My experience at PAX West began with a bang when I had the chance to dive into Shroom Siege, an innovative four-on-four platform fighter that’s distinct from any other battle games I've previously played. It took me some time to grasp the strategy of the game. I played as a mushroom; and despite its vulnerability, it allowed me to find and "possess" different bugs. This possession allowed me to perform the necessary tasks to win the game.
There are multiple strategies to achieve victory. One method involves utilizing a samurai bug, which grants me the ability to attack other bugs. Maneuvering the samurai bug is akin to piloting an ostrich in the game Joust. To win using this tactic, I must eliminate the opposing samurais. Another approach involves a smaller bug that gathers tiny orbs. These orbs are used to illuminate lanterns, and securing more lanterns than the opponents leads to victory. This was the strategy I employed to win, which, according to the developers, is the most challenging route. Lastly, victory can also be claimed by controlling a large bug that pushes a massive ball of dung towards my side of the platform, in a moving payload type play.
Each match incorporates various methods to achieve victory, with the ultimate goal of securing three match wins. As you can imagine, the presence of eight characters creates a chaotic atmosphere. While there is a player indicator above my mushroom, I often found it challenging to keep track of my little character amidst the frenzy. This issue was somewhat alleviated when I played on a large TV; however, when I attempted to play on a Steam Deck, the characters appeared too small to discern clearly, making the game difficult to navigate.
When we played as a large group, the game truly shone, delivering a chaotic and fun atmosphere. The game serves as a heartfelt homage to classic arcade games, yet it's enhanced with modern graphics; the artwork is stunning, featuring a Japanese ink art style. The developers have confirmed that the game will support both local and online play. I can’t wait to play with friends and enjoy the chaos that will unfold.
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