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The Pixeljunk games are truly a great series. Each game is its own take on a classic genre,
and each one is steller. The team at Q-Games really seem to know what they are doing, while
it is also apparent they are learning and improving. With the fourth game in the series,
the team has produced some of their finest work with Pixeljunk Shooter.
The game gives a quick backstory. As the human race continues to expand, the need for more
and more resources are needed. This creates the need for more complex and thus more dangerous
mining expeditions. After an accident, many miners are trapped underground and it is up
to you to rescue them. You control a subterranean vehicle and are sent down into the depths
of the planet to perform the rescue. But it will not be an easy mission. You will have
to contend with enemies and the elements of the planet itself.
The game’s controls are very simple. You move with the left analog stick and aim with
the right. You have missiles for dealing with the hazards and a grabbling cable for rescuing
the survivors. The title of Shooter might be a little misleading. That brings to mind
old arcade games where your only concern is killing everything that moves. This is not
the case. The real challenge comes from manipulating the three fluids: Water, magma, and Black
liquid. You need to work with these fluids to progress. Water will cool magma, turning
it into soft rock that you can shoot through. Magma will melt through ice, and also ignite
gas. The fluid dynamics look great, with them flowing all around you, and moving through
the levels.
You need to use the elements to create a path to rescue the survivors. You also need to
avoid overheating, and killing your mining friends. Each area is locked until you either
rescue or kill all the miners. The game is broken up into three sections, with each one
ending in an awesome boss battle. The biggest disappointment about the game is the length.
It is a quick game, being able to be finished in only a few hours. But there are treasures
hidden throughout the levels, and even a fun co-op mode that will definitely have you coming
back for some more. The game is a very unique experience, and also, a very enjoyable one.