We are never short of twin stick shooters, and with a roguelike tag to boot. Titles have to be a bit special to succeed and more importantly, get noticed.
Atomic Heist carries something extra, whilst you navigate it’s randomly generated levels. Players are quested with carrying an atomic capsule through intense and tricky levels in order to find an exit and eventually escape with capsule undamaged and intact. This would be all well and good, if it wasn’t for the swarms of enemy spaceships baying for your blood, and the added problem of the capsule emitting radiation. Slowly depleting your energy force.
There’s help at hand though, having started with a basic ship and little else than a hub upgrade attached. Certain enemies once destroyed, can leave token power ups of many powerful abilities. Increased fire power, multiple shots only begins to scratch the surface, as you travel through its labyrinth type corridors. Building up your ship, whilst making sure you take out every enemy in order for the exit door to unlock and open.
Death will come often, but as, of course, this is a roguelike, upgrades are carried over and unlockables grant many added extras like new ships, extra health, missile equips and more powerful main weapons.
As it is, Atomic Heist is a perfect little “pick up and play” title, where every little piece of its structure just blends and functions exceptionally well. It’s permadeath mechanic is a little more forgiving than titles like Neurovoider and Galak Z, yet its still difficult enough to provide a brutal and challenging run for each of your many playthroughs. Graphically not the prettiest title you will come across, and my only gripe is some enemy ships are a bit small to see on my original Switch. So worth a rethink if you only have a lite. Yet, with no problems in running and decently smooth gameplay, and at a very decent price. This game is highly enjoyable and well worth your time and money..
Thanks to Drageus Games for the code.
