The thing about classic games is that they inspire others to hop on board and try their hand at something similar in the genre. But it’s funny to think that, after all these years, some indie devs are still trying their hand at the original 90s Doom, even though id Software has since evolved the genre with its two more modern entries.
Enter Gastro Force, Ratalaika Games’ tribute to the 90s shooter of old. In it, you make your way through an alien-plagued vessel, shooting down enemies while picking up helpful new weapons and shields to stay in one piece for a little bit longer.
The game plays capably, but doesn’t really change much over the course of its 30-level run, with most of the same enemies and weapon effects. I suppose, for the $7 price, you do get your money’s worth here, but I can’t help but think more could’ve been done with it.
The Gameplay Never Really Evolves
The thing about Doom that made it so special was the ability to pick up new weapons that made a difference, such as the BFG. With Gastro Force, there’s only one weapon that really feels like it moves things forward, and that’s the rocket launcher. Aside from that, whether you have the shotgun or even the pistol, the damage done to enemies is about the same. As such, the formula doesn’t change much – stick and move, and repeat.
That’s not an entirely bad thing, as first-person shooter fans could very well love it. But I can’t help but think, with Gastro Force, the developers could’ve added a distinctive touch to make the game stand out a little more. It might feel like a drag for some, with some of the later levels pretty much offering everything the previous ones did. It lacks an evolution in moving things forward.
But, for a $7 shooter, it handles pretty well, and the ability to track where you are with a helpful mini-map is a nice touch, so you won’t run the risk of getting lost. On the flip side of that, however, the level design is pretty linear, with barely any secret stuff to track down. That might make it too straightforward for some.
A Nostalgic Look, But Not Much Else
Gastro Force does benefit from an engine you’d likely find on the SNES or 32X, with primitive but solid 3D visuals that look like something from the 90s era. The atmospheric touches are nice, if not original; and the enemies look good, although, again, we could’ve used some different designs to keep things interesting.
However, the music feels like a step back. Instead of really keeping the action moving like with other first-person shooters (for instance, Prodeus), Gastro Force’s soundtrack doesn’t really do much of anything. It’s generic at best, backed by sound effects that barely rise to the occasion. This is one instance where you could blare death metal in the background and not really miss much of anything.
Hard To Stomach?
For a $7 shooter, Gastro Force isn’t a terrible game by any means. It looks good for a game of its type, and plays just fine. But there’s barely anything here for the long haul, not does the sound really do any favors alongside the graphics. It’s got points of inspiration, but never really enough to move the entire thing forward.
Doom was able to evolve into something greater by offering something greater with each new level you took on. Gastro Force fails on that level, though the shooting action it provides might just be enough for quick retro-style sessions. If you’re a fan, it’s worth taking on. Otherwise, feel free to dwell in id Software’s hell instead.
GAMERHUB RATING: 2.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
(Thanks to Ratalaika Games for the review code!)
