Unfortunately, locations of leisure dedicated to the coin crunching fun of the arcades are in short supply in this modern age. Therefore, a vast multitude of passionate indie developers have dedicated their efforts to recreating this golden age of gaming. Null Drifter is such an effort that thrills and delights due to its focus on simplistically addictive gameplay loops.
Of course, addictive gameplay alone is no guarantee that players will return to a game over an extended period of time. Therefore, what else does Null Drifter offer to entreat players to shun all other titles in favour of this extra-terrestrial murder simulator? Strap in space cadet, as we explore all of the fantastic facets of this title!
In Space, Everyone Can Hear You Hum Along
Admittedly subpar Alien references aside, the soundtrack featured heavily throughout the Null Drifter experience is nothing short of excellent.
At once it is ambiently atmospheric, lulling you into a sense of glorious relaxation amidst the chaotic events depicted on screen, preventing frustration from creeping in. However, in the next moment it encourages, nay, commands you to bob your head along to its retro techno beats, accentuated with elements of drum and bass.
Furthermore, the musical overtones of Null Drifter shift dynamically at certain point such as, for example, increasing dramatically in tempo and pitch when the player reaches their final life to serve as a warning that they must exercise caution to avoid the cold clutches of death.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Although its lo-fi aesthetic may deter some gamers, do not let it do so. Null Drifter is a gorgeous game that, much like this reviewer, inherits all the best genes from its predecessors, while showing off some notable improvements.
Go where no man has gone before and fight fearsome foes.
Each of the non-terran enemies in the game sport distinct appearances, meaning that there is a wealth of on-screen variety. Boss fights are a visual treat, as they emit dazzling projectile attacks that indicate to players where to position themselves.
In addition, players can unlock a multiplicity of palettes by simply playing the game. Not merely straightforward filters, these palettes completely alter the way the game looks, guaranteeing that gamers will want to mix-and-match each palette at will.
At times, it is easy to lose track of your space shuttle among the densely positioned pixels. The developers strove to remedy this by placing markers on all four sides of the screen that highlight your ship’s vector, but these are rather minute, and the human eye can easily pass them by.
A picturesque spectrum of pixels which only look better with disparate palette choices.
Take the Helm
All the aforementioned elements make for a thoroughly entertaining experience. However, what will encourage players to return time-after-time is the prospect of progression.
Of course, as one may expect from a title that emulates the arcade classics of the past, the goal of Null Drifter is to achieve the highest score possible and rapidly ascend the leader board, though the game also offers myriad permanent upgrades players can purchase from the shop. Therefore, players will commence the game as an ill-equipped rookie, before eventually laying waste to all who oppose them with ease after fully upgrading their craft.
How does Null Drifter persuade you to play on once the craft is fully upgraded, I am sure you must be asking yourself? Fortunately, the game features a near limitless supply of unlockable content, including optional bosses, without real-world price tags. If that fails to satisfy, the fantastically fun and frantic nature of the core gameplay most certainly will.
Dash into smaller enemies for instant and gratifying kills.
To Infinity and Beyond
During these uncertain times, we are all in dire need of a wonderful distraction so that we may maintain our sanity. Null Drifter may just be that distraction. It is a gaming experience that supplies gamers with hours of fun, as well as a treat for both the eyes and the ears.
Though it may become side-lined after prolonged play, I can guarantee that gamers will happily submit to the temptation to return to it once all other games have served their purpose.
