Review: Vortex Attack EX (Steam)

Galaxy is in danger with hostile ships swarming from the opening vortex. Blast enemies with a huge variety of upgradeable ships. Frantic arcade shooter featuring world leaderboards and fun multiplayer mode will keep you playing until all ships are unlocked; galaxies saved.

Pros:

• Nice graphics.
• 109mb download size.
• Steam achievements.
• Controller support.
• Shmup gameplay.
• Graphics-fulls reen, visual filter, scan lines, high detail, screen shake, and HW80s.
• How to play video.
• Leaderboards-online and offline.
• Game stats.
• Two dimensions–Metal (normal) and Neon (arcade).
• Choose any unlocked visual filter before play.
• 1-3 local co-op support.
• 10 ships to unlock and each has unique stats.
• End of level score breakdown.
• Clear unlock notifications.
• Motherships-big boss battles.
• Actions-shoot and bomb.
• Gameplay-shoot enemies and collect white shards which destroy the vortex.
• Combo counter.
• Can shoot projectiles.
• Has a Geometry Wars/Space Invaders vibe.
• Short level playtime.

Cons:

• Stuck in a weird how to play loop at times as the game doesn’t register me watching the unskippable video.
• Delayed menu presses.
• Music really doesn’t fit the gameplay.
• Small play area.
• All bosses feel the same.
• Levels get very repetitive and use the same loops and layouts a lot.
• Hard to see power-ups and text.
• No skill required.
• Possible to just farm scores by not collecting shards.
• Enemies fade in and out.
• Can’t tell what power-ups are or do until you use them.
• Little replay value.
• Plain looking enemies.
• Countdown on the ship selection screen for no reason.