Astral Plague an Inventive Twist on Retro Space-shooter Games
by Paul Wilks
Dec 19, 2011 8:54 AM –
Install
Astral Plague is a pulsating and frenetic space shooter game. The game, probably familiar in gameplay to fans of retro-classics such as ‘Asteroid’, is a top-down 2D shooting bonanza as you have to fend off wave after wave of aggressive enemies. This is no gentle ride through the solar system either; it’s full-on, unremitting, intense and insanely action packed. There’s also an element of tower defense squeezed in which adds new kinds of gameplay to the mix. Cool, fun and in many ways brilliant, Astral Plague is as remorseless as it is fun.
Price: $1.99
Tested on: HTC Desire HD
Content Rating: Everyone
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Intense gameplay!
- Challenging!
- Supporting turrets and secondary weapons!
- Awesome music!
- Great theme!
- Game will grow as new stages are released!
Cons
- Some people might find the game too difficult.
Features:
Retro themes are popular in the Android Market, and perhaps no more notable than in the space shooter genre. From clones of Galaga to the return of R-Type retro games are automatically familiar to most gamers as they have probably played similar variants of these popular gaming tropes. Modern games however often take these principals and enhance them; including better graphics, extended gameplay, tougher enemies and, of course, better weaponry.
Into this foray steps Astral Plague with a tender nod to old school classic ‘Asteroid’. Your job as space craft pilot is to fend off wave after wave of vicious aliens. Controls are via either accelerometer tilt control or by an on-screen control pad. Both work quite well, although I favoured the on-screen controls (which is probably down to preference more than anything else). Aliens approach you in every direction and you tap the screen to fire in that direction. The key often here is to keep moving and shooting as best as you can.
You can supplement your craft’s weapons with turrets and secondary weapons- you’re not completely on your own. This is a relief because the enemies are extremely unforgiving and come at you in droves. At times I found the game very tricky and the alien onslaught, even in earlier levels and waves, was full on! The turrets provide some shelter and you can hide behind these if need be as they can be placed onto the game screen easily from the right hand side. Thankfully these, and the additional boosts at the bottom, are kept mostly out of the way and do not interfere too much with actual gameplay, especially when you are defending through 360 degrees!
At release the game comes with only first chapter available, entitled ‘Distant Affliction’. While later chapters will be released in January, ‘Distant Affliction’ is more than enough to be getting on with as it contains 8 levels with several waves in each.
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Astral Plague – Gameplay screens (1)
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Astral Plague – Gameplay screens (2)
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Astral Plague – Gameplay screens (3)
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Astral Plague – Gameplay screens (4)
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Astral Plague – Gameplay screens (5)
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Astral Plague – Blown up! Ouch!
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Astral Plague – Start blasting!
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Astral Plague – Eaten!
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Astral Plague – Wave completed
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Astral Plague – Level complete
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Astral Plague -Menu
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Astral Plague – Map screen
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Astral Plague – Chapter screen
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Astral Plague – Upgrades
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Astral Plague – Settings
Fun Factor:
Despite being quite tough, Astral Plague to buckets of fun. There’s real jeopardy there as you often kill something moments before it reaches you. The graphics are quite good- although not quite as dazzling as we see elsewhere in the Market- yet there are neat little effects. Add to this the additional weapons and strategic tower-defense element, and the concoction creates a heady and immersive universe which is hugely enjoyable.
Addictive:
It’s the kind of game you can play until your thumbs give out. I found myself losing far more time than I had planned to playing the game. There is a steep learning curve which might frustrate some inexperienced gamers, but then the challenge is there for more competent players. Such is the high-octane feel of gameplay you might get burn out if you’re not careful!
Graphics:
The graphics, being 2D and top-down are not going to set the Android Market alight, but they still look very good and work well with the thematic and gameplay. There is still plenty of details to be noted in explosions, etc. and it’s all pretty cool.
I really liked the visual theme of the game, it is sort of Tron-esque, serious neon blue and inky black. This looks really cool and nice to see when you’ve been fawning over Ice Cream Sandwich videos! It just gives the game a great feel and polish.
Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:
You have the option of controlling your craft via tilt control, thus freeing up gameplay space. This is responsive, works very well and will suit many players, however I still preferred the onscreen controls. I think it should be said that many games opt not to offer different methods of control so it’s brilliant to see more and more games, such as Astral Plague deploying both types here.
In-game sound is superb. It’s a thumping dance track that feels perfect for the explosive gameplay. The music adds significantly to the experience and is incredibly immersive.
Tags:
2D,
Android App,
Android Apps,
Android Game,
AndroidTapp.com App Review,
Asteroid,
Astral Plague,
Galaga,
Old School,
retro,
Space Shooter,
Tower Defense Game
Categorised in: Arcade & Action
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