Gigapocalypse is an unusual kind of game in the modern era. Back in the 16-bit days we might have seen a similarly themed game on every annual release slate. However, in the time of rapidly changing landscapes and ‘safes bets’, it’s left to the small studios to bring us our 2D city-destruction escapades. This Gigapocalypse review is your surest way to learn why the game is a genuine blast to play, and yet also why fewer games if its ilk are produced today.

The premise of the game is pretty simple. You are a big monster (or ‘Giga’) and you must go on a rampage. Destroy a city, kill some humans, fight a boss. Your monster automatically moves from left to right, and it’s up to you to clear the path ahead. Along the way you must watch your rage meter, which determines which moves are available to use, and of course your health meter also.

Gigapocalypse review

After the initial tutorial the game strips you of all abilities. You must earn them back through experience and buying upgrades. This sudden change is something of a shock to the system. You’ll likely find yourself struggling with the very first level multiple times. That is, until you’ve purchased enough health and rage upgrades to prevent your monster from stalling. Once you’ve overcome this hurdle, Gigapocalypse opens up and becomes much more interesting.

From here on out there’s always a great deal you can do to upgrade your monsters. From new abilities to improved health and armour, to new skins and even pets. It’s genuinely compelling to push onto the next run. Not always to see if you can get further through the level, but to see if you can get enough points to purchase your next upgrade.

Gigapocalypse review

It’s a gameplay loop that plays into that ‘one more go’ sensation. But it’s also one which will inevitably wear thin. Despite the huge wealth of upgrades and the variety of monsters on offer, there’s only such much depth that can be drawn out of such a simple set-up. Couple with this a terrible menu set-up which has obviously been designed for mouse input and not considered controllers, and you’ll find that there’s just too much irritation to go for the max level on every Giga that the game holds as a lofty goal.

Gigapocalypse is a very fun game, but it’s also paper thin. This is why games of its ilk are so few and far between. With the advent of digital marketplaces they can stay on the virtual shelves far longer than physical stores, and often one is enough to satisfy your hunger. As this Gigapocalypse review shows, it certainly will do that. Just expect a decent meal opposed to a hearty feast.

Categories: Games