Bang Bang Barrage is a 2D-Roguelike, Railshooter- like, Multiplayer game with a unique take on its inspirations—a true gem of the creative indie market.
I never reviewed a demo before so my expectations were at a default low. Bang Bang Barrage seemed to have sensed that the defences were low because it blew me away!
Good Banger
On the forefront, Bang Bang Barrage looks like a simple game. Seemingly thrown together over a few weeks or months as a side project. However, once that play button is pressed, it does not take long to get lost in one of the most entertaining and quality games I have seen in a while.
You play as a blob with a gun on a boat, shooting enemies that appear in the water. There are no movement controls, you move with the recoil of your gunshot.
You shoot and kill enemies while also making sure you do not run into any of them or any of their projectiles. Some drop diamonds, which act as currency used to buy upgrades and the game continues until you run out of lives.
Like most Rogulikes, Bang Bang Barrage starts slow and easy but as you progress, it gets harder and harder, showcasing a wide variety of enemies that keep things fresh and interesting.
So we have a basic understanding of the core gameplay. It is unique but by itself, it does not match the praise I showered earlier.
So what really gives it the edge?
Well, it’s the upgrades.
Banger Shop
Back in (month)(2024 for future reference), I had reviewed a little game called (SNOOKER). It was a snooker-based Rougulike with some unique ideas but ultimately, it failed to impress due to its lacklustre upgrades and game tweaks. I previously commented that the game felt like a low-effort flash game.
My expectations were quite similar when Bang Bang Barrage’s Shop boat first dropped anchor at the centre of the water. Thankfully, the results were very different.
No lousy one per cent increases or extra balls nonsense, this roguelike showed me some great results.
Large bullets, ricocheting bullets, reloads cause explosions, enemies die on impact, and much more. I won’t spoil all the details, as this is something best experienced firsthand. I believe this is something that must be played to get the complete enjoyment out of it. Truly Amazing!
Sadly, nothing can truly be so pure. Even though it is just a demo, I have counted a fair share of enjoyment-tampering stumbling blocks within this little game that should be mentioned.
The Bad
Let’s begin with the obvious: Goals.
Bang Bang Barrage gives you a very vague idea of where you are headed. Every time you fail, there is a Cuphead-esque progress bar that seemingly has an end in sight. It doesn’t specify how far you’ve progressed; it only shows a visual cue.
I went near 50,000 points and barely crossed the quarter line. This was over 20 minutes of survival, mind you.
Another issue that I can dig out from the well of Pedantic cavils, is the Co-op mode.
This should have had 2 boats. Instead, both characters share the same dinghy, with each bullet affecting the boat’s direction. Sounds like chaotic fun but it gets old fast.
In the end, here is what I’ll say:
Banger after Banger
If you’re into roguelikes of the Vampire Survivors family or just looking for something new, definitely give this game a try. Despite being just a demo, Bang Bang Barrage packs a punch with its creative gameplay and impressive upgrade system.
