Cosmic Paradox Noire Review (PlayStation 5)
Cosmic Paradox Noire Review is a 2D top-down shoot ’em-up adventure set in a world of two overlapping dimensions. Witness the battle between the Vex Accord and the Oronix Empire, increase your odds of survival with the right upgrades, and choose a ship that is best suited to your playstyle.
Cosmic Paradox Noire Review Pros:
- Decent graphics.
- 376.7MB download size.
- Platinum trophy.
- You get the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5 versions of the game.
- Controller settings – vibration, and trigger effect on/off.
- Three levels – Contact, Guardians, and Retreat.
- Shmup gameplay.
- You see enemy health bars on each ship.
- End-of-life breakdown.
- The tutorial menu is more like a manual.
- Earn credits from destroying ships.
- The armory is where you spend credits in upgrading – laser, ship hull, mobility, rampage, and shield.
- Four total ships, you get one initially and then you buy the other ones. Each ship has one unique trait.
- Unlock survival mode by earning two stars in the campaign mode.
- The game uses a health bar system.
- Rampage builds up and that increases your shooting and damage for a short time.
- Shield builds up and once activated it absorbs shots for a short time.
- Earned credits and health pop up on screen which is satisfying.
- Depending on personal taste the game has a lot of grind.
Cosmic Paradox Noire Review Cons:
- It’s bad that the tutorial is hidden away.
- Just having some notifications that you now have a shield or rampage would help.
- You cannot remap the controls.
- The game is very much a grind, you have to beat your head against the early game over and over to just scrape enough for a new ship or upgrade.
- The trigger effect is not good for a Shmup.
- No accessibility options.
- You don’t have an auto-shoot button.
- When using the shield you cannot shoot.
- No online leaderboards.
Related Post: Vampire The Masquerade Reckoning of New York Review (Steam)
Cosmic Paradox Noire:
Developer: AUTO SLAVIC d.o.o.
Publisher: AUTO SLAVIC d.o.o.
Store Links –
-
7/10
-
7/10
-
6/10
-
7/10
-
7/10
Summary
Cosmic Paradox Noire offers a mixed bag of experiences for players. The game boasts decent graphics and a manageable download size of 376.7MB, making it accessible for most players. One of its highlights is the availability of both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions, along with the coveted Platinum trophy for completionists. The game features three levels: Contact, Guardians, and Retreat, each providing a unique challenge within its shmup (shoot ’em up) gameplay. Players can see enemy health bars on each ship, adding a strategic layer to the combat. The end-of-life breakdown and the ability to earn credits from destroying ships contribute to a satisfying gameplay loop.
The armory is a central feature where players can spend earned credits to upgrade various aspects of their ships, such as lasers, hull, mobility, rampage, and shields. With four total ships available, each with a unique trait, players start with one and can purchase the others as they progress. Unlocking survival mode by earning two stars in the campaign mode adds an extra layer of replayability. The game employs a health bar system, and players can build up rampage and shield meters, which temporarily boost shooting damage and absorb enemy shots, respectively. The visual feedback of earned credits and health popping up on the screen is particularly satisfying.
However, the game is not without its drawbacks. The tutorial is hidden away in a menu that resembles a manual, which can be inconvenient for new players. Notifications for when the shield or rampage is activated would be helpful, as their absence can lead to confusion. The inability to remap controls and the lack of an auto-shoot button are significant oversights, especially for a shmup. The trigger effect, while an interesting feature, does not suit the gameplay style and can be more of a hindrance. Additionally, the game lacks accessibility options and online leaderboards, which could detract from its appeal to a broader audience.
In summary, Cosmic Paradox Noire provides a solid shmup experience with decent graphics, strategic gameplay elements, and satisfying progression mechanics. However, its hidden tutorial, control limitations, and lack of accessibility features may frustrate some players. The game requires a considerable grind, which might not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy a challenge and strategic upgrades, it offers a rewarding experience.