REPLIKATOR is a procedurally generated sci-fi title that’ll make you pull your hair out. Thanks to its cruel creatures and lashings of traps, you will die repeatedly. Furthermore, this testing experience will make you yelp as you throw caution to the wind and try to bum-rush each stage. Consequently, if you lose patience and your head, you are guaranteed to fail. However, every death gives you the opportunity to come back stronger. As such, though you may fail, there is always a silver lining.
Developed by R-Games and Meridian4 and published by Ratalaika Games, this is a top-down sci-fi shooter. What’s more, it has rogue-like elements. Therefore, it is undeniably tough, and death is horribly unfair. Yet, the excruciatingly cruel gameplay generates a sense of reward whenever there is a fleeting moment of success.
REPLIKATOR tells a worryingly convincing tale.
I’d hardly call modern living a futuristic haven. However, there are daily reports of the negative impact that AI is having on our lives. Whether it is taking over our jobs, or we experience a “Skynet” overlord, it is pretty terrifying. Unfortunately, REPLIKATOR delivers a worryingly convincing version of events.
You control a hero who must outrun and destroy an all-seeing and all-powerful AI. This soulless invention is hell-bent on destroying humanity. Yet, for all its negatives, there are some minor positives. The futuristic technology allows you to be reborn anytime you die. Moreover, it can generate new weapons, perks, and implants to help you on your way. However, there is the obvious side effect of death to worry about, but why let that stop you from having a good time?
Procedurally generated gameplay.
I adore a procedurally generated world. The continual mystery is a wonderful element that keeps me coming back for more. If you then combine this with the rogue-like genre, you have a tough but intriguing recipe that will be tantalising for fans of the genre. Alongside this, the more you play, the easier things become.
Every time you die, or you defeat a main boss, you return to the central space station. Here, you may spend your resources to improve the ship and your hero. Moreover, you may swap between 4 characters to find the perfect match for your play style. On top of this, you can select perks, unlock new gear, and arm yourself with special items. As such, the more time you invest, the better your hero becomes.
Exploring an unknown world.
The procedurally generated map is an excellent mechanic. No matter how many times I played the game, I never knew what to expect. Furthermore, the large roster of monsters and aliens will keep you on your toes. Alongside this, there are spikes to avoid, barrels to destroy, and acid-filled aliens to evade. As such, this isn’t a mindless shooter. Instead, you must plan which weapon to use and how you wish to stay alive.
Each level is set on a space station. The labyrinthine world is easy to navigate thanks to the excellent map. However, a fog of war shrouds each stage into a mysterious experience. As you open each door, you’ll encounter plenty of risky moments. Yet, by using the right weapons and perks, you’ll annihilate everything in front of you.
The aim of each stage is simple. Clear the rooms, gather as much ammo, health, and cubes as you can carry, and find the terminal key. With this in hand, you may exit the stage and move on to the next endeavour. Yet, this is easier said than done as large monsters stand between you and victory.
REPLIKATOR is a pixelated masterpiece.
I love retro games! Accordingly, a pixelated masterpiece will always float my boat. Thanks to the basic but attractive graphics, this simple affair is great to look at. Additionally, each of your foes has a unique finish, and the gameplay is wonderfully smooth. On top of this, the UI is easy to navigate, and the animation is rudimentary but perfectly serviceable.
A fast-paced and dramatic game needs a strong soundtrack. Thankfully, REPLIKATOR is unbelievably hard-hitting. The synth soundtrack is complemented by futuristic sound effects. Furthermore, every weapon has a unique noise and the explosions are off the chart. Subsequently, this loud game keeps you on your toes at all times.
Excellent controls.
If you struggle with top-down shooters, you may be worried about playing this. Well, worry not as the developers are kind people. They have incorporated some excellent accessibility options to make this easier to play. Moreover, a brilliant tutorial and 3 difficulty settings help to level the playing field. On top of this, once you nail the fundamentals, you’ll slay every creature and alien you encounter.
Thanks to the rogue-like elements, REPLIKATOR is addictive and tough to put down. Alongside this, there are loads of blueprints to find, masses of creatures to destroy, and a range of big bosses to take down. Additionally, you can select from 4 characters with individual strengths and weaknesses. As such, there is plenty to see and do and loads of reasons to return.
REPLIKATOR is an excellent indie title.
Ratalaika Games publishes some of the quickest and easiest games you’ll ever see. However, REPLIKATOR isn’t one of them. This tough title will push you to your limits. Moreover, the procedurally generated mechanics, hidden rooms, and mountains of collectables will keep you coming back for more. My only complaint is that the tough nature of the action can be disheartening, even if death is a blessing in disguise. Despite my complaints, I still loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you stop the AI from destroying humanity? Grab a weapon, pick up each power up, and slay everything that moves.
