Orbital Bullet | Switch Review

In 4532 Columbus sailed the ocean blue ... just kidding, lol!!! In that dreadful year, however, someone was indeed setting out to conquer and that alien species was known as the Dread Corps. They had their eyes and hearts set on humanity's extinction, and humanity was already in a world of hurt. Suffering from their own population problems. Seems these last remnants of humanity had to up and arm themselves or face total annihilation. One such soldier, who in the heat of battle lost his life, managed to pull off a ghost in the shell moment and send his soul sailing right into a cyborg body. As fate would have it this lone soldier turned terminator is humanity's last hope, and it is he whom you will guide along alien worlds in search of the Dread Corps. and their leaders. Ultimately to stave off the impending doom.

Using tried and true roguelike mechanics, the likes of which we've seen in games like 'Diablo', 'Dead Cells', and 'The Binding of Isaac', the game that is "Orbital Bullet" is still able to twist the formula into something new, and interesting. Centered around a layered rotating cylinder level design with inner, and outer transitional platforms the main character is able to eradicate the alien presence before moving on to the next set of rotating rings. As with most dungeon based roguelikes this leads into various other cylindrical platforming focused plains, and further into newly diverse planetary biomes filled with their own threats, and hazards. The goal of each level or cylinder is basically to survive against all odds and destroy the Dread Corps. as well as their six cabinet members while capitalizing on perks, skill tree upgrades, and currency for shopping at the resident vendor. All of which takes place in color coded areas designated more like dungeon rooms with specific roles, and benefits in mind. 

As one of four different classes with interchangeable cosmetic skins you'll find a hero suitable for your playstyle. This includes the Mercenary, Hellion, Engineer, and Marauder. Each having their own preferred weapon type, and ways to deal damage. The mercenary, for example, is your basic gunner class. A bullet master. Hellion, on the other hand is an explosives, and firebug type class. Engineer, a more technical energy weapon focused class, and Marauder a close quarter combat class of soldier. These become accessible early on in your playthrough, and are made available at the game's main hub. A place were a permanent skill tree can be upgraded using triangular currency collected on an outing. You also have access to starter weapons, and the start of a new game. 

When you actually get into the playthrough features are randomized in a roguelike manner. This includes the level design itself as well as loot drops, and the enemies you'll face off against. You start off with a base gun, but can pick up or purchase secondary guns of different rarities and bullet types. This plays in tandem with the stacking of playthrough specific skills that can be upgraded as you progress. These modifiers or skills enhance weapon efficiency, health, and defenses. Additionally bonus perks can be picked up via cubes as well for individual bonuses to thing like accuracy, critical damage, and life leeching among other things. It pays to explore, and loot each cylinder before moving up to the next level.

Circling cylinders, shooting bullets along the same surrounding curvature, and bouncing between inner and outer layers is part and partial of the playthrough process. First and foremost you will need to figure out how to best deal with enemy creatures while conserving ammo. This includes a dodging mechanic that lets you roll out of the way. Both on the ground, and in the air. That and the old Mario Goomba stomp comes in handy when ammo power-ups aren't dropping. Outside of combat cylinder traversal is a threefold affair. Meaning that it has some basic platforming elements coupled with inner and outer transitional elements tethered to springboards, and launchers. There's also instant traversal done by pressing the proper shoulder button when prompted. Between the layer to layer dealings you will also need to avoid hazards such as spikes or saws. Things that will require quick and precise reaction timing. 

Whatever soldier class you play as in 'Orbital Bullet' death can still come calling, and while it's not a permadeath it can still set progress back a little. Each soldier has a base amount of health keeping them alive as well as any unlocked or upgrade skills tied to shields or life enhancement. Even that has it limits though, and that's where permanent skills like those tied to the medi-kit can help you refill health a limited number of times if need be. Supposing you beat a planet's levels you'll also gain access to a health refill station that can help recover any previous lost health. This end hub has a new weapon as well for efforts rendered. Back at the main hub where soldier classes are selected you can also upgrade their individual skill trees enhancing their weapon base combat options even further. These upgrades require a separate set of currency that is also collected through playthrough efforts.

Aside from classes how you upgrade along the way depends mostly on how well you perform, and progress as well as what loot you can get before that inevitable death. Thankfully loot is made available quite frequently as vendor items, and intermittent chests that can be opened, and the contents swapped out. A lot like Diablo 3 you will find certain timed chests with a countdown timer showcased via digital display. It lets you know that you must clear that platform area of enemies as quickly as possible beating that set time. If you succeed you unchain the chained treasure chest and loot some sweet weapon booty as your bounty. It adds an extra layer of challenge for those of you look to reap the finer rewards for your efforts. Overall the game beefs up the grind through features like this making it less of a tedious task, and more of an objective mission made for completion. Completion in the randomized, and replay friendly sense.

The Presentation ...

Orbital Bullet is a visually stunning indie masterpiece with a 3D appearance. It features pixel graphics with a 3D cylindrical point of view. Something that transitions in different ways as you progress. The hero and creatures are all curved 2D designs whereas platforming elements, both in the foreground and background, are 3D in nature. Giving it a unique paper merry-go-round look. In addition to the movement of things bullets shot also curve around the cylindrical playing field seeking their targets. Adding an interesting flair to gameplay.

The Verdict ...

I like roguelikes, and really like roguelikes that set themselves apart from the competition. Orbital Bullet's developers manage to take something already done, and make it their own. Their take on level design alone, and the accompanying art style really makes the experience shine. It sells the dystopian alien adventure, and breathes life into the various alien biomes/planets. The fact that the developer included the curvature in their brief story intro goes to show they knew they had something special going on. As a roguelike experience it hits all the right sweet spots, and will definitely fill that void of wanting for those seeking something new from the genre. It gets my seal of approval!!! A must buy and must own indie title for Switch owners in 2022!!!