Discover a curious first-person shooter that encourages us to continually use a very special boomerang.
Surely, many of you, as soon as you realize that a specific title bears the Devolver Digital seal, you quickly identify that work as a different product . This quality has been earned by this company for some time now, and it has done so by editing proposals as curious and original as the one we have in our hands right now. Boomerang X , a brainchild of the Dang Studios team, is a first-person shooter that is far removed from the current conventions that are practically inherent to the genre to offer a very refreshing concept … and quite a niche.
A production that will probably (and unfortunately) go quite unnoticedtaking into consideration the interesting offer of much more popular games that are appearing at the same time… but those who dare to try it will surely find it a good source of fun. And that is not one of those typical works that enters through the eyes, nor is it capable of capturing our attention from the first moment thanks to its concise and elaborate plot. In fact, in both cases, the exact opposite happens. Focusing on its history, the only thing the title cares about is putting us in the background. After an accident on the high seas, the sailboat in which we travel is destroyed and we end up on the shore of an apparently abandoned island. And that’s it. In relation to the narrative, this is the only thing that the title gives us, being its most neglected aspect that, fortunately,
Killing innumerable entire waves of shadow enemies in different ways from a subjective perspective is our main mission in this shooter proposal.
Shoot, dodge and survive
If the narrative borders on the most absolute minimalism, the truth is that the playable arrangement does not go much further … at least on paper, because then it gives a lot of itself. The first thing we do as soon as we arrive on the island and explore the sets a bit is to get hold of a boomerang that, of course, has the appearance of a ninja star. From there, this object becomes our best friend and, also, the only ally we can count on to get out of this exotic setting alive, since the 12 stages or arenas that this location houses are full of some Shadowy-looking enemies who do not hesitate to attack us in waves.
ADVERTISING
Our only weapon is a kind of boomerang shaped like a ninja star, a much more lethal and versatile weapon than it seems.
Our task is simply to eliminate the number of rivals that are indicated at all times, being necessary to dispatch those monsters that are duly marked with a specific icon. A very simple game mechanic that, fortunately, has more grace than it seems due to the gradual appearance of certain elements that are adding to the matter. And one of them has to do with the continuous evolution of our boomerang . Each time we overcome a specific area, we are blessed with a new ability for our unique weapon, whether it is the ability to teleport to the right place where said object is, slow down time for a few moments or the ability to reach several opponents in one go.
We have to overcome a dozen different arenas full of rivals. At first it is easy, but later it becomes almost impossible.
Mastering each of the new playable mechanics that are being introduced is essential to be able to overcome each new area that we visit. And the fact is that although at the beginning everything is relatively simple, later things become very lively to the point of becoming a challenge only suitable for the most advanced players. Yes, because with each new skill we also run into the threat posed by the appearance of a new type of rival, which are increasingly difficult to take down … and which from a certain point in the game are relentless and force us to be in continuous movement. Luckily the control is just perfect once you get the hang of each new skill …
As we progress, we gain new tools and abilities for our boomerang, such as slowing down time or teleporting.
It may be that the almost sudden increase in the level of difficulty can put back a certain group of users, but those who are able to take it will enjoy exciting and tremendously enjoyable gameplay.. A rather curious and well-designed playable aspect that has been accompanied by a visual finish that is no more than correct, although it is necessary to highlight the fluidity with which the action unfolds. The only thing that seems remarkable to us is the aesthetic aspect that rivals have and their relatively high variety. But beyond that, the rest of the elements that are part of the technical aspect such as the settings, the visual effects or the texturing in general are very simple. And something similar happens to the sound, since the melodies go unnoticed and the effects are heard with enough forcefulness, but it is not that there is too significant a variety.
Technically it is quite simple and only highlights the fluidity with which the action and design of some opponents passes.
A unique subjective shooter
The most notable virtue of this proposal from Devolver Digital and the Dang Studios team is its general originality. In a genre as saturated and, for some time now, predictable as it is that of subjective shooters , the fact that from time to time works belonging to this class of titles that have clearly defining characteristics are allowed to be seen fills us with joy. . Yes, Boomerang X may not be the best title of its kind by far and that, in fact, it can be so particular in many respects that it falls into the sack of niche titles. But its exacting level of challenge, frenetic gameplay, and superb control make it quite a compelling game as a whole.
