Oh Nova Strike, why, oh why did you have to break my heart and my soul? This cruel and relentless endeavour will bring a tear to your eye. Additionally, just when you think you have the better of this sci-fi title, it bites you on the ass, legs, and face! This is one brutal experience that slaps you in the face and screams like a Sergeant Major. In short, it’ll make you scream, quit, and scream again.
This vertical-scrolling shooter was developed by SANUK GAMES and published by Nacon. Moreover, it has rogue-lite elements and is “enjoyed” as a single-player experience. In typical genre fashion, it dangles a carrot and then promptly throws it 200 miles into the distance. Accordingly, you are constantly chasing your tail and no matter what you do, it isn’t quite good enough.
Nova Strike concentrates on its cruel ways.
I’d love to say that Nova Strike has an enjoyable and well-constructed plot. However, I cannot. Instead, you are left to wonder why you are tackling an array of enemy ships, tanks, and other hulking machinery. Now, the lack of story matters not as you don’t have time to consider the shortcomings. Instead, you must focus on the bullet hell gameplay and the impossible task of improving your reactions.
The gameplay is split into chapters and worlds. Each world comprises 5 mini-stages. Furthermore, there is a monstrous boss to defeat and an array of minions to overcome. Additionally, there are plenty of weapons to pick up, resources to scavenge, and cash to steal. The latter cannot be taken with you, so spend it freely to improve your chances. What’s more, the weapons are temporary, so don’t get too attached as death all but wipes your progress. The most important element is the resources, as they offer permanent improvements to your vessel.
Chips and upgrades.
Where Nova Strike becomes complicated is its upgrade system. Each vessel has slots for a weapon, shield, repair tool, and so forth. Furthermore, you have a certain number of chips that must be spent on each permanent upgrade. The better the tool, the more expensive it is to equip. Therefore, you must think carefully before you put all your chips into one basket, so to speak.
This freedom to create unique builds was fascinating. Additionally, it lets the user play to their strengths. This user-friendly approach was fascinating, especially when no level is ever the same. Subsequently, you can set your ship up for one possible outcome, and you get your prediction wrong. Whatever you decide, the permanent improvements increase your chances of survival. As such, it is important to harvest those resources if you wish to succeed.
Risk but no reward!
Nova Strike is a never-ending battle of doom and gloom. Other rogue-lite titles offer you a glimpse of success and failure is par for the course. Yet, this one is unnecessarily cruel at every stage. Just when you think you understand what to do, a heartless boss wipes the smile from your face. Consequently, it will take a brave person an awful long time to tackle every aspect of this game.
Nova Strike has an old-school appeal.
The vertical scrolling perspective and the never-ending rain of bullets deliver an old-school appeal. Nova Strike has a dated aesthetic that won’t appease everyone. Yet, I adored the pixelated graphics and the simple stage design. Moreover, the basic enemies each have a unique design and combat style. Consequently, it looks great and keeps you on your toes.
The audio is loud, uncomfortable, and retro. The hard-hitting music creates tension and drama. Whereas the sound effects enhance the danger whilst delivering a familiar edge. Though the audio isn’t spectacular, it ticks the right boxes.
Excellent controls.
Shoot ’em-ups require simple and tight controls. Furthermore, a handy tutorial is always a welcome addition. Luckily, this is exactly what you get. The responsive inputs help you to avoid every projectile, and the excellent UI explains the charging position of your one-shot weapons and tools. As such, though it is hell to play, the control system is fantastic.
Sadly, I think that this is just too tough. What’s more, the improvements to your ship are too minor and this causes no end of frustration. Therefore, though there is replay value and longevity, you will need the patience of a saint from beginning to end.
Nova Strike is too tough for my liking.
I rarely let a game beat me. Yet, I’m not a fool and will not keep playing for the sake of it. Unfortunately, Nova Strike hasn’t got its balance right. Subsequently, there is too much death and not enough fun for my liking. Yet, if you have sadomasochistic tendencies, you may love it. Accordingly, though it wasn’t for me, I recommend buying it here! Can you master your ship and get out alive? Pick your abilities, pray for some luck, and dodge every projectile.
