Lots of ID games are starting to follow a trend now. We`re seeing a good range of ID games hit the Xbox family in a range of genres, and the ID market is at its strongest peak that it has been for a while. We`ve seen some cracking ID games over the past year, and with Xbox, they`re also being given that chance through the Xbox Game Preview Program to be given that platform to get their game out there. The ID market is growing rapidly.
The game we turn our attention today to though is a game that`s inspired by the days of co-op and multiplayer, and that is one of Towerfall ascension. A game that centres around having fun and some wacky matches. But is it a game that`s going to be worth a purchase? In my opinion, yes, it is. I`ve really enjoyed my time with it.
Towerfall Ascension is a game developed and published by Matt Makes Games Inc. and is a version of the archery combat games. You`re placed into each zone and each zone has 5 waves of enemies who are going to come at you and try to attack you and take a life. You need to get to the end of the wave in order to get to the end of the zone and move on. It`s a fun game that starts from the beginning, and although perhaps you`re going to need to jump on with someone to get the full enjoyment and experience out of it, you can start early on your own and it`s something that will become quite a fun little game. But make sure they don’t attack you too much, as dying will result in you having to start the entire zone over again. There`s nothing more frustrating than getting to the last wave of the zone and dying on the last enemy and having to play through the whole thing again.
The controls are not going to be too difficult to pick up, but picking up and mastering games can be quite a different feat. You might be able to gather the controls quickly, but being able to use them to your advantage and kill your enemies is going to be a completely different story. You`re going to need to be able to take your time and work out how to wipe out the waves of enemies, as maps are going to let you go through one tunnel and come out the other side of the arena, working out a quick and easy death. You`re going to be hand in hand with your archer, and the wiliness to fire at any given moment! You`re also going to need to make sure that you conserve your arrows and make sure you go and pick them up after you`ve fired them (They won`t disappear if you kill something, you can go and pick them up and re-use them). It`s a game that`s a good pick up one, and although it will take some mastering, it`s not a game that you must master. You can do quite well knowing just the basics.
It`s a very arcadic game and has that feel very early on. It`s the sort of game that you`d probably find in an amusement arcade somewhere, and something to have a go at with your mates. I said earlier that you`d get more enjoyment with playing with someone else, and that`s certainly the case. Although you can play through on your own, it`s easy to see that the game was developed and designed for a multiplayer and co-op approach. Get your friends around for a night and you`re going to be in for a whirl.
As much as I find the game quite fun and enjoyable I can`t help but feel that there`s no longetivitiy to the game. It`s a game that you`re not going to be able to play for a long period of time straight, and that`s because it`s quite basic and simple. Playing in short bursts is where you`re going to find it most effective and not be bored with it after an hour of playing and doing the same thing. In short bursts you`re going to find it fun and enjoyable but after an hour of playing through it, I fear that you`re going to find yourself getting slightly bored with it.
Towerfall Ascension is a game that`s fun and enjoyable, and with a group of friends, could be a really good laugh. It`s a great arcadic game, and it feels and looks really good throughout. The controls are easy to pick up and it`s a game that truly is a pick up and play game, and those who love it will spend time trying to master each zone and the controls. But the developers have done a really good job with Towerfall, and can be quite proud with their game.
A huge thank you to XCN for supplying us with a review copy of Towerfall Ascension.
Developer: Matt Makes Games Inc.
Publisher: Matt Makes Games Inc.
Website: TowerFall Ascension
Twitter: @MattThorson