Introduction

In the year of our retro Lord 1988, when hairstyles were questionable and neon was practically a primary color, Namco gifted the world with "Assault." Fast forward to today, and we're greeted with "Arcade Archives: Assault Plus" on the Nintendo Switch, a remaster that modernizes this classic gem. This gem offers players the chance to pilot a self-propelled gun against a horde of human invaders. Who doesn't love a good tank brawl with deep cosmic existentialism thrown in? Buckle up, let's dive into this one-tank (or is that a one-man?) army story!

Gameplay

Imagine starring in your own action movie, where you're not just an extra but the main character who happens to drive a caterpillar-tread self-propelled gun. Your job? Obliterate enemies while gracefully dodging projectiles - it's like a dance-off but with bullets and tanks! "Assault Plus" features eleven stages of chaotic beauty, from mind-bogglingly large deserts to mechanized fortresses that scream, 'We own this planet!' Your control scheme is a twin-stick layout, giving you snazzy movement and the kind of shooting accuracy that would make Cupid jealous. Jump pads launch your tank (that's right!) into the skies, allowing for epic long-range attacks. I mean, who doesn't want to rain grenades down like confetti at a parade? The lift zones? They're like temporary VIP lounges, letting you survey the battlefield and go full-on Rambo. Very handy when you're plotting the demise of human oppressors!

Graphics

Let's talk graphics, shall we? "Assault Plus" basically says: 'Hey, look at me, I'm still living my best 80s life!' While it's retro-inspired, the vibrant visuals pop on the Switch screen. The sprite scaling is like watching old VHS tapes on steroids, transforming visuals that were groundbreaking at the time into something that looks mildly impressive today, but it still captures that nostalgic magic. You'll spot all your favorite enemies designed under the watchful eye of "Gundam" artist Kunio Ogawara. The color palette? Deliciously loud, like the arcade games of yesteryear, lighting up a room in ways that could awaken even the sleepiest gamer. Just don't expect ray tracing or anything; after all, it's as retro as a cassette tape!

Conclusion

"Arcade Archives: Assault Plus" is a lovable time capsule that radiates 80s vibes while still managing to feel fresh on the Switch. It's got strategic tank gameplay, nostalgic graphics, and a cheeky backstory about invading aliens all while posing philosophical questions about humanity's decisions-like, should we really be colonizing planets when our own is a dumpster fire? Fun, engaging, and steeped in a retro charm, this nostalgia-fueled joyride earns a solid 7.5 out of 10. Whether you're a veteran looking for that sweet dose of nostalgia or a newbie ready to embrace arcade chaos, this game serves up enough metal-fueled action to make you feel like the tank pilot in a one-man war, all while raising your blood pressure significantly anytime you take a hit! What more could one want?

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