PGC NEWS

The video game industry, despite its relative youth of around 40 years, has rapidly ascended to become a dominant force in entertainment, surpassing other established mediums in popularity and revenue. This rapid growth has inevitably led to market saturation, making it significantly more challenging for new games to stand out in 2019 compared to 30 years ago. With countless titles vying for attention across various platforms, gamers have become increasingly discerning. Innovation is crucial, but with many concepts already explored, developers are seeking alternative routes to success.

One such approach involves revitalizing familiar formulas with fresh twists. Independent game studios often employ this strategy, sometimes embracing quirky and unconventional elements to leave a lasting impression. Developed by Happy Corruptions, Space Cows embodies this approach, opting for the well-trodden path of the twin-stick shooter genre rather than striving for purely visual or innovative gameplay. By choosing an accessible genre, Space Cows attracts players and aims to retain them with unique elements – a formula that appears to be working. But how far can a “normal game” with a quirky twist truly go? Let’s delve into this udderly chaotic experience.

Easy to Learn, Difficult to Master

Twin-stick shooters, as the name suggests, are designed to utilize the two analog sticks on a controller. Typically, the left stick controls movement, while the right stick aims and fires weapons. This genre is rarely considered “easy,” as players must simultaneously navigate enemy attacks and maintain precise aiming.

Space Cows presents a whimsical world where the protagonist, a lonely farmer, has his beloved cow abducted by milk-craving aliens. Armed with a super-powered toilet plunger, our hero embarks on an intergalactic rescue mission. Setting aside the bizarre premise, Space Cows places players in a zero-gravity environment. Movement isn’t simply point-and-go; it involves managing momentum and adjusting for drift. Players must master this unique mechanic, leveraging rebounds off walls to dodge attacks and reposition for optimal firing angles.

Levels are interspersed with various hazards, such as laser walls requiring precise timing or the use of a dash ability to bypass. The diverse enemy types and their strategic placement create a challenging experience, often demanding multiple attempts to overcome. These elements add depth to the gameplay, keeping players engaged and invested.

Visually Appealing Presentation

“Quirky” games often face the misconception of prioritizing humor over high-quality graphics. While sometimes true, Space Cows demonstrates that quirkiness can coexist with polished visuals. The game embraces a “serious humor” approach, where the absurdity of the situations, juxtaposed with the characters’ earnest reactions, creates a genuinely funny experience.

With a 2D side-scrolling perspective utilizing fully 3D character models and environments, Space Cows showcases meticulous attention to detail. From intricately designed space stations and alien bases to the charming yet menacing enemy designs, the visuals are well-crafted. As the difficulty ramps up with increasing enemy hordes, the visual spectacle of projectiles and explosions intensifies, enhancing the thrilling twin-stick shooter experience.

Minor Gripes

Even the most polished games have their flaws. Space Cows is no exception, presenting a few minor inconveniences that may vary in impact depending on the player. The game’s humor, relying heavily on puns and quirky scenarios, may not resonate with everyone. The alien enemies, dubbed “Mootants,” exemplify this approach, blending “mutant” with the sound of a cow (“moo”). While some may appreciate the effort, others might find it less appealing.

Furthermore, Space Cows features a rather punishing difficulty curve, requiring players to restart levels from the beginning upon death, with no checkpoints. Given the escalating difficulty and the character’s fragility, frequent deaths are inevitable. While hardcore gamers might relish the challenge, casual players might find it frustrating.

Finally, the control scheme, at least on the Nintendo Switch version, can feel somewhat awkward. The close proximity of the ZL and L buttons, coupled with their distinct functions, can lead to accidental presses, especially during tense moments.

Conclusion

Despite its minor shortcomings, Space Cows delivers a fun and engaging twin-stick shooter experience. Its unique zero-gravity movement, quirky humor, and challenging gameplay offer a refreshing take on the genre. While the lack of checkpoints and occasional control issues may frustrate some, the overall package remains enjoyable, especially for those seeking a lighthearted yet demanding arcade-style experience.

Information

• Developer: Happy Corruption
• Publisher: All in! Games
• Genre: Action
• Release Date: September 5, 2019
• Platforms: PC, Switch