Preview
Platform:
PlayStation NetworkDeveloper:
Queasy GamePublisher:
Sony Computer Entertainment AmericaPreviewed by
Justin Fassino on 2007-07-13
When genius happens, you know it instantly. Sometimes you kick yourself for not thinking of the idea before. That was my first reaction when I played the upcoming PSN game
Everyday Shooter.
Anyone who has played
Geometry Wars will know just what to expect from
Everyday Shooter. Almost. See,
Everyday Shooter is not your everyday shooter. It's much more.
The game uses vector-based graphics to produce some eye-catching, color-infused stages for the player. Each stage is based around a song, and like
Rez, shooting and destroying enemies makes certain sounds; what ends up happening is the player creates their own sort of rhythm to the music. That's all very nice, but the design doesn't end there.
The game also uses a chained destruction system similar to those found in
Every Extend Extra and
Missile Command. By defeating certain enemy types, their explosions will chain into other enemies that will in turn chain again, making it possible to clear the entire screen of foes in a satisfying synesthesia of lights and noise. The catch is that each level has a different method for chaining. In the first level, it's simply a matter of allowing enemies to group together and then taking out the appropriate exploding shape. But in level two, it's much different: a certain large enemy, if left on the screen long enough, will connect beams of light to other, smaller enemies. By waiting and not destroying it immediately, letting it do its connection thing, you can then take it out along with the attached shapes, all at once.
Each enemy leaves behind a pellet of energy that is a spitting image of your ship. By collecting these pellets, you can increase your life. Larger chains not only give you point bonuses, but life bonuses as well, so it behooves you to work some strategy into your play.
Musically, the entire soundtrack is made of soft acoustic guitar tunes. Unlike
Geometry Wars, which is a twitch-based shooter that demands focus,
Everyday Shooter is more of a chill-out experience... something to help take the edge off at the end of the day and put a smile on your face. It still provides a great challenge, though, so hardcore shooting fans should be placated.
Sony has done the right thing by picking the game up for release on the PSN this August. The entire development of the game was handled by a single person, Jonathan Mak, but he's done an incredible job polishing and adding to an established genre with a hybrid of styles found in the best audiovisual games.
Everyday Shooter is one of the most surprising and wonderful discoveries at E3 this year, and it should not be ignored. It's just that good.
