Shrot
- June 20, 2024
- Spytihněv
Shrot is a fast-paced, old-school action real-time strategy game set on the newly discovered planet Scheeza, a source of valuable hops. Up to two players can choose from three distinct clans and engage in randomized battles featuring base building, resource management, and large-scale combat with hundreds of units. Inspired by Paranoia and Dune 2, Shrot delivers a fresh take on the RTS genre with modern features and action-packed gameplay.
Reviews
- The game is a nostalgic tribute to Dune II, appealing to fans of classic RTS games with its straightforward gameplay and engaging soundtrack.
- It offers a challenging experience that rewards players who enjoy fast-paced, action-oriented strategy, with no population limit and a variety of units to manage.
- The graphics, while basic, are polished enough to evoke a sense of nostalgia, and the humor and clever mechanics add to the overall enjoyment.
- The game lacks modern features such as customizable controls and a pause function, which can make it feel unfinished or overly simplistic for some players.
- The difficulty spikes significantly, especially in the campaign, which may frustrate casual players or those not familiar with RTS mechanics.
- There are technical issues, such as a non-functional sandbox mode and limited audio settings, which detract from the overall experience.
- story6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Reviewers express a desire for more narrative depth between missions, indicating that while the gameplay is engaging and progressively introduces new elements, the story feels sparse and could benefit from additional context to enhance the overall experience.
“The only thing I would add is a bit of story between the missions.”
“The only thing I would add is a bit of story between the missions.”
“Gameplay is simple yet draws you in as you get new structures/units to play around with each mission.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Gameplay is challenging, particularly from mission 3 onward, but remains engaging and reminiscent of Dune II with modernized mechanics that emphasize macro management. While the controls are limited to mouse and basic keyboard functions, the simplicity allows players to gradually explore new structures and units, though the lack of multi-selection for factories and clearer hotkey displays could enhance the experience. Overall, the gameplay is accessible yet can become frustrating at times.
“Gameplay is simple yet draws you in as you get new structures and units to play around with each mission.”
“It feels and plays like Dune II but is modernized with different mechanics focusing on macro instead of micro.”
“Gameplay is difficult from mission 3 and a little bit frustrating, but not impossible.”
“It is deliberately regressive in maintaining the gameplay and simplicity of Dune II.”
“The only mechanic this game has beyond using the mouse is the arrow keys for controlling the camera and the 'shift' function to select multiple units; that's it.”
“Not too sure how this makes for effective gameplay when the hotkeys could be listed next to the function in the UI so every player can easily determine the hotkey for the respective function.”
- music5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise, particularly for its impressive techno-inspired soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers noted that the soundtrack not only stands out on its own but also complements the game's atmosphere effectively, making it a highlight even for those who may not enjoy the game itself. Sound effects are considered decent, but the music is consistently described as a standout feature.
“In keeping with Dune II, the music is amazing and is yet another example of the music being better than the game it's attached to.”
“The soundtrack fits perfectly.”
“The soundtrack is great on its own but also really fits the vibe of the game.”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged during long play sessions.”
“While the sound effects are decent, the background music feels generic and forgettable.”
“The soundtrack doesn't match the game's atmosphere, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as basic yet satisfactory, featuring polished 3D visuals that complement the fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay of the real-time strategy genre. The design embraces a "back to the roots" aesthetic while incorporating modern controls.
“Fast, instant, 'back to the roots' real-time strategy, with modern controls, simple but polished 3D graphics and plenty of action.”
“Graphics are very basic but okay.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack detail, making the game less immersive.”
“While the gameplay is engaging, the visuals leave much to be desired.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, with players appreciating its cleverness and legacy. Additionally, the incorporation of a unique auction system adds to the comedic elements, suggesting it could enhance other real-time strategy games as well.
“Moreover, it's full of humor and legacy.”
“The humor is good, and the auction system is clever; it should be in more RTS games.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with grinding, particularly due to overwhelming enemy attacks that disrupt their farming efforts, making the experience feel tedious and challenging.
“I'd appreciate it if the enemy would stop nuking my farming cooperative :(”