From Space
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Summary
Games today do not have to be extremely detailed or have photorealistic visuals to be considered fun. A game’s fun factor does not require innovation or attractive looks; it just has to do things right in all aspects. From Space manages to get this done - it does not reinvent the wheel, but it offers a solid and entertaining action-adventure co-op experience you would want to dive into with your friends and randoms.
In a nutshell, From Space is a top-down twin-stick shooter set in a post-apocalyptic Earth invaded by aliens dead-set on eating human brains. Players will take the mantle of human resistance fighters tasked with saving humanity, so yes, you’ll be playing the role of a hero! Although it has a rather familiar premise, the game sets itself apart by doing what it has right. Thanks to varied character classes, a massive roster of weapons, and interactable environments, From Space provides satisfying combat mechanics and strategic gameplay. However, it is not without its issues, including a steep learning curve, checkpoints, and lack of enemy variety.
So, should you play From Space? Before you start shooting aliens, let’s check out what it has to offer:
Plotline
A Crystal Meteor suddenly struck Earth in 1986, and before anyone could get a hold of the situation, aliens invaded, seeking to harvest these crystals. Yes, this means the 90s never happened, which is pretty bad but regardless, players will join a group of six resistance fighters to repel and defeat the aliens, restoring Earth to humanity. Although the story is fairly straightforward and won’t win any literary awards, it sets the stage for the action-packed gameplay.
Gameplay
From Space is a top-down, twin-stock shooter that offers engaging gameplay thanks to the variety of missions it offers. These include escorting NPCs, eliminating aliet nests, and taking on hordes of extraterrestrial critters. Players have the option to choose from a variety of character classes, each with unique abilities and weapons. And yes, you can find the right weapon that fits your overall playstyle. These include Rocket Launchers, Miniguns, electric guns, and even flamethrowers!
From Space places a lot of emphasis on environmental interaction, like using traps and cover to gain an advantage in combat. There’s also a strategic element to it, given players can deploy items like shields, mines, and even laser barriers to control the battlefield and outmaneuver the enemies. Furthermore, the destructible environmental elements add increased depth to the overall gameplay, which lets players use the surroundings to their advantage.
From Space’s combat mechanics and controls are incredibly smooth and satisfying. Characters have distinct playstyles, letting you pick one that lets you adhere to your preferences. For example, Flame Troopers have extremely strong firepower, along with the support capabilities of the Goalkeeper. With this in mind, it would be best for players to experiment with different classes and load-outs, adding replayability. Although the game is playable using a mouse and keyboard, I found it much easier to play via an Xbox controller.
However, the game is not without its many issues. There are difficulty spikes and checkpointing problems. For example, if you die without saving for a long time, you and your team will be brought farther back to the earlier parts. Furthermore, enemy attacks can be extremely intense and rather unforgiving, especially during boss fights and escort missions. Although the game emphasizes and rewards careful planning and execution, some sections can get quite repetitive and fall into the trial-and-error category.
However, the game faces challenges with difficulty spikes and checkpointing issues, which can frustrate players by sending them back to earlier stages upon death. Enemy encounters can be intense and unforgiving, especially during boss fights or escort missions. While the game rewards careful planning and skillful execution, some players may find certain sections overly punishing, leading to repetitive trial-and-error gameplay.
Community
From Space has an online co-op, enabling players to team up with friends to tackle missions together. There are no local co-op options, and there is a single-player mode if you don’t want to team up with anyone.
Graphics/Sound
From Space features cute chibi-like character sprites contrasted with menacing pink alien enemies. The graphics present a mix of light-hearted and tense atmospheres, with abandoned city streets and dimly lit environments setting the stage for thrilling and explosive encounters. The sound design complements the gameplay with suitable effects and music, enhancing the overall immersive experience and giving players a nice atmosphere.
Conclusion
Overall, From Space delivers a satisfying action-adventure experience despite its familiar premise. Thanks to its solid combat mechanics, varied character classes, and strategic environmental interactions, it offers hours of entertainment for fans of twin-stick shooters. While facing challenges with difficulty balancing, checkpointing, and enemy design, the game's action-packed gameplay and flamboyant presentation make it a must-play.
So, should you go out there and start playing From Space? Well, if you’re looking for an action-packed arcade shooter, it definitely belongs to your video game library.