Today we are previewing Paranautical Activity, a game available via Steam early access, a fun game that you can lose hours to. Although, the content is a little lacking currently.
As mentioned, the content is on the short side. This is mainly due to a lack on enemy weapons, traps and items. Updates are apparently fixing this.
It reminds me a lot of the game from the old days like Doom, which were fast-paced shooters with various types of enemies. The mix of gameplay and electronic music really fits the vibe of Paranautical. A few more tracks would be good, as I don’t think I could take the current loop for multiple hours.
The minecraft-like art style, while simple, is well-done. It’s appealing to look. All enemies and projectiles stand out amongst the darkness in each room.
The randomized elements of the game keep it fresh and re-playable. Being able to chose different weapons also makes the game more interesting, as if your bored of one set just chose another.
After choosing your weapon set you may find yourself struggling to live room-to-room, with no health, armor, or money (me 90% of the time). Other times the game may seem too easy, as you cut threw enemies and have plenty of money. Most of the time boss battles do however seem to be challenging.
A shop can be found randomly on each floor which offers some help. But, the money needed for this shop is gained randomly. A lot of the time you just hope that monsters drop enough money, or ammo so you can get by in the game. Times may exist where you have no money for the shop, and this makes the game very challenging.
There are clear problems with the game, currently, as the randomized elements of the game can be it’s worst enemy. Making the game impossible. I found myself at multiple times unable to progress, and I must admit the game was very challenging overall. Maybe gamers are now too used to auto-generated health, easy heals and plenty of ammo? I imagine for some gamers this difficulty will actually be the selling point.
Final thoughts: The game is fun and has a great retro feel, who doesn’t love a good-old fashioned shooter? Well you might not, and that’s the point. This game is clearly aimed at old school gamers who find the majority of modern games too easy.
Note: All early access games are now referred to as “previews”. This is because they are not representative of the final product, and as a result we do not score previews.
