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Review of Jamestown+ on PS4

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Mar 2015
Cover image of Jamestown+ on PS4
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 17 Mar 2015
Genre: Scrolling Shooter, Bullet Hell
Developer: Final Form Games
Publisher: Final Form Games

Introduction

Welcome to Jamestown+, where the English have taken a little detour and set up shop on Mars in a world that perfectly blends steampunk with bloodthirsty bullet hell insanity. You thought the only inhabitants of Mars were sad rovers? Think again! Prepare for a vibrant color palette and ship customization that would make even your grandma jealous. It's a wild ride through alternate history, all while you dodge bullets that seem more common than bad reality TV shows.

Gameplay

In Jamestown+, players take to the skies piloting one of four ships-each possessing their own equally lethal personality (sorry, not sorry, ships!). Each ship features primary and secondary attacks that can be upgraded. You'll collect gold from defeated enemies that you can use to unlock the almighty 'Vaunt Mode'-think of it as your ship entering absolute badass mode for some brief moments of extreme power, like an anime character powering up for battle. During these times, you'll need to channel your inner reflex ninja to keep your ship in one piece as you plow through waves of enemy fire. Single-player mode is a blast with varying difficulty levels, but where Jamestown+ really shines is in its local multiplayer capacity, allowing you and three friends to engage in four-player chaos that could either lead to victory or someone flipping the game console in a fit of rage (or maybe that's just me!). The strategic aspect of teaming up and the competitive spirit that arises from trying to outscore one another makes it all the more entertaining. Just remember to keep those friendships intact when the bullets start flying!

Graphics

Graphically, Jamestown+ is like a confectionery masterpiece. The 16-bit style visuals are saturated with gorgeous colors that could make an artist drool, and the animations are smooth enough to keep you hypnotized-until you forget to dodge, that is. The detail in the backgrounds and character designs has an almost hand-painted quality, reminiscent of cartoons that made you want to stay up late as a kid and binge, except this is a much more enjoyable kind of sensory overload. The whimsical steampunk aesthetic brings together a unique style that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it visually a treat as you blast enemies into pixelated oblivion.

Conclusion

Jamestown+ is not just a game; it's a journey through a bizarre alternate history where England colonized Mars and decided to do some serious bullet dodging in the process. While everything appears delightful and light-hearted, this game demands skill and precision, testing your reflexes amidst a storm of beautifully designed enemies and intricate bullet patterns. It's an indie gem that balances charm and challenge remarkably well, putting it high up on the 'must-try' list for anyone who appreciates shoot 'em ups. Regardless of whether you're playing solo or laughing with friends, you'll undoubtedly find yourself sucked into its steampunk world filled with adventure, competition, and just a hint of chaos. So strap on your goggles, conquer the skies, and enjoy one of the more artistic experiences in the shooter genre with Jamestown+ - you won't regret it... unless of course, you get motion sickness from all the bullets!

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