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Assault Android Cactus

There's certainly some charm to Assault Android Cactus and it packs a decent amount of content. The gameplay feels great and looks even better on the improved console. The story provides a solid challenge as you blast enemies and deal with the hardcore bosses that are in the way. There's more to it than just that as well with some side modes to work through. I would have liked to see more of a narrative element to it all since they set that up so well at the start. Still, very enjoyed and a great twin stick shooter.
Assault Android Cactus Game Cover
92%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
grinding, monetization
95% User Score Based on 1,542 reviews
Critic Score 84%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4Steam DeckWindowsPlayStationPlaystation VitaLinuxPCWii UMac OSWiiXbox One
Assault Android Cactus Game Cover

About

Assault Android Cactus is a single player and multiplayer arcade shooter game with kids and science fiction themes. It was developed by Witch Beam and was released on September 23, 2015. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Assault Android Cactus is a vibrant, arcade-style shooter where players control android heroes fighting against waves of robotic enemies. With a variety of distinctive characters, each with unique weapons and abilities, the game offers a dynamic and engaging experience. The game features a campaign mode with high replay value, as well as local co-op for up to four players, making it a great choice for fans of frantic, action-packed gameplay.

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95%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,542 reviews
gameplay216 positive mentions
grinding9 negative mentions

  • Engaging and fast-paced gameplay with a unique battery mechanic that encourages aggressive play.
  • Variety of characters, each with distinct weapons and playstyles, adds depth and replayability.
  • Colorful graphics and a fantastic soundtrack enhance the overall experience.
  • Difficulty spikes, especially in boss fights, can be frustrating and may feel unfair at times.
  • The battery system can lead to cheap deaths if players are not quick enough to collect power-ups.
  • Lack of online multiplayer limits the co-op experience to local play only.
  • gameplay
    531 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Assault Android Cactus" is characterized by its fast-paced, twin-stick shooter mechanics that blend bullet hell elements with a unique battery system, replacing traditional health bars and encouraging aggressive play. Players appreciate the smooth controls, diverse character abilities, and engaging level design, which together create a satisfying and addictive experience, though some find the battery mechanic frustrating at times. Overall, the game is praised for its mechanical depth, vibrant visuals, and a strong emphasis on replayability, making it a standout title in the genre.

    • “From its opening moments, the game establishes a tone that is fast, playful, and unapologetically focused on pure mechanical excellence.”
    • “Boss encounters are particularly memorable, blending spectacle with mechanical challenge and clear visual telegraphing that rewards pattern recognition over brute force.”
    • “The gameplay is slick, the soundtrack is amazing, and the level design is beautiful-- all this, along with the ability to choose between nine different androids, makes replaying levels a blast.”
    • “The battery mechanic sucks any joy out of this game.”
    • “This would be wonderful if they got rid of that utterly pointless mechanic, but for me it's a deal breaker.”
    • “The gameplay loop is really short though, with 15-second intervals between power-ups and time extensions.”
  • music
    340 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Assault Android Cactus" has received widespread acclaim for its energetic and engaging soundtrack, which perfectly complements the fast-paced gameplay and enhances the overall experience. Players describe the soundtrack as a collection of catchy electronic and techno tracks that dynamically adapt to the action, keeping the adrenaline high without becoming repetitive. Many reviewers express a strong desire to purchase the soundtrack separately, highlighting its quality and impact on their enjoyment of the game.

    • “Complementing this is a pulsing electronic soundtrack that mirrors the intensity of combat, driving players forward and heightening the adrenaline rush without becoming distracting or repetitive over long sessions.”
    • “The soundtrack is so damn good too, with an explosive beat that plays as soon as you get into the character select to get you pumped and ready for action.”
    • “The cherry on top of the great gameplay loop is the energizing soundtrack.”
    • “The devs have done a brilliant job of updating and improving the game, but they've changed a few things recently like the music, which now has lost all the 'pumped up' vibe and just sounds flat and miserable.”
    • “The soundtrack can feel repetitive in places, but each zone has its own different style of music.”
    • “With all the bullets that fly around the screen, the sound effects do tend to drown out the music, so the audio could be better balanced.”
  • graphics
    238 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their vibrant, colorful art style and smooth performance, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience, especially in chaotic moments. While some users note that the visuals may feel slightly dated or simplistic compared to modern standards, the overall aesthetic is considered charming and well-suited for the twin-stick shooter genre. The combination of appealing character designs, impressive lighting, and a cohesive visual presentation contributes to a fun and engaging atmosphere, despite occasional critiques regarding resolution and model quality.

    • “The bright, high-contrast art style ensures enemies, projectiles, and pickups are always readable even during the most chaotic moments.”
    • “The game's visuals are strong, with a silky smooth art style and framerate that play into the strengths of the title very well.”
    • “The graphics are vibrant and colorful, with an excellent soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.”
    • “The graphics are a bit dated, but thanks to that you can play on a laptop or an old rig in 60 frames per second.”
    • “I hated the aesthetics, character designs, voice acting, and story.”
    • “The visuals are just so outdated, and the character design is also ugly in my opinion.”
  • story
    199 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is generally regarded as simple and somewhat predictable, serving primarily as a backdrop for the action rather than a focal point. While some players appreciate the charming characters and humorous dialogue, many feel that the narrative lacks depth and is often overshadowed by gameplay. Despite its brevity, the story includes unique interactions and lore that enhance the experience, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate character-driven narratives, even if it isn't the main draw of the game.

    • “The story is entertaining, the characters and interactions are fun to play through (each different character, which is unlocked as you play, has different interactions with the bosses, so multiple playthroughs give you something to look forward to).”
    • “The story itself is very short but the replay value comes from the challenge of getting an S+ rank in each level, which is a combination of a high score, chaining combos perfectly, and dodging everything tossed at you.”
    • “The story is light and fun-spirited, with a charmingly quirky narrative that adds to the overall enjoyment of the game.”
    • “The story is just an excuse to shoot stuff, really more of a series of interludes between levels.”
    • “The story talks too much, but reveals nothing in the end.”
    • “The story is minimal, but it's all it needs to be as it sets the stage perfectly for where you are and why you are fighting hordes of robots.”
  • replayability
    113 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game excels in replayability, offering a wealth of content through diverse characters, each with unique playstyles and weapons that encourage varied strategies. Players can engage in multiple game modes, chase high scores, and unlock new characters, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough. Despite a relatively short campaign, the game's design fosters a compelling reason to return, making it a standout choice for fans of twin-stick shooters.

    • “Replayability is where the game truly shines.”
    • “It has lovable cast of characters, sick boss designs, challenging and unique levels, lots of replayability, good enemy variation, amazing art style, and a small bit of lore for those that like that.”
    • “This game is replayable until infinity; you can always try to break your high scores, all playable characters have a unique playstyle, and if you really want to complete this game it is going to take you hundreds of hours.”
    • “Overall, Assault Android Cactus is a thoroughly enjoyable gameplay experience, but one that relies heavily on replayability to feel worth the asking price.”
    • “The only replay value is getting a higher score and trying out the different characters; each one's score for each stage is counted individually, too.”
    • “While the campaign may only take you a few hours if you're skilled, Assault Android Cactus is all about replayability.”
  • humor
    45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its quirky and varied nature, with many players enjoying the funny dialogues, charming characters, and entertaining cutscenes. While some noted that the humor may not be the game's primary focus, it adds a delightful layer to the overall experience, enhancing the fast-paced gameplay and making it enjoyable for both solo and multiplayer sessions. Overall, the humor is considered a strong point, contributing to the game's charm and appeal.

    • “A gem of the genre with some fun quirky humor.”
    • “The game is very fun, levels are short, music is great, has boss fights and funny dialogues.”
    • “The characters are unique, it's quite humorous - but frankly, even if the gimmick unlock option it doesn't really have much replayability, even as your '5-minute-filler'.”
  • optimization
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with players reporting smooth gameplay, impressive framerates, and minimal performance issues across various hardware setups. While some users noted variability in performance based on resolution and stage complexity, the majority found the graphics and audio to be well-executed and the controls responsive. The game encourages replayability through scoring systems and performance rankings, further enhancing the optimization experience.

    • “Scoring systems, rankings, and performance medals give completion-minded players ample reason to revisit stages repeatedly, refining routes and optimizing combos.”
    • “Framerate and resolution are unlocked, gameplay is buttery smooth, solid graphics and is well optimized (144hz monitor with GeForce GTX 980 Ti I get more than 200fps at 1440p with max settings).”
    • “Excellent optimization!”
    • “Performance/optimization is wildly varying; I was getting more FPS at 1080p medium than 900p medium, and stage variation eats a lot of power.”
    • “The fate of your performance can be tied heavily to the power-ups that drop.”
    • “At the end of each stage, your performance is graded based on how many times you were downed, time to clear the stage, and how big of a chain you were able to pull off.”
  • character development
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the unique and charming character designs that enhance gameplay, while others criticize the aesthetics as outdated or unappealing. Despite the divisive opinions on visuals, many agree that the characters' distinct playstyles and personalities contribute positively to the overall experience, even if deeper character development is lacking. Overall, the character design is a focal point that elicits strong reactions, reflecting a blend of creativity and controversy among players.

    • “Fun character design with unique playstyles.”
    • “The character design is cute and the action is fast-paced and exciting.”
    • “The character design is also super charming and really adds to the game in a way I didn't expect from this type of game.”
    • “I hated the aesthetics, character designs, voice acting, and story.”
    • “The visuals are just so outdated, and the character design is also ugly in my opinion.”
    • “The character design seems to be an attempt at chibi-style 3D models but looks more like bobblehead action figures.”
  • grinding
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is polarizing; while some players find the pursuit of high scores and S+ rankings engaging and rewarding, others feel it can be tedious and overly time-consuming, requiring extensive playtime for achievements. The repetitive nature of boss battles and level grinding may deter those seeking a more varied experience, but for dedicated players, the challenge can be exhilarating and fun, especially in multiplayer settings. Overall, the game caters to both grinding enthusiasts and those who may find the grind less appealing.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “With low payouts, farming for all the unlocks for the achievements will easily take 400+ games.”
    • “It's why over the past couple of years of early access I've dumped about 100 hours worth of 10-minute intervals into this game, while other ostensibly more 'in-depth' grindy titles left me cold.”
  • stability
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game is praised for its stability, with users reporting a rock-solid experience and minimal bugs or glitches. It runs smoothly across a variety of hardware configurations, including older systems, and offers a seamless gameplay experience without significant issues.

    • “It's got good gameplay and game mechanics, and of course it also appears to be rock solid and bug-free; haven't had a single issue.”
    • “Game runs great on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS with the latest NVIDIA driver, smooth gameplay and short loading times.”
    • “Looks and runs great, even on my very old hardware (ASUS M2V board, 32-bit Windows XP, AMD 64x2 @ 3.0GHz, 4GB DDR2 RAM, ATI Radeon 6770).”
    • “Triple-A titles are churned out by publishers in a production-line style fashion, by overworked and underpaid developers who are given impossible deadlines, resulting in releases that are too early, buggy, and of course, filled to the brim with microtransactions, loot boxes, and season passes, only to line the pockets of the publisher's major shareholders.”
    • “The game has very few bugs and glitches.”
    • “The third one freezes all enemies that are on screen in place for a few seconds; this one even works on bosses, which is nice.”
  • emotional
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players report a strong emotional impact from the game, with some experiencing intense feelings that can be overwhelming yet enjoyable. The soundtrack by Jeff Van Dyck enhances the emotional experience, contributing to both epic and poignant moments, making the game feel rewarding on a deeper level.

    • “Made me feel physically sick at times, but I enjoyed every second before that.”
    • “There's also the soundtrack by Jeff Van Dyck that can get pretty emotional or epic, rad as hell.”
    • “It seems more emotionally rewarding, at least to me.”
  • atmosphere
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by a charming and cute aesthetic, enhanced by upbeat music and bright colors, creating a fun and enjoyable experience. Players appreciate the balance of a lighthearted vibe with engaging gameplay challenges, contributing to an overall lively and inviting atmosphere.

    • “The game successfully creates a cute atmosphere with good voice and music tracks and playfully bright colors.”
    • “This game has a happy, enjoyable atmosphere, and offers some challenging gameplay.”
    • “The music is upbeat and adds to the fast-paced atmosphere.”
  • monetization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of many 'triple-A' titles is criticized for relying heavily on microtransactions, loot boxes, and season passes, often resulting in early, buggy releases that prioritize profit over quality. In contrast, some games are praised for offering a complete experience without paywalls or additional costs, enhancing gameplay through unique features rather than monetization schemes.

    • “Triple-A titles are churned out by publishers in a production-line style, by overworked and underpaid developers who are given impossible deadlines. This results in releases that are too early, buggy, and, of course, filled to the brim with microtransactions, loot boxes, and season passes, only to line the pockets of the publisher's major shareholders.”
    • “I presumed it would be another phone app game ported to Steam for a quick cash grab.”
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17h Median play time
16h Average play time
9-20h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 7 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Assault Android Cactus is a arcade shooter game with kids and science fiction themes.

Assault Android Cactus is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 16 hours playing Assault Android Cactus.

Assault Android Cactus was released on September 23, 2015.

Assault Android Cactus was developed by Witch Beam.

Assault Android Cactus has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Assault Android Cactus is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Nex Machina, Jamestown, Super Galaxy Squadron EX Turbo, Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved, Bullet Heaven 2 and others.