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 feel reminiscent of classic arcade shooters, with a solid twin-stick shooter experience.
- The soundtrack is engaging and enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- The ship upgrade system allows for customization, giving players a sense of control over their gameplay style.
- Visibility issues are prevalent, with debris and enemy fire often blending into the background, making it difficult to avoid damage.
- The difficulty spikes significantly after level 9, which may frustrate players who are not prepared for the challenge.
- The upgrade system is poorly explained, leading to trial and error that can hinder progress and enjoyment.
- music16 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received praise for its quality and style, with many reviewers highlighting the excellent soundtrack that features pulse-pounding trance and techno elements. While the soundtrack enhances the overall experience, some players feel it cannot compensate for shortcomings in gameplay. Overall, the music is described as responsive and smooth, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere.
“The soundtrack rocks though!”
“It's responsive and smooth, and the music is great.”
“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.”
“Music and sound are okay.”
“Something I can give the game praise for is its soundtrack.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a challenging yet rewarding learning curve, blending classic elements reminiscent of games like Asteroids and Gyruss with modern features such as a skill tree and customizable power-ups. While the dual-stick controls are well-implemented and accessible for left-handed players, some mechanics remain unexplained, which may detract from the overall experience. The vibrant visuals and engaging action keep players entertained, though opinions vary on the depth and quality of the gameplay itself.
“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!”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally described as decent and modern, with a stylish design that enhances the overall experience, particularly noted in the main menu's dynamic visuals. However, some players find that the presence of planets in certain levels can hinder visibility, and the effectiveness of checkpoints is lacking. Overall, while the graphics contribute positively to the game's aesthetic, they are not without their issues.
“Fast game with modern day graphics and easy controls that move from location A to B to C and so on.”
“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.”
“The graphics are decent but the planet in the middle of some levels affects visibility.”
“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.”
“Fast game with modern-day graphics, but it feels like it moves from location A to B to C without much depth.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting that perseverance can lead to success despite challenges. Players are thrust directly into action, but the checkpoint system limits their ability to revisit missions for upgrades, making decision-making crucial for progressing through the game. This design choice adds a layer of difficulty, as poor decisions can hinder the player's ability to succeed in the endgame.
“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.”
“The story really emphasizes the importance of choices and their consequences, making every decision feel impactful.”
“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.”
“The story lacks depth and fails to engage the player, making it hard to care about the characters or their journey.”
