The Ploshers
- April 16, 2019
- platypurplestudios
Get on SteamFrantic action and lots of fun. 1 or 2 players. Keyboard and Xbox controller or compatible. Casual look, hardcore gameplay. Demo available.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique color-matching mechanic that adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
- Local co-op mode is available, making it fun to play with friends.
- The controls are intuitive with a controller, allowing for easy rapid-fire shooting without the need to mash buttons.
- The game suffers from overwhelming difficulty, especially in later stages, making it frustrating for players.
- Visuals and sound design are basic and can feel outdated, lacking the polish expected from modern games.
- There are no customization options for controls or settings, limiting player comfort and accessibility.
- gameplay18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its unique mechanics and solid strategy, reminiscent of classic NES games, though some players find it hectic and potentially overwhelming. While the controls are simple and the game is generally bug-free, there are concerns about stiffness and optimization, suggesting that a more fluid experience would enhance enjoyment. Overall, the gameplay is engaging for fans of arcade-style games, but improvements in graphics and story could elevate the overall experience.
“Solid gameplay with a nice strategy and great gameplay gimmick.”
“The gameplay is pretty unique.”
“While the mechanics are simple, the strategies are remarkably complex.”
“Between the visuals, gameplay, and even difficulty, it reminds me of an NES game.”
“Because I see the game doesn't have that custom control or keyboard setting, I do recommend playing the game with a controller because of the gameplay.”
“The controls feel somehow stiff, and I personally would appreciate a much more fluid gameplay.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been described as basic and bland, reminiscent of early NES and arcade titles, with a simple cartoon aesthetic that some players find charming. However, many reviewers express disappointment in the execution of the retro style, suggesting that it lacks the authenticity of true old-school graphics and could benefit from improvements such as shading and a better color palette. Overall, while the visuals evoke nostalgia, they are seen as needing significant enhancement to meet modern standards.
“The game is fun, and I like the art style; it's old school, reminiscent of Atari or C64.”
“Graphically, it is a simple and naive world.”
“I see the developer trying to push the retro style, but it doesn't quite resemble the old school retro style; it's more of a 'PC retro' style. I hope the dev can improve the graphics by adding shading to the sprites and changing some color palettes to make the game more interesting.”
“I find the visuals to be basic and bland.”
“It's certainly the first game released by the developer, as it is an arcade game with pretty simple cartoon graphics and retro 8-bit sounds.”
“I see the developer trying to push the retro style, but it doesn't really look like that old school retro style; it's more like a 'PC retro' style. I hope the dev can make improvements with the graphics, like adding shading to the sprites and changing some color palettes to make the game more interesting.”
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered serviceable but lacks variety, with some players finding it annoying or simplistic. While a few tracks are appreciated, many reviewers express a desire for more engaging and modern compositions, similar to those found in other retro-style games. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a weak point that could benefit from improvement to enhance the overall experience.
“The music is quite good and it is varied.”
“The soundtrack is simple, and if one takes the scores really seriously, it’s probably better to run with your favorite soundtrack.”
“If the dev improves the graphics and the music, it will be worth $7 more.”
“However, at least one song that I can think of annoys me.”
“To be honest, I don't like the music in this game. I know it's meant to be retro, but I hope the developer can create more interesting songs. Recently, I played Pac-Man Championship Edition DX+, which uses retro-style music but with more modern effects. I hope the developer considers this, but it seems they purchased the music from a third party, so it might be a big decision for them to make the game more interesting.”
“The music can get a bit repetitive.”
- story6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of coherence and depth, with players noting that it feels disconnected and nonsensical, particularly the concept of intergalactic exterminators battling tribal statues. Many feel that the absence of a narrative, such as cutscenes, detracts from the overall experience, despite the gameplay being enjoyable. Overall, the story is seen as a weak point that could benefit from further development.
“Like a true NES arcade game, there's no story here, though I'm surprised there's not an opening or ending cutscene.”
“I don't really like the story after all. It's about intergalactic exterminators, but with an enemy like a tribal statue, it makes no sense to me. I don't find the story interesting, but the gameplay is good. It's just weird—why is a galactic entity shooting on Earth to protect who?”
“Because gameplay is not the only main aspect of a game; story and graphics are also important, so I hope the developers update the game more!”
- optimization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized, as users feel that despite a promising gameplay concept, the execution falls short in performance.
“The performance of the game is impressive, showcasing excellent optimization.”
“Despite a good gameplay idea, the execution could benefit from better optimization.”
“The optimization in this game significantly enhances the overall experience.”
“The game runs poorly on even high-end systems, making it frustrating to play.”
“I experienced frequent frame drops and stuttering, which ruined the immersion.”
“The optimization is so bad that loading times are unacceptably long, even for simple tasks.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its unforgiving nature, where nearly every interaction can lead to death, creating a heightened sense of tension and emotional intensity for players.
