Switch ‘N’ Shoot review

Switch ‘N’ Shoot doesn’t feature a solid or let alone deep story. As a pilot, you are summoned to protect Earth from an endless incoming alien invasion. Shoot everything in sight, but don’t worry; no experience needed! If you can target enemies and shoot them, you’re hired!

Switch ‘N’ Shoot is a unique take on the shmup genre by having players only requiring literally one-button. You don’t have control over your ship aside from the fact that the A button serves as both your ship’s movement and projectiles. Each time you press A, your ship will move in the opposite direction and fire a bullet a the same time. Needless to say, it gets a bit tricky.

Players have to time their movement with incoming enemy ships through the vertical path; think of it as Space Invaders minus the direct ship control. As you kill enemies, they’ll drop power-ups which in turn increases your firepower. If you can’t time your shots and movement properly, it’s, unfortunately, a bit useless.

Unfortunately, the lack of gameplay depth is the game’s biggest flaw; while it might keep you entertained for an hour or so; unless you’re “in the zone” and are able to reach bosses and other sectors, it’s still just pressing a single button which will feel mindnumbing after a while as you crave something more substantial.

Switch ‘N’ Shoot has a unique charm. The game’s visuals are pretty simple yet very distinct with your white space on a black background with red enemies barrel down towards you. The further you get, you can unlock additional color palette allowing you to give it a personal touch. It also has one of the most interesting chiptune soundtracks I’ve had the chance to over the last few years or so; kinda reminded me of the classic NES era.

Switch ‘N’ Shoot is an interesting, single button, endless shump. It definitely offers an intricate challenge but lacks gameplay depth; you can’t hook players on looks alone. There’s no doubt the game will continuously pull you back in for “one more” round, but at the end of the day, this is the type of game that will tide you over until the next big one sinks its teeth into you.