Review

Developed by:Capybara Games Published by:Capybara Games Genre(s):
  • Shooter
  • Platform:
  • Handhelds
  • Microsoft
  • PC
  • Sony
  • Cost:$14.99 ESRB Rating:TEEN Players:1 Release date:May 14, 2014 Reviewed on:XBox One
    9.5

    Super Time Force

    A week or so ago I got extremely sick. Like, to the point where I couldn’t even move off my couch sick. I was just by my lonesome sulking in my own misery when I get an email from our beloved Editor-in-Chief. “Hey man you feel like reviewing something?” My first response was an absolute YES, just to at least attempt to get out of the plague funk I was in. I redeem the code and Super Time Force loads up on the screen. In early 90’s classic epileptic fashion, the title screen immediately threw me back to a nostalgic filled yesteryear of bullet hell side-scrolling madness that was featured in games like Contra. Moments later I discovered a gameplay mechanic that lifted Super Time Force to another level, making my trek on the road to recovery an exciting one!

    Super Time Force is a very tongue-in-cheek parody of a 30-something’s childhood ranging from videogames to pop music and movies. The story follows Colonel Repeatski, who sends a team of mercenaries into the past to “fix” things. Of course, this causes all sorts of issues that result in crazy bullet filled romps through time. Initially you have a choice between four characters, all with different strengths and inherent weaknesses. For example, there’s the quintessential run n’ gunner, with his special being a spread shot, a sniper equipped with a super shot that can travel through walls and more. As the game progresses, opportunities arise where you are prompted to save someone, which in turn you can unlock as a playable character with unique moves. These range from a feral pre-teen to a skateboarding dinosaur. Basically, there are a lot of wacky, yet cool characters to choose from.

    The basic gameplay is a blast; running, jumping, and gunning to the end of an extremely well built level is always a good time. What makes this game over-the-top amazing, however is the Time Out mechanic. You have 30 time outs which allow you to rewind to whatever point you want. After rewinding, a doppelganger of your previous self plays along with you, doing the moves you did the previous time you played. This can be multiplied exponentially which comes in extremely handy with the bosses or enemies that are strategically placed and need a second, third, fourth, or 30th character to bring down. Also, if you prevent your other self from dying (like killing an enemy that killed you on the first go round), you can absorb that character, adding a sort of shield that allows you to take a hit without dying. You can also use their special attack with your own, allowing for a super special to take down those pesky bad guys even quicker.

    The Time Out’s aren’t only used to add firepower. They also help you to complete each stage before time runs out; normally you’re only allotted 60-120 seconds to complete a level. This is just one of the ways the developers balanced out the use of an extremely forgiving mechanic. Another way was by implementing a murderously difficulty curve. Again, going back to games like Contra, one hit is all it takes to die. There are power ups and collectables that slow down enemies or add to your clock. That said, you’ll absolutely be using the Time Outs. Picking the best times to use this limited resource adds to the hectic gameplay. That’s not to say the game was frustrating as I rather enjoyed myself. There were times were I would try to get myself out of a tight jam before my previous self died. Other times I’d just said “screw it”, rewinding all the way to the beginning of the level before picking a character that seemed more suited for the enemies. The choice was always mine, which allowed for a chaotic, yet wild good time.

    Super Time Force is only a few hours of play from beginning to end, but I always found myself coming back for more. Being a completionist at heart, the collectables just mocked me. The more I played, the more I got hooked – I’m still playing it, attempting to see if I’ve unlocked every character, seen every bit of slapstick humor, and read every fart joke in the game. “Just one more time,” has been my mantra, to squeeze out that extra second or two. Every time is different, and each time it’s a blast.

    Gameplay:

    10

    So good! Super Time Force Feels like it should, with extremely responsive and snappy shooting and jumping. You can’t blame the controls for a terrible run. Also the time mechanic is awesome!

    Graphics:

    9

    Retro style pixel art is the name of the game, but the special effects surrounding that matches extremely well. Right down to the rewind lines when Time Out is used.

    Sound:

    10

    Chiptunes galore. The music, along with everything else, helps gamers get lost in this parody of a world.

    Replay Value:

    9

    I’m still playing it. There’s plenty to collect and it’s fun enough to return to over and over again.

    Final Score:

    9.5

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