Reviews:
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While there’s a learning curve to its style and upgrade systems, this neuvo retro shooter is compelling
The Switch has been quite an amazing home to a great number of arcade-style shooters since it launched, and there’s just something about its portability factor that suits the genre very well. While Drainus doesn’t necessarily break a ton of new and unique ground, that’s not to say it lacks a distinctive overall feel. One part bullet hell, another part bullet absorber, there’s a flow to the shooting here that’s interesting… though at first it can be hard to really feel it, potentially making for initial frustrations. While you’ll want to blast away at enemy ships with your upgradeable weapons, the real power for taking them down quickly is in absorbing enemy energy attacks and then sending it back at them with force. As you get used to switching between absorbing and firing at first there can be a challenge to the timing and feel of it, but once you’ve at least partially got a handle on it all you’ll be doing consistent damage. I will say that the upgrade system is a bit cumbersome to use as you’ll need to pause and work through your options, with some gear requiring trying it out before you’ll know if it suits your style. Still, the upgrade system aside this is a solid mix of older and newer arcade shooter concepts and systems and should give genre fans something to get at least a little excited about.
Justin Nation, Score:Nindie Choice! [8.6]