Heckabomb
- December 15, 2014
- Allicorn
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Heckabomb" is a single-player Science Fiction Shooter game for Windows, with support for both controller and mouse+keys play. The game features a circular arena with varied levels, upgradeable stats, six additional weapons, and numerous enemies, including boss warships and an alien ace pilot. With a spectacular arcade soundtrack, the game offers campaign, survival, and hardcore modes, as well as online hiscores. You play as the Heckabomber, the only surviving weapon after your home planet's destruction by aliens.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic arcade shooters, with engaging gameplay and a solid upgrade system.
- The soundtrack is highly praised, adding to the overall enjoyment and atmosphere of the game.
- It provides a good challenge, especially for fans of the twin-stick shooter genre, with responsive controls and vibrant graphics.
- Visibility issues are prevalent, with enemies and projectiles often blending into the background, making it difficult to avoid damage.
- The difficulty spikes significantly in later levels, which can be frustrating for players, especially if they make poor upgrade choices.
- The game lacks clear explanations for its mechanics, leading to confusion about upgrades and checkpoints, which can hinder progress.
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback for its quality and style, with many praising the soundtrack as engaging and well-composed, enhancing the overall experience. However, some reviewers noted that while the music is impressive, it cannot compensate for shortcomings in gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is described as responsive, smooth, and fitting well with the game's aesthetic.
“The soundtrack rocks though!”
“It oozes style in every way (I adore the main menu with its shifting viewpoints of planets and suns!) from the graphic design to the excellent, pulse-pounding music.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
“Music and sound are okay.”
“Something I can give the game praise for is its soundtrack.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a challenging yet rewarding experience, featuring a good learning curve and a mix of classic elements reminiscent of games like Asteroids and Gyruss, enhanced by a skill tree and customizable power-ups. While the vibrant visuals and engaging mechanics are praised, some players note the presence of unexplained game mechanics that can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the action-oriented gameplay is accessible with practice, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players.
“Challenging gameplay, good learning curve, skills, dual stick (Xbox 360 works perfectly) left stick steer right stick shoot switchable for left-handers, some classic gameplay like Asteroids and Gyruss mixed with new elements + skill tree, demands for more game time here :)”
“Levels alternate between gathering salvage in Asteroids-style gameplay and jacking up mass quantities of enemy planetary defensive craft long enough to get in nice and close and drop your heckabomb on said planet to make it explode into lovely, lovely bursts of pretty sparkly bits!”
“Very colorful and vibrant gameplay makes this game easy to look at and enjoy.”
“Unexplained game mechanics.”
“But a great soundtrack does not make up for poor or lacking gameplay as it is the case here.”
“Levels alternate between gathering salvage in asteroids-style gameplay, and jacking up mass quantities of enemy planetary defensive craft long enough to get in nice and close and drop your heckabomb on said planet to make it explode into lovely, lovely bursts of pretty sparkly bits!”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally considered decent, featuring modern design elements that enhance the game's style, particularly in the main menu. However, some players find that certain environmental features, like planets obstructing visibility, can detract from the overall experience, and the placement of checkpoints could be improved.
“It oozes style in every way (I adore the main menu with its shifting viewpoints of planets and suns!) from the graphic design to the excellent, pulse-pounding music.”
“Fast game with modern-day graphics and easy controls that move from location A to B to C and so on.”
“The graphics are decent, but the planet in the middle of some levels affects visibility, and the checkpoints aren't as helpful as they should be.”
“Graphics are okay.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Players face a linear progression with a checkpoint system that limits their ability to revisit missions for upgrades, making decision-making crucial for success in the game. The narrative begins abruptly, immersing players directly into the action from the start.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“You can upgrade your ship, but because of the checkpoint system, there is no going back. You can't even redo the missions to earn more points, so you can be stronger for the end game. If you make a bad decision, it can make finishing the game very difficult.”
“When you first start the game, it drops you right into the first mission.”
