OBLITACRATER Review

High-risk but simple games are ridiculously addictive. These casual experiences are the perfect option if you have limited time to game. Moreover, the basic structure ensures you can put the action down and return with no problems. OBLITACRATER is a refined indie game that keeps you coming back for more.

Strangely Named has developed this fun twin-stick shooter. It is a single-player game where risk and reward must constantly be balanced. Moreover, tactics, a large arsenal of weapons, and plenty of other elements must be considered if you wish to top the leaderboard and take home the bragging rights.

One world to master in OBLITACRATER.

There is no plot, and there is only one world to master. Therefore, you’d think that OBLITACRATER would become boring. Well, you’d be wrong! The small world is loaded with alien life. These aliens don’t like to be disturbed, and your little space vessel is enough to drive them insane. Consequently, you must fight to survive as they swarm you and keep you on your toes.

The lack of story was disappointing, but not surprising. After all, there isn’t much depth, no key protagonists, and no antagonist to hunt down. Instead, you must search for upgrades, avoid each alien, and bank as many points as possible. If you die, and you will, your run ends, your unbanked points are wiped, and your position on the global leaderboard is decided. This is the gameplay loop of OBLITACRATER, and it is great.

To gamble or not to gamble?

We all know that gambling is not good for your health. However, this game pushes the idea differently. As you destroy waves of enemies, you’ll earn the chance to upgrade your ship or your weapons. However, this comes with a twist. Some of the upgrades are fantastic, and others are not so good. Therefore, you have to weigh up the benefits before you jump in.

With an array of guns to unlock, plenty of aliens to destroy, and a never-ending stream of fear and excitement to contend with, OBLITACRATER has a wonderful arcade edge. Although it lacks depth, I didn’t care. Instead, I focused on the pickup-and-play mechanics, the addictive gameplay, and aiming for the top of the leaderboard.

OBLITACRATER offers basic aesthetics and simple ideas.

If you want a visual masterpiece with a dramatic soundtrack, this isn’t the game for you. Its entry-level price matches the graphical and audio output. Although it isn’t terrible by any stretch of the imagination, it is atypically indie and suitable for the genre. The colours are vivid, and the animation is smooth. Moreover, the audio is aggressive and loud, but neither memorable nor poor.

The control system is basic, and getting to grips with it took me less than ten minutes. Thankfully, it is reasonably responsive, and dashing, shooting, and aiming were easy to master. This makes it a good starting point for anyone wanting to dip their toe in the water. Despite the lack of depth, I spent hours playing OBLITACRATER. The refined gameplay is addictive, and the high tension of each playthrough pushes you to go beyond your comfort zone.

OBLITACRATER won’t set the world alight.

OBLITACRATER is fun, easy to handle, and addictive, but it won’t set the world alight. It is another indie game in a sea of entry-level experiences. However, I liked the gameplay, the simple-to-understand mechanics, and the low price point. Accordingly, it is good, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!