Super Destronaut: Land Wars Game Review – A retro FPS dream!
Land Wars is an absolute gem of a game!
Land Wars (or Super Destronaut: Land Wars to give it it’s full title) is a retro style FPS game that is technically a sequel to Super Destronaut DX (my review of which can be found here.)
Instead of a retro style top down shooter this time though. It’s a first person style shooter. The basic idea is still the same, you have the challenges and around 5 different game modes all with unique hurdles to overcome.
This may sound boring and gimmicky but believe me, it’s not. In fact you could probably just play this game on it’s own without having played Super Destronaut DX and still love it all the same.
Just like Super Destronaut DX it’s developed by Petite Games and published by Ratalaika Games.
The two are confirmed to happen in the same universe but they’re not needed for each other to be enjoyable. So if you love FPS games then you can totally get with this!
Gameplay
The gameplay is smooth as anything. It feels just like any big title FPS but with retro pixel aliens and 3D areas. You can collect coins as you shoot down the aliens, once you have enough coins you can go to a panel and swap them for new guns, super speed, a health boost. Anything that’ll supercharge your game.
The uniqueness of this game is how it is basically a top down shooter but in FPS form now. It’s something you don’t notice on your first run through but everything, from the blaster speed and sound to the unique blaster attacks for each colour alien makes you suddenly realise what’s going on here. Even if you already knew it, it’s hard to recognise it at first. It’s subtlety covered by vibrancy and it’s glorious!
Game Modes
The game modes are the usual Challenge mode, where you take on unique challenges to pass.
Then 5 different arcade modes.
Classic: your run of the mill shooter. Get the biggest high score before dying type.
Hardcore: More enemies who have more HP and you start from wave 5 not 1. Difficult but so enjoyable!
Combo Breaker: This one’s unique and a ton of fun! You start off with a maximum multiplier and if it goes down to zero (basically if you lose your streak) you lose.
Maximum Strength: Shoot multiple enemies with a rocket launcher. An excuse to just blow as many aliens up as possible and again I love it!
Snail Mode: Another challenging but fun one. Your movement is inhibited. You can’t jump and you’re super slow. Try and get a good score regardless, it’s difficult.
Final thoughts
Generally I love this game just as much as it’s predecessor. I would say Super Destronaut DX is my favourite of the two but that’s just personal preference.
When it comes to gameplay, content and music there’s nothing between them. They’re both amazing and both absolute gems!
I’m glad the Vita got a port of this game. I can play it wherever I go now and rock out to the cheesy but enjoyable 80s synth music (honestly it’s so damn fun.)
Once again, I’d recommend it fully. In fact. This game combined with my love for Super Destronaut DX is what got me to check out Petite Games’ other titles and play them.
