Take what you know about tower defense games and toss it out the window, because Comet Crash will definitely change your perception of the genre. Let's crash this review now, shall we?
Graphics: If there's one monumental truth surrounding Comet Crash, it's that there is going to be a LOT going on on-screen. Now this may not prove to be true at first, but more than becomes a reality as you progress further into the game. The action runs incredibly smooth with not one bit of slowdown throughout. Players can have upwards of nearly one thousand or more, yes I said one thousand, enemies and allies on-screen at once, all moving independently. Visuals for enemies and allies are sharp, although they may be a bit small for those who may be playing on standard definition TVs. However, one huge plus is that the game allows players to re-size the screen so that you're not missing any of the action. Overall the graphics are pretty, simple and get the job done.
Gameplay: Here's where you throw your idea of the tower defense genre out the window because you'll not only be posting a defensive, but an all-out offensive as well, with up to two fellow players, if you so choose. Each side has a base with a set amount of health. Your goal is to send out enough troops to obliterate your enemy's base, while at the same time defending your own in order to take back control of each of the four comets which are split into stages of seven a piece (twenty-eight in all). In order to built a bigger army as well as new structures you must acquire currency which is obtained by drawing meteors to your structures and blowing them up. All this is done while you navigate your ship around the stage obtaining currency, building structures and avoiding enemy attack, as your ship is susceptible to damage as well.
There are four general classes of troops to send out and dismantle your enemy. Your typical ground troops, tanks which are slower but have a bit more health, aerial units for air attacks and torpedoes which are incredibly fast ground units. Along with those come a set of special ops which have different abilities ranging from the ability to convert enemy soldiers into allies to carrying ground troops over deadly ground assaults. Each provide a different all-around strategy for your attack and by no means do you have to use a specific troop type in order to successfully complete a level, although at times certain troops can make the game a bit easier. The weapons at your disposal range from the typical ground turret to more powerful electrical pulsars and lasers which can be sure to destroy enemies in-flight. Once players reach a certain point in the game, gateways are unlocked which, when placed, block enemy units from advancing, but allow your own troops to pass. Also, it should be noted that these levels can get tough, REALLY tough, and do an excellent job of testing your skills as a gamer.
Along with a strong and incredibly challenging single player campaign, Comet Crash also offers a great offline co-op experience where you can take on your foe with up to 3 friends. Up to four players can battle it out in a variety of battlefield configurations in 'Battle Mode'. Bases can be set up anywhere which makes for a nearly infinite range of scenarios and the ability to suggest that almost no two games are alike. If players really want to test their Comet Crash skills, they may even opt to set their health below 100% to show other players their true prowess.
Along with the normal gameplay modes, Comet Crash features online leaderboards, custom soundtracks and trophy support, all of which are always welcome.
Sound: The soundtrack for Comet Crash is actually really well done. Synaesthesia did a fantastic job of creating a beautifully mellow, melodic soundtrack (very notable when a comet is completed) which has a calming effect that you'll definitely need in-game with the amount of chaos that ensues. A further testament to the game's soundtrack is that, although tempted, we never found the need to initiate our own custom tracks and the game's default tracks really seemed to help us focus, this may differ with other gamers, but that was our case.
Overall: If you're looking for an exceptional challenge along with some truly frantic fun, stop into the PS Store and take a look at Comet Crash. It's definitely a test of skill and strategy, and fans of either will more than be satisfied. This game more than takes your standard 'tower defense' to a whole new level, and with a price tag of just $9.99, you don't have much to lose.
SnackBarGames write:
"The PlayStation 3 has its own particular flavor of multiplayer games. First-party experiences tend to focus on family-friendly entertainment, while downloadables on the platform like to experiment with various concepts. Sometimes a developer even takes advantage of the system’s 7-controller support! (Just not that often.) Here’s the cream of the crop on the system, including some that should work for any group."
Interesting list... stays away from obvious shooters and the like. SingStar and Fat Princess are great multiplayer games too.
It is interesting and is was not a list I was expecting. Even though I never played many of those multiplayer games, I still think they could of added Uncharted multiplayer or PlayStation all stars because those are my faves.
Agreed... both games have excellent MP. How about Journey too? And Demon's/Dark Souls... they both have interesting MP.
I don't play it often so it crosses my mind too easily. But that multiplayer on Journey is awesome and unique!
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, Kill-Zone 2, Kill-Zone 3, Gran Turismo 5, Little Big Planet, Little Big Planet 2, Journey, Portal 2, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Battlefield 3, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
This is the debut installment of Multitap, writer Graham Russell’s new column about traditional multiplayer and co-op gaming.
There are lots of games out there that let you jump in with your friends and play around. Those can be a heck of a lot of fun. If you’re looking for something a bit more cerebral, though, nothing’s better than a co-op game with some planning and strategy.
SBG: "We’re human. We don’t always get to every game before the end of its year of release. This is our way of making amends: the best games we missed out on until 2011. Because we can’t go back in time and honor them in a more timely fashion."
...under-played game.
Got all the trophies twice (on my PS3 and my bro).
Nice review!