Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo

Overview

Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo by Bare Knuckle Development is a fast-paced space shooter that merges modern and retro game mechanics. It is Bare Knuckle Development's first console release with versions on Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One as well as Steam(Win/Lin/macOS). The game has 5 modes, 15 space blasters, 40+ challenges, online leaderboards and features both local cooperative and competitive play.

Gameplay

The game features 5 modes each with different objectives. In 'Save The Colony Mode' the objective is to remotely pilot a space blaster and rescue blastronauts by transporting them to a rescue ship at the bottom of the screen. In 'Survival Mode' the objective is to conserve ammunition and fuel and defeat the big-boss. In 'Protect Mother Mode' the objective is to protect a huge mothership at the bottom of the screen for as long as possible. In this mode the player can score combos to gain extra rewards. 'One Shot Mode' and 'To The Death Mode' are 2-player competitive game modes.

In all modes the player acquires screen-clearing big-bombs, shields, magnets and power-up weapons by destroying enemies. In the 3 none-competitive modes 2-player local co-op play is possible. In the game the player can collect coins called 'credits' by destroying enemies and by completing challenges. These credits can be spent in a shop to upgrade power-ups and weapons, to acquire perks, and to unlock extra music. The credits can also be spent in a mini-shop in the loading screen to acquire extra power-ups such as shields, big-bombs, and protectors. The player will start the game with anything purchased from the mini-shop giving them an advantage against the aliens.

Features

• 15 space blasters to unlock.
• 5 game modes.
• Loads of strange alien enemies and a challenging boss to battle.
• Local coop & competitive multiplayer.
• Full controller support for all platforms.
• 40+ challenges.
• Loads of upgradable power-ups and weapons.
• An in-game shop with perks and upgrades.
• Achievements on Xbox One & Steam and Trophies on PS4.
• Leaderboards.
• An 80's infused synth-pop sound track by Electric Fan Death.

Story

The game is set in 2051. The Earth has been destroyed through years of pollution. The remaining humans launch 9 motherships into space to seek out an inhabitable planet. One mothership is successful in finding a planet but the planet is inhabited by an alien race. Humans on Earth remotely pilot fighter space craft called space blasters, launched from the mothership, in a battle against the aliens for the planet. Colony ships are sent to the planet and are destroyed giving the remote space blaster pilots new missions to rescue the survivors.

Reviews & Praise:

“Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo is easily worth the launch price of $4.99. Featuring a plethora of game modes and unlockables, there is a lot of unexpected depth to this simple-looking top-down space shooter.” – 7.5/10

PlayStation Lifestyle

“Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo is simple, addictive and most importantly a blast to play. A lot of effort has gone into making this game, borrowing from classics but adding its own spin at every opportunity. There is a bucket load of content to keep you interested and the hook of ‘just one more run’ will have you coming back for more. Super Mega reaffirms the notion that a budget price point doesn’t have to mean corners are being cut.” – 8/10

Two Beard Gaming (TBG)

“All in all, this is a super addictive little retro-inspired title that, while perfectly suited to playing in quick five or ten-minute bursts, can, if you’re not careful, suck you in for hours on end with its one-more-go score chasing and achievement completing appeal… it should offer most an absolute bargain.” – 4/5

The Switch Effect

“Overall, Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo is perfect example of bringing an old formula back into a new audience. It’s very fun and addicting. You all should definitely pick this up if you want to add a quick arcade style title to your collection.” – 10/10

Gamer Guys & Gals

“Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo is a wonderful addition to the original and will have you playing till the wee hours of the night. The game left me with one of the biggest smiles a video game has ever put on my face.”” – 90%

Wala Wala Games

“Overall, we’re looking at a top-notch indie arcade action shooter for just five bucks. What are you waiting for?” – 8/10

JP’s Switch Mania (4th game in indie b-side review list)

“Visually, it’s an indie treat. It’s not a typical pixel art budget title but hand-drawn. For the price, it’s a no-brainer if you’re up for a classic shooter in the mould of Asteroids. There aren’t any gimmicks here, just quality gameplay mechanics that will have you coming back for repeat plays… an excellent title for the Switch.” – 4/5

The Vulgar Knight

“Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo contains an impressive variety of modes and each one poses an enjoyable level of challenge… It all adds up to make mastering each mode an absolute blast.” – 4/5

Video Chums (2nd game in review list)

“You can’t go wrong with Super Mega Space Blaster Special Turbo, it has a surprising amount of depth despite the simple-looking aesthetics and old-school gameplay. The progression system and multiple modes will keep you coming back for more… If you’re looking for a nostalgiac game with modern visuals and mechanics, look no more, pick up this game today.” – 8/10

GamePitt

Platform Exclusive Features:

As well as each platform having an exclusive space blaster, the game also takes advantage of many of each platform's unique features:

Nintendo Switch Exclusive Features:

• Supports all 3 Switch play-modes: handheld, table-top, and TV (1080p)
• Supports local 2-player with 2 horizontal Joy-Cons (this means that turrets always face forward as there is no right stick)
• Supports Nintendo Switch Pro controller
• HD rumble
• Cloud Save Data

PlayStation 4 Exclusive Feature:

• Supports 4K on PS4 Pro
• 36 Trophies including a platinum
• DualShock 4 lightbar support
• Dualshock 4 vibration support

Xbox One Exclusive Features:

• Xbox One X Enhanced: Supports 4K and 4x anti-aliasing on Xbox One X
• 36 Xbox Live Achievements with a total Gamerscore of 1000
• Xbox One controller vibration support
• Xbox Live Cloud Saves

Steam Exclusive Feature:

• 4K Support
• 36 Steam Achievements
• Support for many controllers including DualShock 4, Xbox One/360 controllers, & Nintendo Switch Pro controller
• Steam Cloud Save
• Steam Remote Play Together
• Keyboard re-mapper with 2 binding per key and an easy reset button