Introduction

In the grand pantheon of gaming, few titles are as iconic as the original 'Assault' from 1988-a game that not only revolutionized arcade shooters but also introduced a symphony of chaos with the music that somehow made explosions feel like an art form. The HD remake, 'Arcade Archives: Assault', launched on PS4 in December 2020, and it's like stepping into a time machine that has been given a high-definition makeover. Buckle up, folks; we're going back to space as the human race once again tries to fail miserably in managing their own population!

Gameplay

So here's the deal: you control a caterpillar-tread self-propelled gun, tasked with blasting your way through eleven stages filled with more enemies than there are words in a Shakespearean sonnet. The twin-stick control scheme allows you to maneuver and shoot with a finesse rarely seen since the days of 'Battlezone'. Pushing the sticks around feels smooth; in fact, it's almost as if the game respects your dexterous prowess. Your objective? To obliterate everything that moves while dodging projectiles that are as creative as they are deadly. Your gun is equipped to shoot back at some projectiles, but others? Yeah, they need to be dodged with that elegant maneuvering skill you've been honing since birth. The levels are varied, from expansive deserts that make you reconsider your life choices to mechanical bases that bring steampunk dreams to life. And let me tell you, finishing a stage means not just defeating an army but also facing off against colossal mechanical monstrosities that shoot at you with the ferocity of an angry mom during a no-nonsense lecture. The twist? Some areas on the map will launch your tank into the air for a panoramic view and a chance to rain down destruction from above. Think of it as a brief vacation from the chaos while providing long-range death to your enemies. Nothing feels quite as satisfying as that high-octane aerial view.

Graphics

Visually, 'Arcade Archives: Assault' reminds you why 90s graphics hold a special charm. The game utilizes sprite-scaling and rotation techniques that instead of aging poorly, possess a certain nostalgic quality. Blasts of color fill the screen, reminiscent of a rainbow exploding in a dingy alley. The tank and enemy designs, courtesy of Kunio Okawara (Gundam fame, anyone?), are so detailed you might wonder if they are going to ask you to join a mobile suit battle instead. Despite the decade-old aesthetic, the re-release does a fine job of making everything pop in HD with a crispness that makes you want to fight just to show off how sharp the visuals are.

Conclusion

What we're left with is an experience that transcends mere gameplay-'Arcade Archives: Assault' serves up a nostalgic trip that will delight both seasoned players and newcomers alike. The chaotic action coupled with the art of dodging may seem daunting, but isn't that all part of the fun? Grab a buddy for turn-based multiplayer action, or go solo and bask in the glory of this beloved classic. Sure, it might not win any awards for narrative depth-a caterpillar-tread gun fighting humans... And yet, does it need to? Sometimes all you need is a destructive tank and a good time. In the end, this game is a trip back to when gaming was all about high scores, explosions, and a sprinkle of good old-fashioned chaos. And for that, I say, rally your friends, prepare your controllers, and brace for impact!

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