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The roguelite genre continues its reign of popularity, offering a compelling blend of familiarity and fresh challenges with every run. These games are perfect for both extended play sessions and short bursts, providing endless replayability. Orbital Bullet aims to carve its niche in this crowded market with a unique twist: 360° platforming. But does this innovative approach hit the mark? Let’s delve into the world of Orbital Bullet and see if it’s worth your time and money.

A Unique Perspective on 2D Platforming

alt text: Orbital Bullet Gameplay showcasing the 360-degree environment

The core gameplay of Orbital Bullet revolves around 2D platforming, but with a 360-degree twist. Imagine classic side-scrollers like Contra or Metroid, but instead of linear levels, you navigate circular arenas. This design choice, while initially seeming complex, seamlessly integrates with the game’s mechanics. You move left and right, jump, and shoot, just like in a traditional 2D platformer. However, the circular levels eliminate the concept of a beginning or end, offering a complete view of the battlefield.

alt text: Orbital Bullet showcasing projectile-based combat in a 360-degree environment.

This panoramic perspective eliminates the need to frantically search the screen for enemies or hazards. Everything is laid out before you on the ring-shaped level. This design shines when combined with the game’s projectile-based combat. You can easily anticipate and dodge enemy attacks from across the arena, strategically utilizing both close-range and long-range weapons for maximum impact.

alt text: Orbital Bullet gameplay displaying the use of long-range weapons.

Weapons like the Rifle and Sniper Rifle can send projectiles circling the entire arena, eliminating enemies on the opposite side. Planting mines and watching them detonate from a distance further emphasizes the strategic advantage of this 360-degree design. This innovative level design provides unparalleled control and a satisfying sense of mastery over the battlefield.

A Wealth of Customization and Replayability

alt text: Character selection screen in Orbital Bullet.

Orbital Bullet doesn’t just rely on its unique level design. It also boasts a robust roguelite system with an impressive arsenal of 38 weapons, each designed to complement the circular arenas. Whether you prefer a close-range shotgun and SMG combo or a more tactical approach with the Bola and Plasma Blaster, there’s a playstyle for everyone.

alt text: Weapon customization options in Orbital Bullet.

These weapons synergize with four distinct character classes, come in four rarity tiers, and can be further enhanced with a multitude of temporary passive upgrades collected during runs and permanent upgrades unlocked between runs. This vast array of options provides seemingly endless build variety, encouraging experimentation and rewarding continued play. Unlocking new weapons, gear, and skills becomes a driving force, pushing you to discover new and exciting combinations.

Repetition Dampens the Experience

alt text: A screenshot of Orbital Bullet gameplay, highlighting the repetitive level design.

While Orbital Bullet’s core gameplay and customization options are strong, its repetitive level design holds it back. Although terrain changes between runs, the overall path remains largely the same. Each level boils down to clearing enemies on one ring before moving on to another nearly identical ring. This cycle repeats 3-4 times before reaching a shop, and then another 3-4 times before encountering a teleporter leading to a boss fight.

alt text: Screenshot of enemies in Orbital Bullet showcasing lack of visual variety.

This predictable structure, coupled with a lack of visual distinction between levels, makes each run feel monotonous. The “rogue” elements seem limited to enemy placement and minor terrain variations. Even the enemies themselves lack visual diversity, falling into a handful of archetypes like shielded, melee, flying, and ranged. Boss fights are equally underwhelming, often featuring only a few repetitive attacks. This repetition ultimately undermines the game’s strengths, making the journey between upgrades and new equipment a tedious grind.

Conclusion

Orbital Bullet presents a novel concept with its 360-degree platforming, and its weapon variety and customization options offer significant depth. However, the repetitive level design and lack of enemy variety ultimately hinder the overall experience. While the innovative gameplay loop initially captivates, the monotony of traversing similar levels diminishes the long-term enjoyment. Orbital Bullet has a strong foundation, but addressing the repetitive nature of its levels would elevate the experience significantly.