PAWARUMI
Developer: Manufacture 43
The program began with Pawarumi, a shoot'em up from the Bordeaux studio Manufacture 43. Already available on Windows, the title is based on a system inspired by the Rock-Paper-Scissors game. Thus, the ship that we control has three different weapons indicated by a specific color. Each of them has its own characteristic, such as an extended range, a locked shot or a concentrated power ray, which can be used freely. But selecting a weapon under specific conditions allows you to obtain different advantages. For example, attacking an enemy with the shot of the same color, even if it reinforces it, accelerates, in return, the recharging of the player's shield or of the special weapon, a kind of Smart Bomb. Everything is then a question of choice depending on whether you are trying to survive, quickly eliminate imposing targets or make the best possible score. Moreover, as in many games of the genre, Pawarumi offers different levels of difficulty, knowing that it is necessary to go upmarket to unlock certain stages and that the ultimate boss is reserved for players able to survive the most difficult mode. Finally, it should be noted that Pawarumi does not include any additional life system to be gained along the way: nevertheless, the possibility of replenishing resources through the strategic use of different weapons is supposed to allow you to survive the most difficult situations. more delicate.
ROBOTHORIUM
Developer: Goblinz Studio
Those looking for a more scripted game and, above all, a more cyberpunk atmosphere can turn to Robothorium, a role-playing game designed by Goblinz Studio. Here, the French developers did not hesitate to mix genres to offer a rich and complex experience. We thus find J-RPG mechanics, with turn-based combat, but also exploration in randomly generated environments as well as advanced management of loot and equipment. But what should definitely hook players to Robothorium is the story on which it is possible to influence through different choices which are as many storyline branches. Indeed, here we embody an artificial intelligence at the heart of a global control system. An entity reminiscent of Skynet in Terminator, except it's not about waging war on humanity; at least not necessarily. Because the world of Robothorium brings together different factions: some are peaceful, others more hostile, but their concerns revolve around the place of humans, machines and hybrids in this society. It is then up to the player to choose his camp to find the balance or, on the contrary, to establish the domination of the machines and, that, by political or military actions, for example. These choices also have direct repercussions in the game sequences, since each faction gives access to specific bonuses and skills. This is why, in addition to the moral aspect, the player should follow an orientation according to his way of playing. Finally, the experience is rather hardcore. If each action is governed by a percentage of success which varies according to the capacities of its characters and the context, the opposition tends to adapt to the strategy deployed. For example, if one tends to systematically hack defense turrets, the latter should end up showing a more difficult defense to overcome, so much so that one would have to find another way to progress.
BLAZING CHROME
Developer: DotEmu
Designed by the Brazilians at JoyMasher, Blazing Chrome is a true tribute to 8 and 16-bit action games, and particularly to the Contra / Probotector series. Its graphics and visual style are even directly reminiscent of the Contra Hard Corps episode, which appeared on MegaDrive in 1994, with its particular grain and choice of color pixels. Naturally, the action here is boosted and, to survive against these hordes of very belligerent robots, you have to show reflexes and concentration. It is also necessary to exploit all the artillery that can be picked up, since, in addition to the basic machine gun, the protagonists can get their hands on four special weapons, including a laser shot and a grenade launcher. It is also possible to find mechs along the way that you can pilot while taking advantage of their resistance and firepower. If the demo version tried does not show great originality, Blazing Chrome has the merit of being effective thanks to its precise handling and its sustained pace. Especially since it is possible to play two simultaneously, which always makes this kind of experience more entertaining.
DOUBLE KICK HEROES
Developer: PluginDigital
In an equally pixelated register, Double Kick Heroes is, for its part, a rather particular rhythm game, since it features a rock band chased by hordes of zombies. The goal is then to shoot in rhythm while using the appropriate button in order to hit the approaching targets. Indeed, the undead arrive on the screen by following a high line and a low line, each corresponding to the A and B keys of the controller. If the game system seems basic, at least when you play the first songs designed to learn the basics, you can at least count on the colorful graphics to seduce sure players nostalgic. Above all, the soundtrack is provided by Elmobo, a musician who has been composing for a long time for video games, with titles such as the two episodes of Nightmare Creatures to his credit, among others; we also owe him a few tracks created for the dressing of the Nolife channel. For the game developed by Headbang Club, the artist has concocted a rock soundtrack that should shake the heads of the hairiest gamers, and others too.
DEVIL'S HUNT
Developer: 1C Company
Finally, exit 2D for a production that looks like AAA. Developed by Polish studio Layopi Games, Devil's Hunt is an action game whose story is based on the novel Equilibrium, by young author Pawel Lesniak. It is the story of Desmond, a young man who leads the good life until the day when a series of unexpected circumstances make him lose a part of his humanity. He ends up becoming a servant of the underworld, gaining demonic powers along the way. But this fate does not satisfy him and he decides one day to turn against the forces of the lower world. Unfortunately, his recent activity also makes him a target with the celestial realm. Caught in the crossfire, Desmond must then fight to make his own way. This, he obviously does by force in this action game that seems to follow the path of modern Beat'em Up. The protagonist thus has fast and powerful bare-handed attacks for basic sequences, but also special moves, such as lava geysers or a seismic strike on the ground. Once an enemy is weakened, he can even execute it for a particularly violent contextual animation, à la God Of War. That said, the action should be interspersed with puzzles, like this game of switches to activate in order to free an NPC during the demo presented. However, if the formula, moreover classic, holds up on paper, the rigid and rather imprecise handling risks doing it harm, especially in a genre that has been experiencing very hot competition lately.
