At PAX East, Astro Duel 2 was a standout, drawing large crowds for a very good reason. The game is a thrilling blend of a spaceship shooter and brawling action and offers an incredibly fun and fast-paced experience. Personally, I can't recall the last time I had so much fun playing a game.
The game draws clear inspiration from classic retro games, featuring a charming 16-bit art style. Not only does the art look fantastic, but it also likely contributes to the smooth performance of the game. Despite the chaotic nature of having six players in action simultaneously, the game runs seamlessly. During my time at PAX East, I had the opportunity to try out two game modes: free-for-all and team matches.
There exists a multitude of diverse battle arenas or worlds to engage in combat. While some arenas are solely dedicated to spaceship conflicts, others offer a hybrid experience that merges ship combat with ground-based skirmishes. In these mixed arenas, pilots can exit their spacecraft and engage in direct combat using either melee or ranged weapons discovered within the environment. Players can choose from various spaceships, each equipped with unique special abilities. I opted for a ship specialized in melee combat, specifically designed to execute a powerful drill attack.
The battles are intense. When my ship was destroyed, I had a "second chance" to maneuver as the pilot. Surviving for a few seconds allowed my ship to regenerate, but it's not as easy as it seems. The playing field is small, and I was constantly surrounded by other players, eager to score a kill.
Earning points through successful kills adds a competitive edge to the gameplay. At the conclusion of each round, the accumulated kills are tallied, propelling the corresponding ships closer to the finish line by a distance equal to the kills scored in the preceding round. This feature introduces a dynamic element of “catch-up,” allowing players or teams to compete even after lagging behind. The game's well-calibrated balance enhances the enjoyment, making every match a thrilling and fair competition.
Astro Duel 2 is now available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PS4. If you're searching for an exciting and competitive game to enjoy with your friends, look no further than Astro Duel 2!