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.
