REVIEW / Crystal Comet (PC)

Reviewing video games generally is a tough enterprise. It’s not merely a case of getting a guidelines and ticking issues off as you play so you possibly can determine whether or not a recreation is sweet or unhealthy. I’m noting this as a result of if the sport that I used to be enjoying in the present day had come from a large studio with a significant writer behind it I’d be scoring it fully in a different way. The purpose is I’m not and it isn’t so I must be this title via one other lens. As we speak’s recreation is retro within the most interesting sense of the phrase. I’m not speaking about “retro” both. This isn’t that foolish catch-all time period for video games made to look previous to be cool and edgy. I imply actually retro. As we speak’s recreation looks like one thing straight out of the early 90s and it’s superb. The truth that I used to be enjoying video games within the early 90s means lots on this occasion however I’m undecided some youthful gamers could be as thrilled as I’m. The title in query is Crystal Comet, it’s on Steam, and I’m having a literal blast.

Crystal Comet feels prefer it was made on a shoestring price range in somebody’s basement. This isn’t a criticism. A number of the greatest traditional video games got here out of conditions akin to this. The graphics are fundamental however colourful, the voice performing is healthier than one thing I might do, (critically 10 out of 10 for effort,) the music is remarkably nicely executed, and the gameplay is enjoyable. I completely don’t care that it appears to be like like a throwback. I’m placing my retro hat on for this evaluation as a result of I actually loved myself with this title, however I nonetheless needed to put it in a little bit of a field in my head. If I hadn’t executed I’d have began making foolish, unfair comparisons and that wouldn’t have executed Crystal Comet justice.

Crystal Comet is a vertical shooter by which you get every thing together with the kitchen sink thrown at you and it’s a must to energy via blasting every thing in your method. I don’t want to elucidate the fundamental mechanics, you’ve all been there and I’m fairly certain you recognize precisely what I’m speaking about. There are a number of little quirks although that I discovered actually gratifying and refreshing.

You’ll choose one in all 4 characters to take into the fray, every with their very own ship. Every of those ships has differing stats with respect to hurry and the quantity of punishment they’ll take. Additionally they have a unique particular which you can kick off once you’ve picked up sufficient vitality. This nonetheless isn’t something new however what I like is that you just’re enjoying this recreation as a part of a squad. The opposite three ships will likely be flying together with you with the AI manning the helm. That is good since you’re getting 4 participant co-op even once you’re by yourself and there’s sufficient happening throughout every stage to make this really feel impactful. Having assist doesn’t make the sport really feel simpler it’s simply good to have the additional firepower.

The story Crystal Comet facilities round 4 mercenaries who should convey steadiness again to the universe within the wake of the titular celestial artifact. All races had been dwelling harmoniously till it appeared, rekindling previous enmities and stoking the flames of battle and greed. Whether or not you’ll be capable of destroy the comet will come right down to your talent as a pilot and your skill to work as a workforce. There will likely be lots of hostile territory that you just’ll need to fly via earlier than you’ll get that probability, although.

One thing I actually like about Crystal Comet is that dropping all of your life doesn’t simply see you exploding into just a little fireball. If you happen to drop to zero well being, one of many different ships can, (and really will,) come alongside and heal you. You’ll end up doing the identical together with your fallen comrades and this provides to the sensation of enjoying as a part of a workforce. What’s good is the AI doesn’t have the intelligence of a sack of bricks and can truly do its half. I’ve performed many video games with huge budgets and really dumb computer-controlled gamers so that is beautiful to see.

Crystal Comet is replayable in which you can take multiple route via the sport. As you full ranges you’ll be given multiple path you possibly can take. This doesn’t alter the problem, it simply provides you a barely completely different problem and, after all, a brand new boss to satisfy. Every stage additionally provides you an unlockable weapon on completion so it’s value going again and enjoying once more if you wish to acquire all of them. Every character additionally has their very own ending so this provides to the rationale why you’ll be desirous to play via it greater than as soon as.

That is the kind of recreation that with a little bit of talent you may simply full in a single sitting, and one which I truly did. This isn’t a criticism on this case. There are a few causes for this. The primary is as I’ve simply talked about you possibly can return and play once more however meet completely different ranges. The opposite level is that lots of shooters are rating assaults so in case you’re the kind of participant that desires to rack up the factors you possibly can repeat ranges again and again and never lose an excessive amount of time doing it. Lastly, by finishing Crystal Comet you’ll unlock a brand new mode that I’m not telling you about. You may put the work in and discover out identical to I did.

I actually loved enjoying via Crystal Comet. This wasn’t as a result of the graphics had been stellar or as a result of it was a 70-hour saga however for the only motive. It was enjoyable. I’ve stated this earlier than however we spend a lot time in search of video games that reinvent the wheel that we overlook the purpose of every thing we do. We wish to take pleasure in ourselves and if that’s for an hour or a month that must be all that counts. If you happen to like a great arcade shooter and also you simply wish to take pleasure in blasting aliens to bits I believe you’ll take pleasure in flying via Crystal Comet. If however, you’ve been raised on Triple A shenanigans and also you’re in search of cutting-edge every thing you’ll doubtless really feel such as you’ve been given one thing out of a time warp to play via. Personally, I believe it’s a tenner of your hard-earned cash nicely spent for a bout of easy, (if just a little brief storywise,) enjoyment.