'Anomaly 2' Introduces Online Multiplayer

Jeb Haught
Thu, 25 Sep 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

DEVELOPER: 11 bit Studios

PUBLISHER: 11 bit Studios

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PC)
Updated: Fri Sep 26, 2014

DEVELOPER: 11 bit Studios

PUBLISHER: 11 bit Studios

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PC)

PRICE: $14.99 Download

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 4.0 stars (out of 5)

Now that the popularity of Tower Defense games is waning, companies have to offer something new to set themselves apart from the competition. "Anomaly: Warzone Earth" helped introduce the concept of Tower Offense, and now the sequel, simply titled "Anomaly 2" enhances game play with several new features.

Like it's predecessor, this game tasks players with escorting troops through pre-set paths while destroying the enemies that ... ahem ... tower above them. Players control a mobile commander who uses special abilities to get the job done. Not only can he can repair fellow troops, but he can also use decoys to trick enemy towers and draw their fire. In addition, the commander can initiate a handy EMP blast that disables enemy towers until they're fired upon.

Perhaps the coolest new feature is the ability to morph units to adapt to different situations. For example, the Assault Hound rolls on tank treads and fires dual miniguns, and it can be morphed into the Hell Hound, which is a walking mech that deals damage with dual flame throwers. With five different units that can all morph, the resulting game play can be surprisingly deep!

Players can set the path their units take on the tactical map before each level starts, and it's also possible to switch this path whenever the player wants. Although it's limited to which direction to go at intersections, changing paths is another great way to adapt to unpredictable situations.

I really love how it's now possible to play "Anomaly 2" in competitive online multiplayer. What's really cool is that one player controls the towers while the other player controls the troops. Sadly, hardly anyone is playing this game online right now so it can be difficult to find a match.

Still, "Anomaly 2" is a fun game even if you only play the single player campaign.

'Kickbeat: Special Edition'

DEVELOPER: Zen Studios

PUBLISHER: Zen Studios

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PS3, PC)

PRICE: $9.99 Download

ESRB RATING: Teen

REVIEW RATING: 3.0 stars (out of 5)

Rhythm games used to be all the rage, but it's been a long time since we've seen a new "Guitar Hero" or "Parappa the Rappa." Hoping to resurrect the genre, Zen Studios has decided to create a rhythm-based fighting game called "Kickbeat: Special Edition." This title has some innovative concepts, but the game play is about as exciting as listening to elevator music.

When the world's music has been stolen by an evil syndicate, it's up to promising kung-fu artists Lei and Mei to restore order. Oddly enough, this is done by defeating enemies using an unusual style of rhythmic kung-fu that's reminiscent of the Simple Simon music toy.

Players stand in the center of each stage and fight enemies who attack from one of four sides (up, down, left, right). Game play boils down to pressing the correct button on the beat, or half-beat, in time with each attack. Sometimes enemies attack in unison, so players must press two buttons at the same time. Each stage ends when the prerequisite number of enemies is defeated.

The only real variety comes when enemies have power-ups floating above them, and the player must tap that direction twice in rhythm to activate the power-up. With only a few power-ups and even fewer enemy types that only slightly change the game play, rhythm fighting can get monotonous rather quickly.

Too bad the only reason to replay this game was removed for the PS4 version. I'm talking about the ability to upload custom songs and play the game using them instead of only using the limited soundtrack that comes with this version. I imagine that it's much more fun to fight to my own music!

"Kickbeat: Special Edition" could use some heavy remixing to remedy the extremely limited game play and lack of variety.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Very Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: (Everyone)

E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

" Anomaly 2"

" Kickbeat"