But the magic is a bit of a dud... Hence 4/5.
I saw this game on RockPaperShotgun and had to have it. Simple fast paced FPS games are my sort of thing. The chunky pixel art and filters that can be applied help with the retro appeal if that is your thing. Personally, I prefer to focus on the game play - I have worked my way through the first 2 episodes and about a a quarter of the way through the 3rd.
Perhaps it is unfair of me to slam the spells in the game as I haven't played it all the way to the end, yet. However, as of yet, I have not felt the need to spend upgrade points on the spells. I felt these points were better spent on the guns - which are mighty fun and satisfying. I guess the game might ramp up as it progresses and maybe then the spells start to come into their own. We'll see.
The axe is a brutal and fun weapon. With the right character build it seems entirely possible to mostly use this weapon through most of the game. I know I've certainly used it a lot and I've tried to keep my character flexible. Now, I say character build as if the RPG element is quite built up... it isn't. But then again, I am happy it isn't. It's just enough to not distract from the action but also enough to make it enjoyable rather than a throw away bolt on that many small games seem to do.
On a sidenote, the music in the game is a bit of a mixed bag. More often than not, I find myself enjoying the music. From time to time, I find myself trying to get past the level in hope that the music changes in the next level. With a a retro shooter, the music tends to be in your face. But having said that, some of the tracks have been really good. I know, turn down the music volume... but I really don't think that is how this game is meant to be played.
In summary, this game is well worth the money if you enjoy this type of FPS. That is to say one that is heavy on the shooting and retro appeal and light on story and RPG mechanics.
