Capsized by Alientrap Studio answers the question, “What happens the moment you crash on an alien planet?” The answer is simple, survive as long as you can while the planet attempts to cough you up like a cat with a hairball. Is this an experience we all can enjoy, or will the game crash and burn before reaching orbit?
Presentation:
The first thing I want to do when reaching an alien planet, is explore. Take in the new plant life, throw some rocks around with my gravity beam, and maybe shoot some wildlife.
The scenery is breathtaking and the music soothing. Alientrap Studios has some talented artists. I almost wish I didn't carry a gun. Shooting things kind of ruins the mood. Controls are simple since I'm able to use my xbox controller on the pc, and the first level tells you a few things you can do to get around. This game is an action platformer, so you are going to be doing a lot of shooting and jumping.
It doesn't take long to realize that everyone is out to get you, so getting off the planet is the highest priority. The natives shoot on site and the bugs attack you just the same. Before you start a mission, you get a little clip explaining what your task is in the next level. These go along the lines of: finding your crew mates, signaling for help, finding a power source, reconstruction your ship etc... One of its great moments, is finally making it to the surface.
Gameplay:
There are many gameplay modes available including the campaign. You can play the campaign in coop to, which can be fun. Other gameplay modes, such as survival, must be unlocked by earning stars in the campaign. After trying out these other modes of play, I found them little different then the campaign and not really that appealing.
The game is about survival, and you will die many times each level. If you loose all your lives during a level, then you have to start over. Ammo for new weapons are spread across the map and they are helpful in combating your enemies. One weapon pickup, the plasma launcher, caused more hurt than help. Splash damage from a few shots and you'll kill yourself.
Closing Comments:
Capsized is a good game, but there are some things that keep it from being great. The graphics are pleasing and the music too, but some gameplay aspects and repetitiveness make for a play once experience. Our explorers just crash landed on the wrong planet.
Rating | Description
8 - Presentation
Even though the story is told through comic clips, it works and I feel the tension of crashing on a planet. Nice clean interface and controls.
8 - Graphics
Organic platform tiles. Artistic scenery and moody atmosphere. Wasn't much variety in the way things looked through most of game until reaching surface
9 - Sound
I liked the soundtrack. Peaceful enough to fall asleep to..
6 - Gameplay
Core gameplay is ok, but not that great. Your jumping and shooting the whole game, but at least you can do it with a friend.
6 - Lasting Appeal
Enjoy playing it once through, but not much replay value even with unlockable gameplay modes.
7.0 - Overall
The overall score is not an average, but it does reflect how much we enjoyed the game. Games between the score of 7 - 9 are favorable. Games that get a rating of 9.0 are a must buy.
