Weapons of Choice DX Review

Weapons of Choice DX is set in a time where the world is slowly being taken over by gene-combining extraterrestrial beings from outer space. Hideous creatures are popping up everywhere. Our only hope is the team of Solus Operatives whom are called into action in order to save the world.

Weapons of Choice DX is 2D run n’ gun action platformer akin to the Contra/Probotector series where you need to blaze through waves of unrelenting enemies. This game also gives you the opportunity to play as different characters, which act as additional lives. Each character has two weapons: a basic machinegun and a unique weapon per character. For example, one of the first characters you use has a flamethrower while another one has a chainsaw like gun.

The game also offers two different mechanics compared to other games in the same genre. First up is the level system. Instead of jumping from linear level to linear level, it offers branching paths from the starting level which allows you to choose which path to go down and also allowing for the some replay value down the road for those who want to explore every path.

The other feature is that the game will save your ass. Given this is a one-hit death game, before you’re about to be fatally hit, the game will slow down giving you the opportunity to move in order to dodge the obstacle or shoot the enemy that’s about to end your life. When you die, another character jumps in to take the spot.

You also have the ability to double jump to avoid more treacherous obstacles and wider gaps; the longer you hold the jump button, the further you go. It’s borderline sem-flying. Your characters are also equipped with a backpack that acts likes Spider-man’s Iron where extra mechanical arms/legs will latch on to nearby surfaces.

Weapons of Choice DX looks great and very colorful. And the development team did a great job in seamlessly combining paths of different themed so that it feels like you’re progressing, yet you’re still in the first area deciding for which path to take. The soundtrack, while appropriate for the game’s theme, is quite forgetful. It sounds like a stock generic rock soundtrack instead of a polished, newly created score for a new game.

There’s surprisingly nothing wrong here; at least nothing that will hinder the enjoyment. If there’s one complaint I can say though is that while the slowdown mechanic is literally a life saver, it does interrupt the flow of the game, which akin to other run n’ gun, should be fast-paced, pedal to the metal as you wreck everything coming your way. The floaty jumping makes platforming annoying.

Weapons of Choice DX is a great addition to the 2D run n’ gun genre. While not as classic as Konami’s flagship franchise, this game has its own unique mechanics that make it definitely worth your time and money. The non-linear path, playable character diversity, being able to escape death; it’s a fun and addictive game.