Putrid Shot Ultra | Nintendo Switch

 Abhi Sundu's original 1bit arcade game, "Putrid Shot Ultra" comes to Nintendo Switch in all it's retro inspired roguelike glory. Taking hints from the new sub-genre that is "Vampire Savior", and the 1bit pixel designs of the Atari age we find a potentially trendy roguelike that banks on choices made, and skills applied. In it you are this nameless wizard. Yes, Harry, you are a wizard. Sorry ... As a wizard you take on an army of ancient enemies using spell casting and wand blasting. To the tune of a cooldown meter.

As the wizard you start off your perilous adventure by picking a starter spell that utilizes a shot usage system wherein the required number of shots fired will activate that spell. Be it a projectile, close combat, homing, orbital, or zonal style of spell. Through progress, and use of the tools of the trade you will face off against lesser enemy types, elites, and bosses in a stage to stage fashion using these stackable, and upgradeable spells rewarded unto you. Growing ever more powerful in the process the longer you survive. All while the 2D platforming arenas around you constantly change with new hazards, and new enemy spawning points. 

Mechanics-wise, 'Putrid Shot Ultra" isn't too complicated. It features a themed stage by stage style of statically applied gameplay features consisting of spawning waves of lesser enemies, occasional elite enemies, and stage ending bosses that are broken down into two transitional phases. All of which is enhanced and made doable by randomized intermittent upgrade opportunities with which you can select new elementally aligned spells as well as upgrades for them. You can even opt for health upgrades, and health refills if you happen to need them. 

During each wave or enemy encounter the arrangement of platforms, and hazards will change. Making the rolling dodge, jump/double jump, and spells (close combat, homing, orbital, piercing, zonal) more crucial in overcoming the odds. With each stage, and set of sub-stages also comes unique hazard and platforming gimmicks. Things tied around mobility options, platforms, and gravity altering devices. Things of that nature. At base level your wizard does have the three basic moves that I mentioned with which to make this insurmountable feat possible though including an evasive roll that can help you pass through enemies or enemy projectiles as well as two jumping options for moving between platforms. 

While the end goal is full game completion making progress far enough will bank you points that can be spent at the main menu's "Upgrade Bench" to permanently enhance base stats. This includes your health, bullet damage, reload speed, and the damage of the three main elements. Each upgrade can be redone or kept permanent for each following playthrough. Should you need an additional challenge or even a tamer experience there's also a "Challenge Mode" with options that will alter certain gameplay features. Changing the way enemies behave and do damage as well as how your attacks work. You can tick on or off as many options as you like, and in doing so the next run will be changed in kind.

The Presentation ...

Visually, and audibly 'Putrid Shot Ultra' is about as simple in design as the given mechanics. It's made up of 1bit pixel art that varies in a diverse color palette. Something that visually pops while being audibly old school. The audio itself is made of chiptunes that cover the music and the sound effects. For what it is it holds it's own unique personality quite well while being as simplistic as it is. 

The Verdict ...

Putrid Shot Ultra is about as addictive as a game like "Vampire Savior". It's definitely all about creating an overpowered character, and taking them through the gauntlet of stages as far as you can manage. And while the mobs might not be as big in comparison to the previously mentioned game the challenge is certainly there. Learning how to synergize your upgrades, and spells is the key to long runs in this regard. Making it a streamer worthy spectacle for those who can pull it off for their audience. Being it's a budget priced release it's an easy recommend. It's replay value is good, and it tries to do something new within the roguelike genre. Achieving that goal, and possibly making it's mark as one of the trendiest indies of 2023!

Visit my YouTube channel for some gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OasExEsd9I0