Stratogun Review

Stratogun is a top down shoot’em up, a.k.a. shmup, where the key is to survive hazardous projectiles by using lightning fast reflexes and various perks. However unlike traditional vertical shmups, Stratogun offers a different twist and challenge.

While most vertical shmups has players continuously move forward to reach the end boss, Stratogun has players flying over a round, planet like shape as you are pelted by asteroids, that break off in smaller blocks upon contact of your arsenal of weaponry.

One of the features that differentiates it from most shmup is that each level is based on survival; literally. While most games of the genre you need to go from point A to point B, in this case, you need to survive and destroy everything until the bar at the top of the screen is filled up. And it’s easier said than done.

As you progress (and I use that term loosely), you’ll unlock new weapons, perks (such as increased boost or invulnerability time) and items (a.k.a. secondary weapon). You can adjust your loadout at the start of the game in the main menu. Your chosen secondary weapon will allow some breathing air as it’ll clear any nearby debris.

In case things get too hectic, you can either trigger your boost to dash through the debris or slow down time in order to shoot or dodge more precisely. Both perks have limited usage and do have a bit of a cooldown period in between; same thing for the special attack. Thankfully, as you destroy debris, they can drop some health, additional boost, slowdown and secondary attacks.

Stratogun also has an RPG lite mechanic. As you complete or fail runs, you’ll earn XP that will level up your spaceship. Not only does it unlock additional secondary attacks, but also permanent perks such as increased armor or damage (the latter feels completely inconsequential). You can also gamble your perk point; where you either lose it or the game will assign it for you.

The game has a minimalist visual approach. While everything is easily distinguishable, it’s not the most detailed game out there. And it’s not a bad thing. It’s a a nice change that gives the game a unique look. As far as the soundtrack goes, it sounds like a stock, generic spacey score that’s quite forgettable.

The first main nuisance of Stratogun is that your default weapon is limited. If you continuously use it, the weapon overloads leaving you defenseless for a short period of time and open for damage. The other nuisance is also the way the levels are done. Being of a round shape, it can be hard to see everything coming your way thus resulting unnecessary damage that could’ve been avoided under normal circumstances.

Stratogun is an overall enjoyable, highly challenging shmup experience with a minimalist approach. There’s a decent variety of perks and weaponry with RPG lite mechanics making this game a bit addictive. However, the limited usage of perks and constant weapon overheating takes a fair challenge and turns it into cheap hits/deaths. Fans of the genre will revel in this unique challenge, whereas newcomers of the genre should look into a different shmup.