the objectives changing? Gunslugs' system is very fair. Missions are separated into three parts; at each conclusion the game will check out the objectives that were met, and will switch them out for new ones. Already met an objective to get 125 coins when entering a new stage? Just collect one coin, and the objective is recognized and complete.
Redundancy isn't an issue. Two characters are available to pick from at the beginning, and more can be unlocked as missions are complete. Each stage is randomly generated, with the exception of the boss levels. That means each replay will be different and each building that players enter won't have the same options from their last play-through.
I've only unlocked one character after completing the first mission, and was able to start on the second mission after slecting them. There's at least a sense of progress if objectives don't do it, and players won't always have to start on the first mission.
Actual gameplay is fun, although sometimes frustrating. Sometimes the bullets don't seem like they register properly on enemies. But everything feels and looks great (for a retro game) on the Vita.
It's basic, but it's very fun. I've played a lot of worse apps on Android that cost more than two dollars. This feels like a more full-fledged game and it's very satisfying on the Vita than any tablet or phone could provide.
Gunslugs is developed by Orange Pixel has been ported onto the Vita by Abstract Games, the same team that brought over Hotline Miami, which is critically acclaimed and highly recommended on the handheld.
Editor's note: Had both companies switched around in the original post. It has since been corrected.
Image credit: Flickr
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