Cactus chaos.
Late to the party. That seems to be the trend when it comes to some indie titles hitting Xbox One. Assault Android Cactus is the latest to bless the console, and boy does it do some blessing. This twin stick shooter takes the idea and puts it on its head, tossing in bullet hell mechanics and colorful visuals to create a mixture of anarchy that is a blast to play. How does it stack up on Xbox One? Well let’s find out.
MSRP: $14.99
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4, Wii U, PC, Vita
Price I’d Pay: $14.99
The thing that cannot be understated about this game is its frenetic pace. From the minute a level starts it is chaos. Bullets are littering the screen. It is intense. There are several characters to choose from, each with their own unique blend of action. The game also offers up cooperative play on the same screen. There are 25 levels in all, each one more chaotic than the last.
Assault Android Cactus is not a typical shooter though. Instead, to add to the insanity each level is a race against the clock. The level begins with the player’s battery slowly draining. Taking down enemies can offer up a recharge, but drop to zero and it is game over. It plays with my anxiety in interesting ways, but the pinpoint controls mean that any time I died I knew it was all on me.
For players that are lucky enough to have an Xbox One X, the game offers up some tasty visual treats. The game runs at a native 4K and a rock solid 60 fps. It is glorious to see in motion, and I am not sure I could go back now. The upgrades really showcase the incredible design work. I simply love the art style in this game. It really pops and the 60 fps game play shines in this genre.
At the end of the day the most important aspect of any game is fun. Assault Android Cactus (awesome name by the way) is the epitome of that. Every level is a blast, the mechanics are solid, and playing with friends is pure frenetic fun. Even with the slew of awesome games in 2017, players who have yet to take the plunge need to check out this title. It is more than worth the price of admission, and I am glad to see it hitting more and more platforms for more players to experience the pure joy it has to offer.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.