ReviewsReview: Shockwave Triggers

Review: Shockwave Triggers

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Shockwave Triggers is a fast-paced and retro experience that will appeal to gamers who want a casual or old-school experience. Furthermore, it is oddly addictive, as it is simple to play and there is a leaderboard to top. Sadly, once you tackle the 6 stages, there are limited reasons to return. Accordingly, the appeal will be a little limited.

Shinu Real Arts has developed this vertical bullet-hell shooter, and Eastasiasoft has published it. It is a single-player or couch cooperative game. I loved the pixel art style, the shrill noises, and the anime cutscenes. However, it doesn’t do a great job of explaining the core mechanics, and this demands a high element of trial and error if you wish to succeed.

Shockwave Triggers and its post-apocalyptic world.

The world is in trouble, and everything has gone wrong. Unfortunately, the WW Empire rules the roost, and they’ll stop at nothing to stay in command. Sadly for them, 2 pilots didn’t get the memo. These highly skilled individuals plan to take down every boss as they search for crystals, improve their spaceships, and take back control.

The story is told through brilliant anime cutscenes. Although they are basic, they work well alongside the eye-watering action. The retro gameplay and vertical shooting were fantastic. Enemies appear from every direction, and you must use your main weapon, focused gun, and shockwave special ability to smash every ship and boss you encounter.

Simple ideas.

Shockwave Triggers spans 6 different worlds. At its core, the action is identical! You must use your weapons to destroy everything in your path. Moreover, you must collect power-ups, bombs, and other bits to survive a bit longer. As you kill your foes, they drop crystals. These can be used to power your vehicle and buy new gear. Therefore, it is essential to grab every crystal you see.

Each stage has several boss battles. None of these is too tough, but you will need to learn their attack patterns, avoid projectiles, and dodge lasers. If you can do this, you will smash every boss into smithereens. This was great fun despite the rudimentary approach. The main challenge is trying to stay alive until the end of the 6th chapter. This wasn’t easy, and you will need to grab every crystal and invest in more credits if you wish to complete your task.

Shockwave Triggers looks amazing.

I love retro games, and Shockwave Triggers is brilliantly old-school. The colours are harsh, vibrant, and somewhat limited. Additionally, the animation is clunky, and the textures are a little rough. None of this mattered as I adored the retro style, the never-ending projectiles, and the fun but basic gameplay.

The audio is loud, uncomfortable, and aggressive. A simple soundtrack enhances the deadly theme, and the sound effects are basic but effective. The arcade gameplay shines as the sound effects are direct, boisterous, and horrible to hear.

Excellent controls.

Shockwave Triggers offers a thorough and easy-to-follow tutorial. However, trial and error will be your friend. Each of the pilots has a unique approach, and picking the right one for you is important. Thankfully, it is simple to master, and gamers will be up and running in no time.

Replay value focuses on a few key areas. You can enjoy this with a friend, and that makes it extremely appealing. Moreover, there is a leaderboard, unlockable modes, and an array of difficulty settings to overcome.

Shockwave Triggers takes you back in time.

Shockwave Triggers offers a brilliant nostalgia hit. It is vibrant, uncomfortable, and great alone or with a friend. I love the different levels, the trial and error, and the dated appeal. However, it lacks depth despite being addictive. I love it, and I recommend buying it here! Can you fight for your freedom? Pick your pilot, grab the crystals, and restore the balance.

SUMMARY

Shockwave Triggers is an old-school shooter that is addictive. I love the cooperative approach, the different enemies, and the basic ideas. Despite the lack of depth, I enjoyed the fast-paced and often eye-watering action.


+ Old-school visuals.
+ Loud audio.
+ Simple controls.
+ A fun cooperative title.
+ Addictive.

- It lacks depth.
- Repetitive.

(Rating: PEGI 7 Mild Violence Release date: 14/10/2026 Price: $14.99)


(Reviewed on the Xbox Series X. Also available on Xbox One, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5)


(Full disclosure! This review is based on a copy of the game being provided by the publisher/developer.)


Daniel Waite
Daniel Waite
My gaming career started on an Amiga and spans many consoles! Currently, I game using an MSI laptop and Xbox Series X. A fan of every genre, I love to give anything a go. Former editor and reviewer for http://www.bonusstage.co.uk, I'm loving my new home here at Movies Games and Tech. I can be contacted for gaming reviews on the following email: Daniel@moviesgamesandtech.com
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