PLATFORM: Nintendo Switch – plays well both in docked and portable mode
DEVELOPER: Pill Bug Interactive
TYPE OF GAME: 2D arcade space shooter with a mysterious twist
PLAYERS: single-player
FILE SIZE: 898 MB
AVAILABLE: out August 2nd 2018 on the Switch eShop
If I could describe Cycle 28 with one word, that word would be ‘intriguing’. I am absolutely positive this description will pop-up in every review of this game and it’s essentially one of its best aspects. The mystery surrounding the game’s story and the need to find out more about it is what kept me coming back. Just one more cycle. Just one more run.
CYCLE 27
At first glance, Cycle 28 might seem like your run-of-the-mill, typical space shooter with a high-score and online leaderboards. But after a few minutes with the game, I realised that it is so much more than that. You play as Lieutenant Olivia Bergen, separated from the Fleet, stuck in an endless loop in Cycle 27 in search of your son, in search of answers. You travel in what is essentially a small 2D ‘open-world’ space map trying to find out just what the hell is going on. There’s dogfights, tight controls and a whole lot of depth here.
THE BASICS
As soon as your ship starts moving a timer starts counting down. There is also an indicator pointing you towards the direction of enemy ships. The more enemy ships you destroy, the more points you gain but if your ship is destroyed by enemy fire, the cycle repeats. Managing to beat your high score in a run will unlock upgrades for your ship. You can utilise these upgrades in the two slots available to you and these range from shooting side cannons alongside the front ones or more drones around your ship to protect you from enemy ships.
MIND THE SHIP
There is no visible health bar but the health of your ship can be judged by looking at the ‘flame’ effect surrounding your damaged ship and an alert sound letting you know you’re about to be blasted into oblivion. Your health will regenerate eventually but you will need to fly around for a bit and avoid getting yourself into trouble, something which is easier said than done when being surrounded.
ATMOSPHERE
All the action takes place while a majestic soundtrack is playing in the background, growing more and more tense as you find yourself surrounded by dozens of enemy ships each with their own attack types and ways to defeat them. The composer behind Cycle 28 is Jordan Rees, the man behind the trailer music for ‘Mother’, ‘The Defenders’ and ‘The Mummy’. But even without knowing that, I would still enjoy it. It fits the game’s atmosphere perfectly. And the best part? If you sign up to Pill Bug Interactive’s mailing list, you can get the soundtrack for free. Great stuff.
MY RUN
During my playthrough I managed to unlock a few upgrades and find interesting things around the map. I also managed to run out the clock by flying around, trying to avoid enemies for a few minutes, out of curiosity. I will not say what I discovered simply because I want you to experience it on your own. After all, unlocking the game’s mystery comes with the promise of a big reward; the developer’s whole game catalogue will be rewarded to the player that solves the mystery of Cycle 28.
CONCLUSION
Cycle 28 is a game you will keep coming back to for quite some time. It’s an easy to pick up Nindie, fun, affordable and very different from other games available on the Switch eShop. I remember reading on Pill Bug Interactive’s website: “Our aim is to create games that appear simple on the outside, but hide a deeper complexity within. All you need to do is explore“. I can safely say they have achieved their goal with Cycle 28 and you will definitely enjoy the experience the developers are offering. If you have some extra cash lying around, definitely give this game a shot. Who knows, you might be the first person to solve the mystery. Just don’t forget to visit the Credits section; there just might be something interesting there.
Review code provided by Pill Bug Interactive.
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