Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Indie, Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Psychotic Psoftware
- Publishers: Psychotic Psoftware
Power-Up (2014): A Modern-Retro Masterpiece
Introduction
Power-Up is a vertical scrolling shoot ’em up video game developed and published by Psychotic Psoftware, a one-man game studio run by Australian developer Duane Merrill. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux in 2014, and was later ported to the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch.
Power-Up is a modern-retro shoot ’em up that harkens back to the golden age of arcade gaming. The game features pixel art graphics, a thumping soundtrack, and challenging gameplay that will put your skills to the test.
Gameplay
Power-Up is a vertical scrolling shoot ’em up in which the player controls a spaceship that must defeat waves of enemies. The game features a variety of different enemy types, each with their own unique attack patterns. The player must use their ship’s weapons to destroy the enemies and progress through the game’s levels.
The player’s ship is equipped with a variety of different weapons, including lasers, missiles, and bombs. The player can also collect power-ups that will enhance their ship’s weapons and abilities.
Power-Up features a variety of different game modes, including:
- Arcade Mode: The classic shoot ’em up experience. The player must defeat waves of enemies and progress through the game’s levels.
- Boss Rush Mode: A mode in which the player must defeat a gauntlet of bosses.
- Challenge Mode: A mode in which the player must complete a series of challenges.
- Score Attack Mode: A mode in which the player must score as many points as possible.
Graphics and Sound
Power-Up features pixel art graphics that are both beautiful and nostalgic. The game’s environments are detailed and varied, and the enemy designs are creative and unique.
The game’s soundtrack is composed by chiptune artist virt, and it is one of the best soundtracks in the shoot ’em up genre. The music is catchy, energetic, and perfectly complements the game’s fast-paced action.
Reception
Power-Up was met with critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and thumping soundtrack. Power-Up was nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.
Conclusion
Power-Up is a modern-retro masterpiece that is a must-play for fans of the shoot ’em up genre. The game’s challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and thumping soundtrack will keep you coming back for more.
10/10
Additional Information
Developer: Psychotic Psoftware
Publisher: Psychotic Psoftware
Release Date: 2014
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch
Genre: Shoot ’em up
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Official Website: https://psychoticpsoftware.com/power-up/
Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-Up_(video_game)
Metacritic Score: 85/100
OpenCritic Score: 84/100
GameRankings Score: 85%
Steam User Score: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% positive reviews)
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
