Random Game Recommendation: The Red Star
Available on PS2, Xbox, PSP and iOS.
Based on a graphic novel series which I haven’t read all of yet but I know a guy who would bring it up at every opportunity. Something about an alternative universe Soviet Union with a bunch of sci-fi and magic. You don’t need to be familiar with the source content to appreciate this game though.
The Red Star at first appears to be your average beat ‘em up but there’s a bit more to it than that; it has a heavy emphasis on shooting and dodging bullets. Most normal enemies can be defeated with regular melee attacks while the bosses and mid-bosses usually have some bullet hell segments where you’re dodging and returning fire.
The controls are simple; melee, gun, special attack, guard and lock-on. You can switch between weapons mid-game with the D-pad. You can perform some neat combos once you get used to the controls. You can also simply throw enemies into each other or off platforms to make short work off them.
You’ll want to get good at the game because you’ll get evaluated after each stage and be awarded some upgrade points that you can spend on a bunch of different stats as well as on your weapons.
You start off with two characters to choose between (Makita and Kyuzo) and a third one (Maya) being unlocked after you beat the game.
All in all, a fun and unique beat ‘em up that makes you feel more badass than most other games in the genre do when the gameplay clicks.
Can of course also be played co-op with a friend.
