TankBlitz

TankBlitz

If you have a hankering for jumping into a tank and blasting everything in your path to smithereens then TankBlitz has got you covered. This 2D, top down shooter looks and feels like an arcade game from the nineties, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s got nonstop action, tons of different enemies to shoot at and enough upgrades to keep you coming back for more. Three difficulty levels and plenty of achievements add to the replay value, but we would have loved to see more than 12 levels. Nevertheless, the game is entertaining from start to finish and we had a blast with it.

Gameplay: Shoot things to earn cash for upgrades so you can do it all again with even more powerful weapons.

Graphics: Not as sharp as we would have liked in high resolution, but packed with detailed.

Sound: No speech, but the effects sound like they’ve been plucked straight from an arcade

Space Invaders Extreme

Space Invaders Extreme

Space Invaders Extreme is a prime example of how to remake a classic game without completely ruining the gameplay or boring fans of more modern games. The frantic mix of fast paced action, psychedelic visuals and pulse pounding soundtrack makes this a must have experience for all retro shooter fans and newcomers alike.

Gameplay: Classic retro style shooting action.

Graphics: Pretty basic but the backgrounds bring it to life.

Sound: Integral to the game and very well done

Test Your Mettle Against Legions of Raging Zombies in Dead Corps 2

Test Your Mettle Against Legions of Raging Zombies in Dead Corps 2

As if there isn’t enough diseases with scary names and even scarier symptoms, the government has cooked up a new one, code-named H7. It is a form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which sounds terrifying enough without even knowing that it turns people into zombies. Not content with simple lab tests, the government started experimenting on people, which as any horror fan will know, caused the virus to spread like wildfire. The good news is that you are one of the very few people who are immune against the effects of H7. The bad news is that everyone else have turned into ferocious zombies and they all want to use your head as a chew-toy

DoDonPachi Resurrection

DoDonPachi Resurrection

Not everyone enjoys navigating a hail of bullets with pinpoint precision while retaliating with excessive firepower, but if bullet hell shooters are your thing then you can’t go wrong with DoDonPachi Resurrection. The story will probably be lost on most players and the game can be very daunting at first, but it packs a wealth of modes and options. The action is relentless and chasing highscores is undeniably addictive. This Steam version does suffer from a couple of minor issues, but overall it is a great example of the genre and one that all shooter fans will want to add to their collection.

Gameplay: The action is relentless, but very addictive.

Graphics: Good, but the playing area is rather small and mostly filled with bullets.

Sound: The soundtrack is fast paced and upbeat while the sound effects deserves to be cranked up high

Wings of War London Squadron Out Now On Android

Wings of War London Squadron Out Now On Android

If you like your top-down shooters, fast, frantic and a lot of fun then don’t miss out on Wings of War – London Squadron, which is out now on Android. Players get to strap into the cockpit of a propeller-driven aircraft and are tasked with fighting Hitler’s secret Nazi super weapons. The aerial dogfighting takes place over the city of London and in this 360° shooter death can come from any direction

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain is a great shooter that strays a little from the usual formula to offer an action packed experience that is based more on skill than luck. Mastering the use of the M.E.F.A2 and Concept Reactor attacks are immensely satisfying and also allows you to play more aggressively. Players used to power-ups and weapon upgrades will find that RefRain has a bit of a learning curve, but this also provides it with more longevity and replay value. Overall, if you are a fan of the genre, then RefRain certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Gameplay: Challenging, but very rewarding when mastered.

Graphics: The designs are a little bland compared to other shooters, but the game is very colorful.

Sound: Features a very fitting electronic soundtrack

Xenoraid (10tons Ltd)

Xenoraid (10tons Ltd)

Usually all it takes to get our attention are the words “shoot ‘em up,” but Xenoraid from 10tons Ltd looks like it will be of special interest. The game is a vertically scrolling shooter with a small dash of bullet hell, but don’t expect to memorize your way out of harm’s way with this one. 10tons has revealed that missions will be procedurally driven based on set parameters, which means enemy formations and attack directions will be different each time

Blue Rider

Blue Rider

Blue Rider is a game that will make you remember the days of encountering bosses that actually served as a challenge and not just a minor speed bump on your road to finishing the game. And while the game is far from easy it is addictive enough to keep you coming back for more. Thanks to the vibrant visuals and excellent enemy designs, especially the bosses, it is also a very good looking game. If you are not scared to be challenged and in the mood for a very polished shooter then get yourself a copy of Blue Rider.

Gameplay: Tough and uncompromising, but still very entertaining and addictive.

Graphics: Vibrant and varied.

Sound: Nice music and booming explosions

Nanostray

Nanostray

It is not without its faults but Nanostray is a pretty impressive debut shooter for the Nintendo DS. Longevity is definitely an issue but the game is fun while it lasts. The 3D backgrounds also show what the handheld is capable of so hopefully this will not be the last time we see a game of this type on the system.

Gameplay: A blast for shooter fans but a bit short.

Graphics: Pretty spectacular by DS standards.

Sound: Very fitting for the game

AIPD – Artificial Intelligence Police Department

AIPD – Artificial Intelligence Police Department

For an action-packed, neon-fueled arcade shooter, look no further than AIPD. Despite the intriguing title, the game does not have a story-driven campaign mode but has tons of action. The number of enemy and arena permutations on offer also gives it more replay value than typical arcade shooters. Best of all, it features a four-player local coop mode, which is as fun as it is chaotic.

Gameplay: AIPD features plenty of addictive old-school shooting action.

Graphics: The 80s neon glow art style has been done before, but it still looks great.

Sound: Features a nice electronic soundtrack and solid sound effects