Rocket Riot is kind of crazy in an awesome way. Sure, some of its panache might stem from the fact that I had no idea what it was going in and, as such, was utterly surprised at how well it was put together. But I also think that it's largely due to the amount of spice it adds to what is quickly becoming an oversaturated genre. Simply put, it's a shooter in the vein as Geometery Wars and Super Stardust HD in that one analog controls movement, while the other controls the direction of shooting. The game differentiates slightly by taking graphics in a completely different, although equally stimulating, direction and adding minor objectives to each level rather than just having you defend yourself for as long as possible (although that game type is still in RR as an "endurance" mode.)
The smallest differences are in the controls; instead of having to hold the direction you wish to fire in, you aim and firing begins when you release the analog stick. I'm curious as to why developer Codeglue went with this control scheme, and why there's no option to change it, over a more traditional one like that of GeoWars and SSD. I mean, most of us are familiar with the other method and it seems more intuitive (although maybe that's because I'm so use to them), and realistically the new way only serves to slow you down in the beginning few stages until you're accustomed to it. It's not a big deal, it just seems rather unnecessary.
Like most games of this type, shooting is for the most part continuous, yet it's the matches that set this title apart. Simple things like finding hidden enemies or fun boss battles, something that I believe is unanimously loved by all gamers, really do a good job of cutting up what would otherwise be "more of the same". Sure there are some incredibly unique and often hilarious power-ups, but that's par for the course at this point in videogame history.
Actually, speaking of power-ups, one of the things I really appreciated about Rocket Riot is that you'll sometimes find power-downs that are bad for you (like Bomberman, where there are items that cause you to slow down or drop bombs uncontrollably). Again, this is a simple addition that adds to the variety and spice of the game without completely changing the gameplay we all love… And, I mean, who doesn't like something that adds even more franticness to what is already a pretty chaotic setup?
Arguably the game's biggest boon is its visuals. The perfect amount of retro throw-back mixed with newschool freshness, Rocket Riot's look is essentially 8-bit inspired, three-dimensional cel-shaded awesomesalisbury. Every map deteriorates as you literally shoot your way through it (why fly around something when you can blow it up?) ultimately leaving a trail of devastation and blasted pixels in your wake.
As you'd expect, the multiplayer will probably be what keeps this game in your "recently played" list. With 4p local and 8p online and a few unique multiplayer modes, you'll have plenty to chew after your finished shooting through the singleplayer. Co-op is fun (not Gears-fun, but better-than-nothing-fun), but the Rugby Riot plain deathmatch are where you'll probably have the most fun.
If you're looking for something to keep your trigger thumbs (?) happy Rocket Riot is a good place to look. Fun graphics, cool twists to easy-to-use gameplay, and enough variety to stand on its own two feet, make Rocket Riot a decent alternative for fans of arcade shooters.
