Terror of Hemasaurus | PS4

Of all the political parodies in the world of gaming I think "Terror of Hemasaurus" hits the nail on the head better than any other. Through satirical storytelling, and wanton destruction brought on by climate change, and the resurrection of once frozen monsters we see the foolishness of it all. Our struggle to save what's precious while destroying it all in the process. From the cult-like mentality surrounding the climate agenda and forced destruction of nature and human lives for the supposed greater good to media's lies surrounding these issues it's all on display here in unabashed glory. A stark warning for our future, and simultaneous reflection of where we are in current year 2022. Told through the perspective of a fictitious cult that is waiting for it's moment to lead a beast to inflict fear, and destruction in order to save the world from destruction. The very embodiment of our hypocrisies.

Most of you know by now that "Terror of Hemasaurus" is an indie game modeled after the old Rampage series. A Kaiju destruction sim in which you control four different monsters with the intent of wreaking havoc on Earth's civilization. This entails the destruction of property, military forces, and citizens caught in the middle of it all. You survive and do your part as one of the commissioned monsters by killing humans, and utilizing your skyscraper climbing abilities alongside devastating attacks to bring down buildings, and entire cityscapes. All while the threat of Earth's defense force futilely attempts to stop you.

In a somewhat cookie cutter fashion "Terror of Hemasaurus" sticks to the tried and true formula that Rampage created. Allowing the controllable kaiju that are Hemasaurus, Autonomous Hemasaurus, ClockSloth, and Salamandrah to enact the Apocalypse upon mankind with ease. At these monsters' disposal is the usual punch that can be used to damage and topple buildings as well as a kick for dealing with citizens, soldiers, and vehicles. That and a unique take on the mechanics formula called the atomic butt slam. And for the ultimate attack an additional meter using special that is built up by doing everything you do. 

The Gameplay ...

Depending on which mode you choose, be it Arcade Story Mode or Endless Destruction Mode, the narratively driven plot will or won't be present, respectively. In the Arcade Story Mode it's all about the story, and the developer's hot take on climate change politics. It begins with Richie Hoarderson and climate scientist Hans Pissenschaft bickering at a public podium over the dangers of climate change or lack thereof. Richie being the climate denier, and Hans the fearmonger. As they have their battle of wills an iceberg in the background breaks loose. A fragment of ice containing the Hemasaurus. Washing up on shore, and breaking free from it's icy prison the Hemasaurus is met by the Cult of the Holy Lizard which has been awaiting it's arrival. Like anyone waiting for their savior the cult leader and the loyal followers bring Hemasaurus up to pace with the situation, and gives it the details on it's role as the method in which the climate cult will finally get their way. Their plan is basically to use the Hemasaurus's desire for demolition and death dealing as a reason to make climate change believers out of everyone.

As the story plays out you will have a set of destruction and death goals per stage. Each stage being a location in the United States filled with buildings, citizens, and an armed presence to try and stop you. You start at the far left of the playing area at the opposite of the city exit, and must destroy enough buildings while killing off and eating enough people as you make your way towards the right. Your monster of choice is governed by a health bar that can be refilled only by devouring humans. If fully depleted though you lose one of three lives. Respawning thereafter until all lives are exhausted. Making it from start to finish after having met the percentage quotas you'll find your efforts tallied onscreen with a timed completion for record sake, the total number of Fatalities, the Destruction percentage, and the Economic Damage in a money valuation. This repeats after every stage, and is only given pause for the occasional timed mini-game or story panel. Mini-games being quick objective based single frame experiences where destruction and killing to a certain extent is the end goal. 

Outside of the given story lies the mindless mode of mayhem that most of you will be playing well after you've completed the main campaign. As with Arcade Story Mode this Endless take on the gameplay formula can be played solo or with up to three other players locally. Each player choosing their monster, and muscling through stage after stage of cityscapes and civilians as you fulfill your role as the figurehead for the Church of the Holy Lizard. Putting the fear of climate change into the hearts and souls of the population as the death toll rises, and the world is leveled in an economic disaster the likes of which have never previously been realized. With each new stage entered comes a new threat level, and with that threat level a stronger or lesser armed presence to make your progress more or less challenging. 

The Verdict ...

I have to hand it to the developer. This game is like the world looking at itself through one of those mirrors where the reflection repeats inward without end. It is a satirical parody of modern day political panic. The use of fear as a weapon to make non-believers believe. Just like a cult. And on the flipside the counter argument against the naysayer's perspective. Ignorant bliss in a dire situation. With either party not doing anything to benefit the world and keep it from the same sort of destruction seen in this game. Maybe not the same, but you get what I'm saying. To that end I think the story portion of the game is brilliant. I also think they nailed the Rampage-like gameplay, and made it fun. My only complaint is that the building climbing was not as polished as I'd hoped. The monsters' ability to climb, and stay attached as they deal damage to weak points is made ineffective as said monsters will abruptly dislodge from the building for no apparent reason. It forces you to resort to other methods for clearing the cities and their buildings. Beyond that it still manages to earn my respect enough to get a "Must Buy!!!" rating from me. Don't miss out on this one!!!