May 2020
Ion Fury: the game that threw nostalgia into a blender with pure, unadulterated chaos and served it with a side of cyberpunk. If you’ve ever wished to step inside a 90s first-person shooter while still staying relevant in today’s gaming climate, then grab your triple-barreled revolver and buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the riotous world of Shelly 'Bombshell' Harrison!
In Ion Fury, you play as Shelly, a bomb disposal expert (no, not like the one in your neighborhood, she’s way cooler) battling against the dastardly Dr. Jadus Heskel and his technicolor army of cyber soldiers wreaking havoc in Neo D.C. Picture this: a mix of classic level designs that would make any 90s gamer weep tears of joy combined with an arsenal that could make even the most seasoned Call of Duty player jealous. The gameplay flows like an old-school arcade brawler, right from the explodey explosions to the satisfying squish of enemies meeting their doom. The controls are smooth, feeling like your fingers are gliding over the smooth leather of a 90's sports car, while the enemy AI manages to challenge you just enough to avoid the dreaded noob label while still allowing room for some epic blunders. I mean, I once jumped off a building and lived to tell the tale, but I think my enemies might have a bit of a problem with gravity. Each level is a labyrinthine playground filled with secrets, hidden goodies, and enough health packs to resuscitate an entire hospital. The random weapon pickups also add a delightful element of surprise, whether you’re blasting foes with a flamer that looks like it’s straight out of a retro sci-fi flick or using shiny, bouncy grenades that practically scream, 'Look at how cool I am!'. Want to become a true killing machine? Well, you better be quick on the draw because these enemies regenerate faster than a toddler’s sugar high in a candy store. No rest at the water cooler. Add in unique power-ups that would make any character RPG envious, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for absolute mayhem. Just be aware—poverty is not a choice; it's the choice of how many power-ups you do choose not to pick. Being a hoarder? Not the best tactic here. The bosses are both unforgiving and highly engaging, employing strategies that could make even seasoned veterans break a sweat. Some even have personality, yelling obscenities at you while you dodge fireballs like it's the world's worst game of dodgeball. Good luck trying to figure out the best way to sneak up and pop them off without becoming toast yourself!
The graphics? Oh, let me tell you. In a time where most games are chasing photorealism like an overly ambitious cat chases laser pointers, Ion Fury opts for a retro aesthetic that feels like taking a time machine back to the good old days. Think bright colors, pixelated goodness, and graphics reminiscent of the games your parents probably told you to stop playing. Somehow, it pulls off its nostalgia trip while still looking fresh rather than dusty! In true Build engine fashion, the environments are destructible—places explode in glorious pixelated carnage, and oil-slicked graffiti adorns the walls like your angsty teenage cousin’s room. Everything comes together to create this gloriously retro vibe that’s downright infectious. You’ll feel like you’re channelling your inner Duke Nukem while playing, and who wouldn't want that? The art style manages to capture the essence of classic shooters without coming off as derivative; it's like that sweet spot between a tribute and a game ready to stake its own claim!
Ion Fury is not just a game; it's a celebration of everything we loved about first-person shooters in the past, wrapped in a shiny, modern package. It’s as if the developers reached into our hearts, pulled out our nostalgic favorites, and sprinkled a bit of 2020 magic dust on top. When you’re not blowing up robots or dodging attacks from the charmingly psychotic villain, you’re reflecting on how far we've come in gaming - while secretly wishing you could just level up your triple-barreled revolver. This game has earned its place in the hall of fame of FPS royalty; it’s a refreshing take on a classic formula that doesn’t just follow the trends but creates a bold new world while doing so. So dust off that PS4, grab a snack—preferably something your parents would disapprove of—and prepare yourself for the explosive nostalgia that is Ion Fury. Final score: a glorious 8 out of 10. Wield your triple-barrel with pride, my friends!
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