GoobnBalloonsDX is a fun-filled and deliciously old-school experience. Though the action is rudimentary by design, it is addictive, and I struggled to put it down. The compact arena-based action demands an eye for detail, razor-sharp reactions, and plenty of patience. This crazy mixture of ingredients will drive you crazy. Yet, though you’ll want to rage quit, you will bite your lip, scream a little, and push on regardless.
IconicArts LLP developed and published this arcade shooter. It is a single-player or cooperative affair, and each objective and level has a repetitive edge. However, it is this familiar approach that makes it particularly user-friendly and ideal for younger gamers.
GoobnBalloonsDX tells a wholesome but crazy story.
I love it when a developer blends a wholesome plot with something a little outlandish. GoobnBalloonsDX does this with its tale of friendship and destruction. The kingdom of Goobstar has been invaded! Goobert and his friends must work together to save the denizens of this strange kingdom. Unfortunately, things rarely go to plan, and you must use your wits and skills to overcome every challenging stage.
Deadly balloons are your foes in this classic shooting endeavour. They come in all shapes and sizes and cause untold mischief as they float around the skies. Bully balloons, spitting balloons, spiked mines, and party balloons must be destroyed and navigated if you wish to survive. On top of this, each level has a goal that must be completed if you wish to proceed.
Plenty to see and do.
GoobnBalloonsDX has loads of worlds and plenty of bonus stages to explore. However, it is the unique nature of each level that impressed me. Whether you are destroying targets, aiming for a set score, avoiding birds, or dodging immortal balloons, it will test you.
Each level must be completed as quickly as possible. A faster time equals a higher score, and a higher score equals a gold or silver medal. The high scores are for bragging rights, as any score will allow you to progress. Yet, if you wish to grab every achievement, you’ll need to move quickly or grab a friend and tackle this cooperatively.
GoobnBalloonsDX is refined but attractive.
Visually, I wasn’t blown away, but I liked what I saw nonetheless. The developer has created some fun arenas to observe, and the animation is smooth and realistic. I loved the underwater world and the silhouetted stages. These were the most creative levels as they offered the most challenging and rewarding gameplay.
The audio is as repetitive as the core mechanics. The noise of your bullets and the pop of each balloon were overbearing. However, the sound effects were suitable even if they occasionally fell flat.
Easy to master.
GoobnBalloonsDX is easy to understand and even easier to master. The hero moves left to right on a flat surface. Furthermore, the bullets fly across a limited plane, and this causes issues. Had the aiming been more fluid, you could easily destroy every balloon you encountered. Instead, you must combine lateral movement with your crosshair if you wish to tackle every foe.
Though this is a simple game, there is plenty of replay value. There are loads of levels to complete and plenty of gold medals to grab. Moreover, there are bonus stages to tackle and plenty of characters to unlock. Each of the new characters has a different weapon that adjusts your tactical approach. This mixes things up nicely and helps to keep things fresh.
GoobnBalloonsDX is a good indie game.
Though GoobnBalloonsDX won’t set the world alight, it is a good indie game. The action is easy to understand, and there is enough variety despite the repetitive gameplay. I liked the challenging action and appreciated the artistic flair of some of the more outlandish levels. Accordingly, I enjoyed it, and I recommend buying it here! Can you save Goobstar and become a hero? Dodge the balloons, pop everything in sight, and save the day.
