Developer: Next Game Level
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X (Reviewed)|S
Genre: Shoot-em-up
Publisher: Ratalaika Games
Remote Life is built with homage to classic retro shooters but has been upgraded for more modern systems. A real boost has been given to the genre, and this game does it with beautifully rendered 3D graphics, some voiceovers and a great soundtrack. Remote Life is reminiscent of a whole array of the 80s and 90s classic retro shooters such as R-Type, Darius and Gradius. What started out as arcade classics were home classics too. There is a wonderful; ‘Alien’ feel to the visual of the games.
Retro shooters are a mixture of simple gameplay mixed with high difficulty. You must traverse the enemy strewn levels avoiding aliens, asteroids, bombs, and a whole host of other bullets. The gameplay is unique as you have access to 3 different gun types by default and a bomb type too. Each different gun type is required in different; sections of levels. It won’t suffice just; to use a single straight shooter gun. While this mechanic may seem minor, it adds a whole other; complexity and richness to the gameplay.
There is a banging soundtrack which is very much a dance soundtrack but with obviously intergalactic themes. The levels, enemies and ships are beautifully detailed and make the game vibrant. I feel that Remote Life does borrow inspiration from Alien and H.R. Giger; the look and feel have a wonderful mix of alien and intergalactic themes throughout each level. The creatures do have that ‘Alien’ feel. The bigger; alien bosses feel like something from a movie, scary and intimidated and also; huge.
There are 16 levels, which are progressively more difficult and a whole host of mid-level bosses and final bosses too. There are four difficulty levels; I found all levels of difficulty difficult! As you progress through the game, you will unlock other ships too.
Remote Life is a mix of; a classic retro shooter with some modern and updated touches to make it more vibrant. The game has its unique gameplay mechanics that make for a rich gameplay experience. The soundtrack has some absolute tunes, and it’s action-packed and fun. It’s a solid shooter with some rich game mechanics that are just epic.
Priced at $18.99 / €17.99 / £14.99.
Overall: 7.5/10
Enjoys more than the odd game, long time gamer, somewhat a technologist and everything else in between.
Also enjoys a good solid game of FIFA online. Currently PS4, XBOX 360 and STEAM.
