Assault Android Cactus is a “frenetic arcade style twin stick shooter” to use their words and boy are they right. Android Cactus is a blend of SHMUPs, fighter, isometric level grinder (ala Gauntlet or Smash TV) with a bit of a Ratchet and Clank art style.
Unlike your typical SHMUPs there is a story of sorts and there is a bit of personality to your team. Players are unlocked as you move through the game and each character has a primary and secondary weapon unique to them.
Assault Android Cactus takes you and your chosen character through a series of levels aboard a besieged space freighter (watch the intro for details) and the levels change and shift while you go through bullet hell in single player and co-op modes fighting endless waves of robots. As you progress you fight through a series of levels before each boss for that zone. The boss fights definitely require you to up your game.
AAC is available on the Steam store for $11.99 and is likely worth every penny if you are into this genre, but don’t expect a cartoony walkthrough. Reveiws are positive at least in part to the game not being a walkthrough.
My only criticism is that levels at times are a bit repetitive. This is all part of the game style, so I am reluctant to make it a hard knock on the game. If shoot ’em ups are your thing then you likely won’t even notice you’ll just have your tongue hanging out blowing things up. I’m giving Assault Android Cactus a 9 because it’s fun, funny and well done. This is a must try if you consider this your genre and no gamer is likely to find the $12 wasted.
Published: Sep 29, 2015 10:35 am