PixelJunk Shooter
- November 11, 2013
- Q-Games Ltd.
- 13h median play time
Get on Steam"PixelJunk Shooter" is a twin-stick shooter game with puzzle elements, where players navigate through treacherous underwater levels to rescue trapped scientists. The game features a unique fluid physics system, allowing players to manipulate water, lava, and ice to their advantage. With a variety of enemies, power-ups, and challenging levels, "PixelJunk Shooter" offers a thrilling and engaging experience.
Mac OS
PC
Phone
Steam Deck
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Playstation 3
Tablet
Reviews
- Superb physics and smooth controls enhance the gameplay experience.
- Challenging and engaging retro-style gameplay that rewards exploration and strategy.
- Great local co-op mode and a fantastic soundtrack that adds to the overall enjoyment.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more content.
- Some players found the gameplay repetitive and lacking in variety.
- The story is considered mediocre and does not significantly enhance the experience.
- gameplay50 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay is widely praised for its engaging mechanics, combining twin-stick shooting with fluid physics puzzles that keep the experience fresh and enjoyable. Players appreciate the variety of interactions and power suits that introduce new dynamics, while the simple yet elegant design allows for both casual play and deeper strategic thinking. Overall, the game offers a relaxing yet stimulating experience, enhanced by a charming art style and a fitting soundtrack.
“Most levels can be completed in under 20 minutes, but every level either introduces some new interaction to think about, or at least twists what is there to make some pretty fun and interesting gameplay.”
“Each level is well-designed, visually entertaining, and the addition of new gameplay mechanics comes at just the right pace to keep you from getting bored.”
“Unique, fun gameplay that requires both good reflexes and quick thinking, awesome liquid physics that changes how you play, dynamic music keeps the action tense, two-player local co-op, and lots of collectibles make for some decent replayability!”
“However, the game mechanics began to bore me fairly quickly.”
“The basic gameplay is 1) fly around, rescuing scientists with your grappling hook, shoot a few (easy) enemies before they kill you, blow away rock to find secret rooms/gems and use new ship 'suits' and their powers to manipulate the elements to solve puzzles.”
“The core theme is interaction between elements; there are some simple puzzles with interactions between various substances (lava + water make rock + steam for example), and some light shooter gameplay.”
- graphics30 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their colorful and unique art style, with many reviewers highlighting the enhanced visuals in the ultimate version. While some players prefer the original's aesthetic, the overall presentation is considered appealing, with good physics and level design that complement the gameplay. However, a few critiques mention that certain graphical elements could be improved, but they still serve their purpose effectively within the game.
“Amazingly good twin-stick shooter with unique mechanics, art style, and chill tunes!”
“Great level design, stunning visuals, and tight controls make this game an absolute blast to play.”
“The graphics are good with a very colorful style.”
“While the aesthetics leave a bit to be desired, they serve their purpose fine.”
“Graphics: they are okay and the design is a little sub-par.”
“I feel the songs match the gameplay and the visual aesthetic, but just a few more tracks to help diversify the stages, if not levels.”
- music25 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the electronic soundtrack as one of the best in recent memory, particularly highlighting tracks like "hidden foto banks." While some players appreciate the dynamic and unique soundscapes that enhance gameplay, others note a lack of variety, with some songs being reused across levels. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a strong complement to the game's visuals and mechanics, though a few more tracks would have improved the experience.
“This is a perfect game, and the soundtrack is one of the best electronic OSTs I've heard in a long time.”
“Fantastic soundtrack.”
“The game is also complimented by an excellent alt-electronic soundtrack.”
“Has objectively weird music for the setting... sometimes even in general!”
“Great gameplay, terrible soundtrack.”
“The only downside for this game is its low variety of songs played for the entire game, with some songs re-used for most levels/stages.”
- story16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered mediocre, with some players finding it simplistic and repetitive, while others appreciate its effective yet minimalistic approach that complements the gameplay. Key plot elements involve colonists or scientists drilling for resources, with additional narrative details revealed through interactions with survivors. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop rather than a focal point, leaving some players wanting more depth and resolution.
“The story has an interesting undertone!”
“It's a simple but effective story (the real focus is the gameplay and it doesn't try to overshadow that) and I've enjoyed getting additional scraps of information from each stage as I descend.”
“The one con would be that the story ends very abruptly and is primed for a sequel.”
“Tl;dr: takes a minor amount of skill, almost a fluid physics puzzle (every level felt the same solution but slightly different order), mediocre 'story' attempt, very low stakes, basically a repetitive children's game.”
“The story ends very abruptly and is primed for a sequel.”
“Graphically nice, mediocre storyline, nice co-op play, cheap price.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game is highly regarded for its replayability, featuring unique gameplay that demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking, enhanced by dynamic music and engaging liquid physics. The inclusion of local co-op mode and numerous collectibles further boosts its replay value, making it enjoyable for both solo and multiplayer experiences.
“Unique, fun gameplay that requires both good reflexes and quick thinking, awesome liquid physics that changes how you play, dynamic music keeps the action tense, two-player local co-op, and lots of collectibles make for some decent replayability!”
“Great replay value.”
“Pixel Junk Shooter does offer a co-op mode, so even your friends can jump in.”
“Replayability: Some. Pixel Junk Shooter does offer a co-op mode, so even your cheap friends can jump in.”
“Unique, fun gameplay that requires both good reflexes and quick thinking, awesome liquid physics that change how you play, dynamic music keeps the action tense, two-player local co-op, and lots of collectibles make for some decent replayability!”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it both entertaining and challenging, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience.
“Really funny and challenging game.”
“It's very funny and you will have a lot of fun!”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of the game is tied to a positive environmental impact, as players' efforts contribute to initiatives like tree planting and sustainable farming practices.
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users praising its smooth performance and efficient resource management, while others report issues such as frame rate drops and long loading times. Overall, the game's technical aspects show promise but may require further refinement to enhance the user experience.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is generally praised for its pleasant and inviting qualities, contributing positively to the overall experience of the game.
“The game creates an incredibly immersive atmosphere that draws you in from the very start.”
“The haunting soundtrack and stunning visuals combine to create a truly captivating atmosphere.”
“Every detail contributes to a rich atmosphere that enhances the overall gaming experience.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
While the game is well-received overall, players have noted that the port suffers from various bugs, affecting its stability.
“This is a great game, but the port is kind of buggy.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it hard to enjoy.”
“I experienced a lot of lag and stability issues during gameplay.”
