Q-Games brings us the latest and long awaited installment in the PixelJunk series: PixelJunk SideScroller. Based on a bonus stage from its predecessor: PixelJunk Shooter 2, players are thrust into the experience head first as if playing it for themselves on the space ship's computer. This is a game that prides itself on pushing your nostalgia button and with its curved screen feature, reminiscent of retro arcade cabinet games and a start menu promoting you to "insert coin" it is hard not to be drawn in by its old school charm.
PixelJunk SideScroller can feel more like a mini game than a stand alone title in the series. It has a grand total of 16 short bullet riddled levels grouped into 4 stages, each with its own boss level as expected by fans of the series. Each level as unforgiving as the last, PixelJunk SideScroller gives the player no other choice but to negotiate the twists and turns at rapid speeds whilst overcoming wave upon wave of relentless enemies. Gifted with only 2 lives, there is little room for error and the sheer chaos that unfolds in every level is enough to test even the most experienced arcade shooter fans. There are, however, 3 versatile weapons to get you through the galactic onslaught. Firstly, the machine gun is probably the most popular option for new comers as it is fast paced and allows for blowing up baddies quickly at distance. Secondly, the laser is slower than the machine gun but deals more damage slicing right through multiple oncoming enemies. Lastly, the bombs can be the trickiest of the 3 weapons to use as they are shot simultaneously 2 at a time, both up and down and slowly bounce until they hit an enemy. All 3 weapons can be charged and powered up throughout the levels but for those wishing to get past the first stage, mastery of all 3 weapons is required. Gameplay on the whole is completely fluid and the controls are simple and very responsive.
To match the pandemonium taking place, PixelJunk SideScroller brings this game to life with an energetic soundtrack combined with simplistic, yet intricate neon visuals. By far, this is one of the games best features, creating a stylishly nostalgic environment with an edgy, modern twist. Each level's slick monochromatic colour scheme changes depending on the content. Levels with lava are made warmer by oranges and yellows, whereas levels with ice are cooled down with blues and greys. The consistent hip-hop beats and electro-synth are perfectly suited to the style and feel of the game, pleasantly interjected by sci-fi sound effects.
Once you have completed the game you, sadly you are not rewarded with much other than an offer of round 2 on another difficulty or multiplayer mode. Playing with a friend on multiplayer mode can quickly turn from a stellar firefight to a frustrating time out. Once either ship has blown up, it is up to the other player to go it alone indefinitely until they can rejoin the game which can take some time. This results in a potential stop/start experience for players.
PixelJunk SideScroller is definitely a gem in the arcade shooter genre's crown. A bold visual and space age soundtrack are definitely the games selling point but for PixelJunk lovers, the experience is simply too short.
