Retrofit – Overload is a retro inspired shoot em up with some modern twists. Does it bring anything new to the table or should it be left in the 1980’s? Read on to find out.
Retro fans should instantly recognise the game as it looks and plays similar to the classic Galaxian arcade game. The genre is brought up to date with HD graphics and effects while still keeping faithful to to its roots in terms of game play.
You can choose to play as single player or two player co-op in one game mode which sees you take on waves of alien craft. Each wave contains a sequence of enemies which can fly from any direction on the screen, you must destroy them in order to progress to the next wave. After a number of waves you play a bonus wave which requires you to try to shoot as many craft as possible which do a one time flyby, destroying all rewards you with large bonuses. Bosses are also present which sees you attacking a larger, more difficult, enemy craft.
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Modern twists such as weapon and shield items are available to collect which are spawned from destroyed enemy craft. Weapon upgrades are kept simple, collecting one will add an extra gun to your craft, it doesn’t sound very useful but when enemies may take multiple hits to destroy they become very effective. The shield power up replenishes the limited charge of your shield which can be used when you want and for any length of time until it runs out, either to absorb bullets or crash into enemy craft. The power ups may sound a little sparse but it keeps things simple which is great as sometimes games can be over reliant on power ups to keep things interesting.
Fans of retro shooters will love this game as it plays very much like its predecessors. Enemy craft appear in sequences which remain constant each time you play, so hardcore shooter fans will enjoy the challenge of trying to remember the sequences for optimal destruction. The game is not hardcore enough to put casual gamers off, so if you want a blast for old times sake it still remains accessible. Gameplay is fast and in later waves is very hectic, infinite credits are provided so you can continue after you have died but your all important score is reset.
Presentation is done well with good menu design and easy navigation. A good leaderboards design is used which is important as this game is all about gaining the highest score. Graphics as mentioned above are a modern retro style and look clear, explosions are done well with Geometry Wars style effects. Music is non existent, but the atmosphere is lifted with great sound effects, deep bass sounds for the enemy craft combined with good effects for the guns and explosions. I don’t think you miss the lack of music so much due to the quality of the sound effects.
Retrofit – Overload costs 80 :MSPoints: which is good value for money. This is not a game that you can play for hours on end, unless you are a hardcore shooter fan, but is perfect for short to medium blasts which is what the arcade genre is about for most people. Retrofit – Overload is a great example of bringing a classic genre up to date while still keeping the look and feel of the originals.
More information on Retrofit – Overload as well as the trial and full versions of the game can be downloaded via the Marketplace.
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