Did You Know?
“Kiting” is a video game strategy in which players run away from enemies while attacking them – as if they were flying a kite on a string.
This mechanic was pioneered by Robotron 2084, the first “twin stick” shooter – although the term ‘kiting’ was originally associated with early MMOs Well I didn't know that until I read the press release for Kite.
Game Title: Kite
Developer: Lab Cat Games
Platform Reviewed: PC (Steam)
Rating: Ice CoolApparently there was a revolution which led to humanity’s efforts to meld robotics technology with mother and now it has come to fruition as earth has revitalized itself and a global utopia has become a reality. Earth is now a biomechanical paradise.
Now if that was it, this game wouldn't need and guns or twin stick shooting so there's something that has disturbed this paradise in the form of Several weapon research facilities which remain operational but hidden from the public eye and are kept as an ‘insurance policy’ against unforeseen threats.
A security breach has threatened one of these secret facilities and you take control of 'Mags' a Human-Operated Remote Droid prototype, or H.O.R.D.
As Mags your mission is to preserve world peace.
In terms of looks this game is Pixel Art Bonanza and it had me from the opening title screen.
It felt like I'd loaded up an awesome Amiga shooter and from minute one I was invested into the 80's sci fi steam punk action movie plot. The art is refreshing and the cut scenes are a classic 90's inspired pixel art love letter. It feels like the one man dev was locked in a room with a copy of Zombies Ate My Neighbours and Robotron and then told to write a game.
To think that this game was created by one guy is mind boggling. It's got stacks of cool ideas and takes on the twin stick genre that you can see that he must have grown up playing the classics from the era.
The gameplay is fast, frenetic and fun (it passes the 3 F's test!). It feels good to switch between your arsenal of weapons and then also to switch to a powerful short range Katana beam thingy that deals close range mega damage!
As you work your way through the level and destroy bots and parts of the environment you will be treated to ample pickups in the form of scrap, technology and food. A battlefield strewn with pixel pick ups is a beauty to behold as you scoop the loot and carry on dealing out destruction.
Using these pick ups you'll be able to upgrade your skills through a skills tree and craft some awesome gear for masterful Mags.
The music is worth a mention as its synthwave powered score resonates in my brain as I write this review and it's that which means I'm aching to get back to unleashing Mags onto the hordes of loot dropping robots.
Summary
This game definitely feels like I've dug out an old Amiga disk from the back of my desk drawer and dropped it into my 2018 PC and somehow it has worked!
Basically when it comes down to it, if you like The Chaos Engine, Zombies Ate My Neighbours, Smash TV, Total Carnage, TechnoClash, cyber punk inspired pixel art and new retro inspired video games then you are going to be shoulders deep into this beauty.
It's currently on Steam for £5.59 and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Right I'm off pick up some scrap and build myself a new leg and replace my old hard drive brain.
❄️ RATING: ICE COOL ❄️
Ratings Explained
ICE COOL (Great Game Recommended)
MELTING (Recommended with reservations, one to consider if you are a fan of the genre)
MELTED (Not A Recommended Purchase)
Review By Rich
No comments:
Post a Comment
Like what you see in the Games Freezer?
Why not tell us what you think with a few well-chosen comments? :)
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.