Riff: Everyday Shooter is a PSN title created by a chap called Jonathan Mak. It's a simple shooter that is as hypnotic as it is enjoyable.
The game is quite unconventional yet strangely familiar. It has aspects of retro-gaming but showcases how something so basic can retain that likeable quality to just pick up and play whenever.
It works a bit like Super Stardust HD or Nucleus. You are essentially a 'blip' on the screen that can be moved around using the left analogue stick. You fire in any given direction by aiming the right analogue stick or by pressing the face buttons. You move faster when you don't fire, and that's about it for the controls.
The levels are the length of a guitar tune that is displayed along the bottom of the screen. You collect points by destroying certain floating creatures and enemies. These points can gain you extra lifes and unlock new features.
That's about it. What makes the game so addictive is it's simplicity matched with great design. Anyone can pick it up and have fun with it.
The music is funky on it's own but when you hit things then a note or a riff will play. This just gives the game it's own unique groove. It just sounds so good.
A great area of gameplay is working out how to start enormous chains of destruction to get more points. Each level is different from the last in it's design, sound and vibrancy.
In summary, this game is good as a small 38MB game accessable at all times on the XMB and should give you lots of enjoyment. It's not as in-depth as a Full Title release but works great as an inexpensive, easy to pick up everday shooter.
"Sometimes, though, you have to make way for the new blood. While you’d think that developers in an industry such as this would need some time to find their sea legs, you can occasionally see a bright new studio hit the ground running and immediately leave a lasting impression." - Joe Garcia
343 industries did an amazing job with Halo. I was worried at first but they were able to top Bungie and deliver one of the best Halos to date.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Story, multiplayer and graphics+sound.
(probably the best looking Xbox 360 exclusive)
Looking forward to Halo 5
Nice that they mention L.A. Noire and Team Bondi, but where's Batman Arkham Asylum by Rocksteady?
The Steam Sale may have been the hot topic this past week, but it’s not the only place to go for some sweet deals on some great games. The PlayStation Network has its fair share of bargains too. The recent PSN Store update for America may have been a bit lackluster on new content, but the discounts are worth checking out.
Less than a week away from Christmas, the Daily Reaction crew brings you the next installment of the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ carol with ‘Seven Swans a-swimming’. That means today Seb and Dan discuss the effect that the most influential indie PS3 titles have had on the industry, Sony and the future of PlayStation.
