Minishoot' Adventures
- April 2, 2024
- nBishoPm
- 12h median play time
Minishoot' Adventures is a standout that combines the best elements of two beloved genres into a cohesive and engaging experience.
"Minishoot' Adventures" is a top-down shooter game with open-world exploration. Players control a spaceship, battling enemies and bosses in intense bullet hell combat, while venturing through a handcrafted world filled with hidden treasures, challenges, and secrets. The game features improving combat and exploration abilities as players reclaim stolen powers.
Reviews
- Unique blend of twin-stick shooter and Zelda-like exploration, providing a fresh and enjoyable experience.
- Smooth controls and satisfying gameplay, making combat and exploration feel rewarding.
- Charming art style and sound design that enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.
- Some players may find the game too short, with a completion time of around 8-10 hours.
- Lack of variety in enemy types and bullet patterns can lead to repetitive gameplay.
- The absence of in-dungeon maps can make navigation confusing at times.
- gameplay264 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Minishoot' Adventures" is widely praised for its seamless blend of twin-stick shooter mechanics and Zelda-like exploration, creating a unique and engaging experience. Players appreciate the smooth controls, intuitive mechanics, and satisfying progression, with many noting the game's addictive nature and well-designed boss encounters. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in certain areas, the overall consensus highlights the game's fun, challenging, and charming gameplay loop.
“It mixes Zelda and bullet hell shooter gameplay.”
“Brilliant and fun, light on story but you'll find plenty of motivation from the satisfaction of the gameplay and the exploration.”
“The gameplay feels smooth, responsive, fun, and appropriately challenging for what it is.”
“The combination of bullet hell twin-stick shooter gameplay with metroidvania progression and puzzles in a Zelda-like world featuring sentient spaceships seems ridiculous (and it absolutely is), and yet it works so amazingly well.”
“What could have been a great game was hampered from being able to ever reach its full potential thanks to its prevalence of horrendous euroshmup design mechanics, the most glaring and affecting of which is the heavy and painful inertia built into your ship's movement that poisons every facet of the game's mechanics design.”
“It's bright and colorful, the feedback systems are neat, and the world is well realized with well-hidden secrets and well-placed challenges and treasures, but it doesn't really push any boundaries and the gameplay, sadly, doesn't really evolve beyond how it starts.”
- music170 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its charm and atmospheric quality, enhancing the overall experience with memorable tracks and fitting soundscapes. While some players noted that certain themes could be repetitive, many highlighted standout pieces that evoke nostalgia and complement the gameplay beautifully. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant strength, contributing to the game's immersive and enjoyable environment.
“The vibrant visuals and captivating soundtrack enhance the overall experience, immersing you in a world that's both nostalgic and fresh.”
“The music is light and joyous.”
“The soundtrack bangs though, I was bobbing my head to a good majority of the tracks, and they're all quite energetic, which really keeps you pumped all the way through to the end.”
“They're not bad but they kind of lack character; the music soundtrack is 'always happy' and uninspiring.”
“I feel like this game is a gem robbed of a better soundtrack and sound effects; it has so much potential, but gameplay feels 'cheap' paired with the thin mystic atmosphere.”
“Only significant knocks against it are the repetitive music and the clunky overworld map unlock.”
- graphics168 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their charming, colorful, and polished art style, which combines simplicity with a unique aesthetic that enhances gameplay clarity. While some reviewers noted a flash-like quality that could make it appear cheap, the overall consensus is that the visuals are appealing and well-executed, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment. The animations are smooth, and the graphics are not resource-intensive, allowing for a seamless experience even on lower-end hardware.
“Visually aesthetic and colorful, very enjoyable crossover between a Zelda-like game and twin-stick shooter.”
“The art style is unique and cutesy, the gameplay is addicting and adrenaline-packed, and it provides easy accessibility to those who struggle with the game.”
“The graphics are clean, bright, and crisp, and the overall music is space sci-fi excellence.”
“It's certainly not an ugly game, but the art style is a little simple and toony. While the game doesn't feel bad per se, your character moves a little slowly and shoots a piddly stream of bullets, and the world seems small.”
“The graphics are simple, but that fits the game, so I can't even fault it there.”
“I will add the art style makes it look a bit cheap (flash game-ish) and the name isn't appealing, but don't let the cover fool you; it's a really solid game.”
- story125 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally described as simple and minimal, often serving as a light backdrop to the engaging gameplay rather than a focal point. While it features a basic save-the-world narrative with charming visuals and interactions, many players feel it lacks depth and complexity, though some appreciate its subtlety and the emotional impact of certain moments. Overall, the story is seen as adequate for driving the gameplay forward without overwhelming players, making it enjoyable for those who prioritize exploration and mechanics over narrative depth.
“The world is really fun to explore, the power-ups feel really impactful, the gameplay is smooth, and the story is well thought out and clearly portrayed.”
“The story, though simple, is enough to keep pushing you forward without the need for big exposition; the game's sparse story does it a service, however, since it lets you take a break without forgetting big moments.”
“A fantastic twin-stick shooter/metroidvania fusion with a cute story/world.”
“I'm not overly fond of the ending schtick of deleting your save file, even if it is supported reasonably well by the story.”
“The game's story is hard to follow due to the very minimal dialogue and not terribly interesting - I like to know why I'm doing what I'm doing in a game as that makes it more engaging for me.”
“The story is somewhat bland, but does not get in your way whatsoever (maybe like 2 minutes tops of cutscenes and dialogue).”
- atmosphere23 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its charming art style, immersive music, and engaging world design, creating a captivating experience for players. While many appreciate the atmospheric elements that enhance exploration and storytelling, some critiques highlight issues with pacing and audio quality, suggesting that improvements could elevate the overall experience. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal despite some minor drawbacks.
“Extremely well made game, combines bullet hells with Zelda-like dungeons and gameplay, along with charming music, atmosphere, and more; it really sinks its teeth into you.”
“Fantastic exploration (the true highlight of the game), wonderful atmosphere and the world... and the most important: it's an absolute joy to play.”
“The world was really charming too, and the music was atmospheric and at some points truly beautiful.”
“While these elements contribute to the storytelling and atmosphere, the inability to skip them can disrupt the pacing and become an annoyance, especially on repeated playthroughs.”
“I feel like this game is a gem robbed of a better soundtrack and sound effects; it has so much potential, but the gameplay feels cheap paired with the thin mystic atmosphere.”
“Slower, dragged-out pace and an emphasis on taking in the visuals and environment make the game feel more cinematic, meaning there are lots of sections where nothing is happening for extended periods of time as a way to build atmosphere and tension.”
- grinding20 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding in the game to be engaging and rewarding, with minimal backtracking and a well-paced leveling system that avoids tediousness. Exploration is enjoyable, and while some aspects, like spirit races, can feel repetitive, the game generally respects players' time and allows for progression without excessive grinding. The balance between challenge and enjoyment contributes to a satisfying gameplay experience.
“Even 100%ing it is fun and not tedious.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The bosses aren't difficult, even on hard mode, but they became tedious for me.”
“Edit: the only thing I don't really like, however, is how tedious the spirit races can be, as you need to do it perfectly or else you'll lose.”
- optimization14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with most players experiencing smooth performance across various hardware, including the Steam Deck. However, some users report occasional performance dips, particularly in specific encounters and the arena mode, suggesting that further optimization could enhance the experience. While the game runs well for the majority, minor issues remain that could benefit from developer attention.
“Also a great game on Steam Deck, running out of the box with good performance and no tweaking needed!”
“Super optimized and fun.”
“Performance is a non-issue, it runs super smoothly on basically any hardware.”
“Except at the very end, in the arena, where the performance is not as smooth.”
“(My minor critique is that, as of July 2024, a handful of encounters had the FPS dip so much on the Steam Deck that I had to do them on PC. 95% of the game runs well enough on the Steam Deck (i.e., you get 59-60 FPS), but those few encounters either require a redesign of the firing patterns of certain enemies or a proper optimization of the bullet sprites.)”
“I will say, during the challenge section, the performance on the Deck starts to chug a lot, but I'm pretty sure the devs can take care of that.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 42 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is generally viewed as limited, with many players noting that it can be completed in about 8-10 hours and lacks significant incentives to replay after achieving 100%. While some mention the option of increasing difficulty for a fresh experience, most agree that the game does not offer enough content or variety to encourage frequent revisits. A few players, however, appreciate the enjoyable gameplay and visual appeal, suggesting it may still be worth revisiting occasionally.
“Much like all the other Soulgame studio games (from way back to the Kongregate freebies), it is intuitive, enjoyable, replayable, and visually fun.”
“Playthrough is not too long and yet not too short, and there is some 'endgame' content too, and replayability with harder difficulties.”
“Amazing game, with great replay value.”
“I will play it again someday, but overall its replayability isn't great. It'll be something you want to play again every handful of years (maybe), especially after you earn all of the achievements.”
“The only thing this game lacks is replayability.”
“Pretty short with almost no replayability -- expect 8-10 hours to 100%, but that's just because there's very little fat, and there are some items that make finding every collectible easy, which is always handy if you're not in the mood to waste time.”
- stability11 mentions
- 82 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability, particularly on the Steam Deck, where users report responsive controls and smooth gameplay. However, some players experienced occasional freezes and crashes, though the effective auto-save feature mitigated the impact of these issues. Despite these minor setbacks, the game is generally regarded as polished and bug-free.
“Responsive controls, snappy gameplay, runs great on Steam Deck.”
“Absolutely recommended, and it runs great on the Steam Deck.”
“One last thing I really appreciated was how polished and bug-free the experience was.”
“I also faced 2 freezes that forced me to shut down the game during my 9-hour journey.”
“I did have a few crashes and freezes during my last 2 hours of play, so be aware of that, but the good auto-save meant it was never a huge deal.”
- emotional10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a range of emotional responses to the games, from nostalgia and joy to disappointment and frustration. Many highlight the heartfelt storytelling and charming upgrades that evoke feelings of warmth and excitement, while others note that certain gameplay elements detract from the emotional impact, leading to mixed feelings about the endings. Overall, the emotional depth varies, with some titles delivering a sweet and engaging experience, while others leave players feeling less connected.
“This game made me feel like being 10 years old again and popping a gold cartridge into the NES for the first time.”
“And the story, while simple, is so sweet and made me feel a little emotional even.”
“The lack of difficulty is made up by a beautifully designed overworld with a myriad of dungeons and a surprisingly touching story.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and polish, with a cute, cartoonish aesthetic that enhances the comedic elements of the storyline. Players appreciate the funny and addictive gameplay, as well as the wholesome and amusing twists in the lore, particularly in the true ending. Overall, the humor adds a delightful layer to the gaming experience.
“The cute, cartoon-y aesthetic where spaceships gesture their way through an abridged, humor-tinged Legend of Zelda plot is appealing, but the more important part is that this game is polished to a mirror shine.”
“Very good, funny, and polished top-down game with an interesting approach.”
“The lore is really nice, and gets wholesome at the end, with the true ending doing something very funny you may or may not like.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is praised for transforming a sentient aircraft into an iconic and endearing protagonist, showcasing exceptional design and creativity that elevates a commonly used avatar into a memorable gaming hero.
“The protagonist is an aircraft, but it's sentient and adorable; you know the developers and designers have given us a masterclass in character design when they've managed to create an iconic gaming hero out of a spaceship, one of the most ubiquitously used avatars in the artform's history.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game initially gives the impression of a typical mobile cash grab, but players note that it does not actually exploit this model.
“It feels like a mobile cash grab game, even though it's not designed that way.”
“The monetization strategy is overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
“I feel pressured to spend money to enjoy the game fully, which is frustrating.”
Critic Reviews
Minishoot’ Adventures Review
Minishoot' Adventures is a standout that combines the best elements of two beloved genres into a cohesive and engaging experience.
100%Minishoot’ Adventures
Quite the double-edged sword I’d say. The lack of a striking theme or more imaginative toolset hurt the longevity of the title but their simpleness and familiarity help this new, or at least untapped, concept to be immediately accessible and a cinch to just sink into like a warm bath. The classic Zelda-like map to unfurl (and cracked walls to blow open) juxtaposed with the Metroid-esque expansion via usable improvements you get as part of your arsenal instead of just keys to open plain old doors are welcoming mechanics used together in a twist format. Though I suppose that makes it more of a ‘Metr-elda’ or ‘Zel-troid’ over a Metroidvania, since there’s no claustrophobic set of dainty rooms to enclose you, instead remaining a breath of fresh air with big open spaces that beg to be skated around. I’m going to be recommending Minishoot’ Adventures for some time and to pretty much anybody who will listen because it’s a game everybody can enjoy and honestly I may get another playthrough out of it myself in the near future; I’m already feeling the cravings. But I’m also positive that when the inevitable inspirations begin to follow, it will be one of those that end up taking on the mantle for the genre. Whether the two-man studio SoulGame will continue in this space is a whole other question. Though I’d love to see those that opened the doors get their dues, it would be a shame to lock down such creativity to a single niche. Either way I’ll be following them closely in the future to see what they come up with next.
80%Minishoot’ Adventures Review
Taking inspiration from a little green elf, Minishoot' Adventures combines bullet hells and exploration to create something truly unique. This title might not be the toughest or most compex title on the market, but the feedback loop between combat and exploration kept us captivated.
76%