Rating:

HeroCore reminds you why you bother downloading and playing these bite-sized chunks of joy we call "indie" games. Sometimes the bite is bland and forgettable; other times, the bite is bitter; then there are times when the bite satisfies.

Additional Info

Full Review

To continue with my initial analogy, HeroCore feels like a meal, not a mouthful. It is appetizer, entree, and dessert (hell, even bread and salad!) in one package that transcends your expectations.

I saw a few screens, then downloaded and played HeroCore immediately, expecting another fun game (probably something like Star Guard) to occupy a little time and give me something to review. What I got was a wholly original, fun, challenging, and rewarding gaming experience. I've not sat and played a game through, without stopping, in a very long time but I did just that with HeroCore. The game is entirely accessible and this is thanks in no small part to the blocky, pixelated, monochromatic visual style.

The graphics, however, belie the complexity and sophistication of the game. From the start in feels like Metroid in that there is a large map to be explored in 2D fashion and many parts are blocked off by some kind of barrier or enemy, thus inhibiting your immediate progression. But, as the environment is gravity-free, you get to float around like a sidescrolling shooter. Combat has distinctly shooter feel and shmup fans will feel right at home. You'll also be utilizing any dodging skills you have as the enemy produces more and more complex shot patterns for you to weave your Hero through.

And so you progress through the space station, looking for a way to finish your archenemy, Tetron, once and for all. Along the way you encounter some very challenging bosses, each following a traditional boss formula. Each boss consequently levels you up and unlocks a new weapon or tool. And so, in addition to the adventure and shooter aspect, there is a component of character advancement like you might find in an RPG.

As you might expect, you eventually win the day and end the reign of Tetron. When you beat the game for the first time new modes are opened up along with other fun options. This is where HeroCore blows my mind: it is a big, high quality game with a lot to offer in a small package. Flashy graphics or a convoluted UI (the one in the game is perfect) would only detract from HeroCore. Put simply, it has no need for the modernity of other games: it kicks enough robot ass on its own.

Download the game at this website.