REVIEW / Crystal Comet (PC)

Reviewing video games could be a tough enterprise. It’s not merely a case of getting a guidelines and ticking issues off as you play so you possibly can resolve whether or not a recreation is nice or unhealthy. I’m noting this as a result of if the sport that I used to be enjoying right this moment had come from an enormous studio with a significant writer behind it I’d be scoring it totally otherwise. The purpose is I’m not and it isn’t so I must be this title by means of one other lens. Right this moment’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 This isn’t that foolish catch-all time period for video games made to look outdated to be cool and edgy. I imply actually retro. Right this moment’s recreation seems like one thing straight out of the early 90s and it’s wonderful. The truth that I used to be enjoying video games within the early 90s means rather a lot 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 finances in somebody’s basement. This isn’t a criticism. A number of the finest traditional video games got here out of conditions similar to this. The graphics are primary however colourful, the voice appearing is best than one thing I may do, (critically 10 out of 10 for effort,) the music is remarkably effectively 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 assessment 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 during which you get all the things together with the kitchen sink thrown at you and you need to energy by means of blasting all the things in your manner. I don’t want to elucidate the fundamental mechanics, you’ve all been there and I’m fairly certain you understand precisely what I’m speaking about. There are a number of little quirks although that I discovered actually pleasant and refreshing.

You’ll choose certainly one of 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 special particular you can kick off whenever you’ve picked up sufficient power. This nonetheless isn’t something new however what I like is that you simply’re enjoying this recreation as a part of a squad. The opposite three ships might be flying together with you with the AI manning the helm. That is sensible since you’re getting 4 participant co-op even whenever you’re by yourself and there’s sufficient occurring throughout every degree 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 carry stability again to the universe within the wake of the titular celestial artifact. All races have been dwelling harmoniously till it appeared, rekindling outdated enmities and stoking the flames of warfare and greed. Whether or not you’ll have the ability to destroy the comet will come right down to your talent as a pilot and your means to work as a group. There might be a variety of hostile territory that you simply’ll should fly by means of 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 a little bit fireball. For those who 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 group. What’s good is the AI doesn’t have the intelligence of a sack of bricks and can really do its half. I’ve performed many video games with massive budgets and really dumb computer-controlled gamers so that is pretty to see.

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

That is the form of recreation that with a little bit of talent you can simply full in a single sitting, and one which I really did. This isn’t a grievance 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 totally different ranges. The opposite level is that a variety of shooters are rating assaults so when you’re the form of participant that desires to rack up the factors you possibly can repeat ranges time 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 by means of Crystal Comet. This wasn’t as a result of the graphics have been stellar or as a result of it was a 70-hour saga however for the only purpose. 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 neglect the purpose of all the things we do. We need to take pleasure in ourselves and if that’s for an hour or a month that must be all that counts. For those who like a very good arcade shooter and also you simply need to take pleasure in blasting aliens to bits I believe you’ll take pleasure in flying by means of Crystal Comet. If then again, you’ve been raised on Triple A shenanigans and also you’re in search of cutting-edge all the things you’ll probably really feel such as you’ve been given one thing out of a time warp to play by means of. Personally, I believe it’s a tenner of your hard-earned cash effectively spent for a bout of straightforward, (if a little bit quick storywise,) enjoyment.