Q-Games and Sony teamed up again to create Pixeljunk Shooter 2. Previously Q-Games had developed Pixeljunk Monsters, Racers, Eden and the first Shooter for the PlayStation Network. The first Pixeljunk Shooter was probably the game to elevate the studio to new levels as it was critically acclaimed and loved by fans everywhere. Shooter 2 was an easy decision for the developer but will it be able to top its predecessor?
At the end of Shooter 1 (Spoilers), the player, commandeering a spaceship, was eaten by a giant and ugly alien life-form, well – a giant worm really. Shooter 2, as the previous game, tasks players to rescue scientists and collect gems while navigating each area of the alien while blasting enemies and solving liquid based puzzles. Simply put, Shooter 2 is a lot like the first iteration but that does not make it a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. Q-Games has done a great job adding new elements to the game such as unique suits and dark, lightless levels as well as magnetic oil to spice up the experience.
The controls in Shooter 2 work just as flawlessly as they did in Shooter 1. Players control the tiny spaceship past foes and through dangerous elements within the body of the alien. There are several different themes in Shooter 2 and all of them do a good job of switching up the gameplay. I was never bored playing Shooter 2 and really enjoyed all the different gadgets and puzzles throughout. Q-Games’ latest game is great at creating liquid based levels and having the player counter acting those in order to progress. The game, as the previous one, looks great and has varied and unique environments while keeping a sleek and well designed art style. Shooter 2 is easy on the eyes.
Players of the first game will feel right at home and love using water to fight lava, lava against ice or use the ‘scientist-collector’, as I like to call it, to interact with the environment. Shooter 2’s gameplay was always challenging and interesting without becoming repetitive. The enemies and bosses in Shooter 2 are just difficult enough to keep it a fun game and not frustrating but certainly keep players on their toes. Using the missiles and environmental elements to fight enemies is probably some of the most fun you’ll have with a downloadable title this spring.
With the arrival of Pixeljunk Shooter 2 players are now able to engage into 2 player competitive multiplayer. Players will compete against each other while seeing who is able to rescue more scientists in a 4 round stretch. The 2 players will take turns rescuing and defending. While one player is looking to capture the most scientists possible, the other is trying to take out the rescuer and destroy him. This is a fun mode and surprisingly entertaining – it provides a nice option and good change up between the adventure mode.
Pixeljunk Shooter 2 is a testament of Q-Games’ dedication to not just create a copy of the first game. Shooter 2 is a super fun single and multiplayer experience that will have you go back to levels many times in order to get a new high score or finally beat your friend in the multiplayer mode. If you are into well designed, unique twin stick shooters that sound and look great, Shooter 2 is for you.
Score: 8.5 / 10
Pixeljunk Shooter 2 was developed by Q-Games and published by Sony for the PS3 on March 1st. A review code was provided to us by Sony for reviewing purposes.
