This game in one sentence: "All killer, no filler." Something to be admired honestly, a game that respects your time more then anything. It doesn't demand you keep playing samey content, at the expense of its length. Perfect arcade-esque game that requires skilled play but isn't as brutal as old-school arcade cabinets. If you want more, there's an endless mode for one. As this game entirely revolves around fighting waves of enemies its a no-brainer addition, but nonetheless appreciated. The other is new game plus, which allows more usage of the late-game abilities that may initially feel under-used, since otherwise there's little opportunity to get a feel for them.
It's tempting to say that this game "lacks meat", but the mechanics are solid enough to keep the mind moving. Learning how to effectively maneuver around the arena by warping to your thrown boomerang, then slowing down time as you line up your next throw is already solid. But then you also have a special attack accessible by comboing enemies in one throw, then you have another attack achieved by killing many enemies at a time with the first special attack; in addition to a few more abilities that I won't spoil but they add more consideration with every boomerang toss. The boomerang warp is fun, but it can be a little messy in the sense that you can sometimes lose sight of the boomerang in the more crowded fights. When this happens it can be a gamble whether warping to the boomerang puts you in harms way, but not warping will land you on top a hazardous floor. I think a highlight for your boomerang would've been appreciated, but you can of course play more carefully and try to not wind up in those situations.

Other mechanics should be experienced first-hand by playing the game yourself. This may end up as a "one-and-done" for some, but the superb movement, solid combat design, and tight pacing can be dangerously addictive for others.
It's like small, buttery cupcake. It's gone before you know it, but damn if it isn't sweet in the moment. And you can always get another one... crap now I'm hungry

Reviewed on May 05, 2023


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