Summary

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Indie, Music, Shooter
Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Cipher Prime Studios
Publishers: Cipher Prime Studios

Intake: A Cerebral Cocktail of Drugstep and Arcade Action

Prepare yourself for an electrifying sensory overload as we delve into the exhilarating world of Intake, the retro-futuristic drugstep arcade shooter that will push your reflexes and perception to the limit. From the visionary minds at Cipher Prime, Intake is a polychromatic love child of Dr. Mario and Ikaruga, blending classic gameplay mechanics with a vibrant and chaotic audiovisual aesthetic that’s as intoxicating as it is mesmerizing.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Skill and Reflexes

At its core, Intake is a deceptively simple yet endlessly challenging arcade shooter. You control a lone spaceship navigating a relentless barrage of colorful pills, each representing a different drug with its own unique properties. Your objective is to blast and combo your way through this never-ending cascade of pharmaceuticals, avoiding a lethal dosage while maximizing your score.

The gameplay is reminiscent of classic arcade shooters like Galaga and Space Invaders, but with a unique twist. Instead of firing bullets, your spaceship emits a beam that can destroy pills of the same color. By matching and destroying pills in rapid succession, you can trigger devastating chain reactions and rack up massive combos.

Visuals: A Neon-Drenched Masterpiece

Intake’s visuals are a mesmerizing spectacle that perfectly complement the frenetic gameplay. The game’s world is awash in vibrant neon colors and geometric patterns, creating a retro-futuristic aesthetic that evokes both the classic arcade era and the psychedelic sensibilities of the 1960s.

As you progress through the game, the visuals become increasingly chaotic and disorienting, reflecting the altered states of consciousness induced by the constant barrage of drugs. Pills explode in showers of color, leaving behind trails of neon afterimages that dance across the screen. The result is an immersive and hallucinatory experience that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality.

Audio: A Drugstep Symphony

The soundtrack of Intake is as integral to the experience as the visuals. The game’s original drugstep soundtrack, composed by award-winning musician and sound designer Danimal Cannon, is a pulsating, hypnotic blend of electronic beats and ambient textures.

The music perfectly captures the game’s frenetic energy and psychedelic atmosphere. The driving rhythms and soaring melodies will get your heart pounding and your mind racing, creating a sense of urgency and immersion that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Challenge: An Endless Pursuit of Perfection

Intake is a game that will test your skills and reflexes to the limit. The difficulty curve is relentless, with each new level introducing new pill types and increasingly complex patterns. The game’s procedurally generated levels ensure that every playthrough is unique, providing endless replayability and a constant challenge.

While Intake can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels, it truly shines for those who embrace the challenge of mastering its intricate mechanics. The game rewards precision, timing, and quick thinking, encouraging players to perfect their strategies and push their limits.

Replayability: A Never-Ending High

Intake’s addictive gameplay and procedurally generated levels ensure that no two playthroughs are ever the same. The game’s high score system and online leaderboards provide additional motivation to keep coming back for more, as players strive to outdo their previous performances and climb the ranks.

Whether you’re a seasoned arcade shooter veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Intake offers a uniquely challenging and rewarding experience. With its vibrant visuals, pulsating soundtrack, and endless replayability, Intake is a game that will captivate your senses and leave you craving for more.

Conclusion: A Must-Play for Arcade Enthusiasts and Lovers of Psychedelic Art

Intake is a triumph of arcade game design, seamlessly blending classic gameplay mechanics with a cutting-edge audiovisual aesthetic. Its frenetic action, stunning visuals, and infectious soundtrack create an immersive and hallucinatory experience that will leave you exhilarated and craving for more.

Whether you’re a seasoned arcade enthusiast or a lover of psychedelic art, Intake is a must-play game that will challenge your skills, expand your perception, and leave you with a lasting impression. So buckle up, prepare for an audiovisual overdose, and dive into the electrifying world of Intake today!