Review: Vertical Drop Heroes HD
Vertical Drop Heroes is a procedural platformer RPG hybrid with roguelike elements, where your hero adventures through randomly generated stages. Armed with a variety of skills and traits, you must use your cunning and reflexes to survive the dangers of each stage, until you face the final boss and uncover the truth behind the game!
Pros:
- Chunky cartoon graphics.
- 60 pad support.
- The price, Costing less than a pint of beer, The amount of game you get is incredible.
- Gameplay is a very simple idea, Make your way down to the bottom of the level, kill enemies, collect pick ups and kill the big enemy and use the portal to go to the next level.
- Roguelike with a one life mechanic and any power ups, exp collected is lost upon death.
- Levels are randomised and change every play through.
- You have a choice of three characters at the beginning, The three choices are random and it is possible to re roll them using in game coins.
- Huge collection of characters to use and even find in the game. Characters have varying stats and will usually be good in one area but poor in others. Think about your play style and pick an appropriate build. Some characters will have specials like double jump or arrows,bombs etc.
- Earn exp from killing enemies, collecting pick ups and finishing levels.
- Level up to increase your base stats.
- Each character also has the benefit of two abilities,again totally dependant on the character but these have limited uses and can be replenished in game via pick ups.
- Offline split screen support. With online multiplayer available over a network.
- Key binding options.
- Rescue trapped players by using keys to unlock their cage. Releasing them will have them fight along side with you for a short while. Maybe something else happens as well???
- Cameo appearances from GOG.com.
- Find little shrines that can be activated with coins and grant different effects such as increased health,invincibility,faster movement or spawn more enemies, Just as an example.
- Find keys and open chests for more loot.
- So many levels that have loads of variation and clever level design.
- Find the portals through out the level that teleport you back to the top of the level.
- Auto attack option which can be switched on/off.
- Can kill enemies/damage them by landing on them.
- Big bosses/enemies guard the end level portal. These guys aree huge and have huge life bars.
- Buy permanent buffs for future play throughs from merchants in levels. The twist being the buff wont start until your next game.
- Easy controls and both pad and keyboard controls feel natural and play well.
- Quirky soundtrack with some great sound effects.
Cons:
- Music can get very repetitive as it seems to use the same loop for a large part of the game.
- Hit detections on spikes is too sensitive and landing on a clear block in between two spike strips will always land up killing you.
- No leader boards.
- No detailed stat screen.
- Despite being pad friendly, The mouse cursor always stays on screen and all button prompts/key bindings settings relate to the keyboard.
In Summary, The game is extremely playable, Very much a pick up and play and have fun for a few hours. The pad works best but keyboard is fine. It is a very simple idea but what sets it off is its execution. Going on long mazy runs, trying to level up further and further will spur you on and see multiple play throughs. If you get the chance I recommend trying it, It will surprise you on just how much fun it is to play. The game is on Steam Greenlight and you can buy it now from the developers site or GOG.com or even the Humble store. Links below.
Vote for it on Steam Green Light
Pre order from Humble Store
Pre Order from GOG.com