Invasion (XBLIG): "Comedy, Sarcasm & Solid Gameplay Ready To Invade Your Xbox 360."

Invasion is the second game in what seems to be a series by the XBLIG developer 'Heart Attack Machine'. The first game titled 'Parasitus Ninja Zero' which I reviewed earlier this year seems to be the prequel/sequel to 'Invasion'. In 'Invasion' you take on the role of the 'soldier (Stockton)' character that was unlockable in 'Parasitus Ninja Zero'. The game features familiar 'Contra' style gameplay, and has a 'Castlevania' look about it. While there are some visual similarities to the previously mentioned games, the graphics are much more impressive, and the soundtrack is superb. The story of the game is all over the place though, and is haunted by bad jokes and brief sexual innuendo. I'm not actually sure why the developer went this route with the game, but the mature look of it and the childish humor just doesn't mix well.

Gameplay in 'Invasion' is what you'd come to expect from a 'Heart Attack Machine' game. It is a 2D retro style platformer that plays similar to a lot of the Konami games (Contra, Castlevania ...) you may have played before. The sountrack is also of similar quality, but seems to be totally authentic. Controls in the game are simple, and require (A) for jumping and (X) for shooting/slashing. You can alternate between two different guns when you play as Stockton by pressing the (Y) button (That feature is also reminiscent of the newer 'Contra' titles). Overall the game is composed of somethings that are borrowed, and somethings that are new. The level designs within 'Invasion' are no copies by any means, but you will feel a sort of gaming nostalgia when you play through them. The enemies in 'Invasion' are not really all that different from the ones you encountered in 'Parasitus Ninja Zero', but some of the boss characters are definitely new. The game features some new additions like the use of a hover bike, and a jet pack which I thought was cool. The dialogue in the game leaves a lot to be desired though. The game is seriously overpopulated with childish dialogue nonsense that should have been left out of the game.

To begin with I want to say that I expected great things from the developer of this game. Unfortunately what I witnessed seemed to be a sarcastic jab at the buyers of 'Heart Attack Machine's (The Developer)' previous title'Parasitus Ninja Zero'. I was severely disappointed by the dialogue in the game. the character pictures, and dialogue frames just didn't seem to go well with the game's mature look. The gameplay itself was truly impressive, but having to endure all the sexual and comical innuendos made the game almost unbearable. Sadly I'm going to have to say skip this game. Unless the developer can redo the story, and dialogue in a more mature manner that suits the look of the game then I'm afraid this game is not worth it.