PixelJunk Shooter review (PS3) By Sayed Islam Published: 01/02/10 PrintEmail
PixelJunk Shooter is a real pleasant surprise. From its rich goal oriented rescue mechanic to its shooting mechanic, you find plenty of enjoyment out of this title. The storyline transpires in an alternate universe in the distant future. Your job is to discern and rescue people who are missing in action. That is it. The plot is ludicrous and emotionless, but it is clear that will not deter you from having fun with this game.
The gameplay has a premise that is rudimentary enough: shooting, rescuing, and retrieving. Gamers are in control of a small ship, and everything occurs in a two dimensional setting. You can shoot to clear a passageway, and you can use your grappling hook. The shoulder buttons are utilized to fire ammunition and launch your grappling hook. It is the interactions with the environment that really make PixelJunk Shooter engrossing. For example, you will be stunned with the bizarre concoctions such as water and fire (lava) have on each other. Furthermore, you can transform water from a liquid to a solid state. In addition, you will have to contrive a method to make certain elements work together cohesively to advance to the next stage. When experimenting with all the permutations, it actually feels like a mini game within a game. At first glance, you will be shocked by the amount of strategy involved with PixelJunk Shooter. You cannot arbitrarily shoot everything in sight and hope to blindly rescue the workers. This is because you could harm yourself, and the workers will be in danger. Speaking of the workers, there are not very durable. Thus, the slightest thing could kill them. This is why you have to be meticulous and selective about your approach.
The visuals are both vibrant and colorful, but there certainly were some liberties taken here and there. But the lively effects are pleasant.
In regards to the audio, the main course here is the music. There is immaculate blend of upbeat pop techno music that perfectly fits the overarching ambiance.
Overall, PixelJunk Shooter is an unexpected surprise. With its mix of shooting and rescuing, it is easy to admire the pixels behind this shooter.
Art direction 8 The visuals are both vibrant and colorful, but there certainly were some liberties taken here and there. But the lively effects are pleasant. Audio 9 In regards to the audio, the main course here is the music. There is immaculate blend of upbeat pop techno music that perfectly fits the overarching ambiance. Gameplay 8.5 The gameplay has a premise that is rudimentary enough: shooting, rescuing, and retrieving. Presentation 7 The plot is ludicrous and emotionless, but it is clear that will not deter you from having fun with this game. Replay value 7 If you are interested in collecting, then there are some reasons to go back for a second time. Final verdict 8 out of 10
PixelJunk Shooter is a real pleasant surprise. From its rich goal oriented rescue mechanic to its shooting mechanic, you find plenty of enjoyment out of this title. The storyline transpires in an alternate universe in the distant future. Your job is to discern and rescue people who are missing in action. That is it. The plot is ludicrous and emotionless, but it is clear that will not deter you from having fun with this game. 
