JYDGE

Developer: 10tons Ltd  | Publisher: 10tons Ltd | Release Date: 2017 | Genre: Action / RPG / Indie | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Steam

Edenbyrg – a megacity where crime has spiraled out of control, and citizens live in fear for their lives while criminals run amok. It is a place so dangerous that even the police struggle to make a difference, which is why the use of cybernetic law enforcement is rolled out. Taking control of a “JYDGE,” complete with a modifiable weapon called the “Gavel,” it is up to you to retake the city and clear out the criminal scum. It is not an easy job, but stamping out lawless behavior is what the JYDGEs do best, and with the state that Edenbyrg is in, you’ll be working overtime.

JYDGE is the latest twin-stick shooter from 10tons Ltd, an indie developer that has been dominating the genre for a while now. Their last title was the adrenaline-pumping rogue-like shooter Neon Chrome, and JYDGE is set in the same universe. However, while these two titles share many similarities, including some visual assets, they are two very different experiences in terms of gameplay. Whereas the former is a rogue-like title with procedural levels, 10tons calls JYDGE a “lawful-but-awful rogue-hate” top-down shooter, which is a pretty apt description. It means that the maps are static but can be approached from many different play styles.

The best thing about JYDGE is how you can augment your character and modify your rifle. Whether you want to be a melee monster, stealthy sniper, or just show up to each fight with a crew of lackeys and drones to back you up, it’s all possible with the right upgrades. The game also ensures you can never become complacent with one style by continually shaking up your objectives for each level. For example, one level might require you to rescue some hostages without being seen, while the following tasks you with killing everyone under a specific time limit or not harming any innocent bystanders. Completing these special requirements rewards you with medals, which are used for more than just opening up new levels and difficulties.

Medals are also required to unlock cyberware, weapon mods, fire modes, and special weapons. However, some special requirements are only possible after equipping certain mods, so you are always motivated to push yourself a little harder to see what is possible and what isn’t. For example, a level where you have to kill your main target in less than twenty seconds might feel impossible until you have mods that speed up your character and enable you to crash straight through walls. You can only equip four out of a possible 35 cyberware at a time, along with three out of a possible 25 weapon perks, so some thought is required to make the most of your options.

JYDGE is split into four acts, consisting of 18 different levels. Each level has three different objectives for earning medals, but you eventually unlock additional difficulty settings. The objectives on Hardcore, Grim, and Nightmare difficulty also differ from the ones on Normal, so you’ll want to complete each level on all of them. This might sound like a grind, but levels are short enough that you can get killed and still want to jump right back in to try again. We also found ourselves returning to old levels with new upgrades and skills, which was a lot of fun. Finally, the game also features a host of hidden collectibles that can be found. Many of these are hidden quite well, but seeking them out is well worth the effort for the advantages that they bestow. After unlocking new upgrades and weapons, you still have to pay for them, so it is good that your JYDGE is authorized to confiscate any money you stumble across. The cost quickly skyrockets, but more money can be earned on higher difficulty settings, so it all balances out in the end.

Initially, your main opposition comes from some low-level goons who can quickly be gunned down. Still, as levels become more challenging, the goons become stronger, and additional hazards, such as turrets, mines, and alarms, also make an appearance. The game doesn’t have much of a story, but it doesn’t need one, either. Stomping around while blasting enemies to bits or picking them off from the shadows is rewarding enough. Visually, the game features a lot of similarities with Neon Chrome, but the neon-drenched, rain-soaked streets of Edenbyrg look good. Depending on your approach to the action, most levels end up splattered with blood and guts too by the time you are done. In addition to the outdoor levels, you’ll also get to shoot your way through plenty of buildings, and the destructible scenery adds a lot to the fun. There’s nothing like bursting through a wall to melee smash an enemy into bits or watching the glass shatter when your sniper round crashes through a window and into the skull of your target.

10tons Ltd has done a good job with the audio aspects of JYDGE, and it features a great soundtrack with plenty of neat tunes. Unfortunately, the music appears to be randomly selected each time you start a level, so some jukebox feature would have been nice. Your gun, which can shoot anything from lead and lasers to electricity, sounds good, and even the robotic voice for the JYDGE is spot-on. The controls for JYDGE are very responsive, and you notice the changes depending on the perks you have equipped. We had no problem playing the game with a keyboard and mouse combination and a controller but preferred the former’s precision. JYDGE also features a local co-op mode, which can be activated if at least one controller is plugged in. This is a nice feature, and it enhances the longevity of the game if you have a friend to play with.

Overall, JYDGE has a lot to offer, and fans of the genre should have a blast. It doesn’t do anything new or revolutionary with the genre, but it is packed with great features and fast-paced action. The different available playing styles add a lot of depth to the game. While the amount of levels is relatively low, the different objectives and difficulty settings make up for this. Anyone familiar with the twin-stick shooters by 10tons Ltd will know what to expect, and JYDGE is definitely a great title to add to your collection.