Attack of the Karens | NS

Shmups meld with the roguelike genre in this meme made masterpiece that is, "Attack of the Karens". Taking the Karen meme and using it as the plot point for the futuristic retro inspired fight and flight efforts against city plaguing entitlement the game delivers comedic value in spades through textual conversation as well as fully voiced dialogue. This includes both the protagonist and the several cybernetic Karens. 

The female protagonist and pilot in pursuit that you play as takes to the skies as she aims to deal the death blow to cybernetic Karens in randomized runs. Making the undertaking more difficult through a Kurse & Kushion modifier system that can be unlocked to either make the game easier to play through, or more challenging depending on said choices. 

You'll utilize, in each playthrough, evolving orbital upgrades/power-ups as you shoot forward in the horizontal side-scrolling stages that each have sub-bosses as well as a main boss in waiting as you level up through gather sonic rings. The end goal, above all, being that of clearing the several stages in succession, successfully. Using alternatively earned chips for permanent upgrades as you progress.

Fully voiced and done up like an oldschool arcade game of the retro era, "Attack of the Karens" goes all out with it's comedic meme fodder as a mainstay theme that holds it's own throughout each and every playthrough. Leaving the gameplay gimmicks such as upgrades, permanent upgrades, and modifiers to be the driving force for return runs. 

Staying true to the roguelikes "Attack of the Karens" has multiple randomized features that impact gameplay as the player progresses through cutscenes, and the stage by stage bullet hell encounters. You'll find a meter that fills up as you kill enemies, and waves thereof leading to the unlocking of a mini-boss as well as the end stage boss. That, and a power-up orb with rotating upgrades that can be shot to nab everything from buffs to bonus chips. Beating a boss and an area, of course, also rewards the player with randomized orbiting assisting satellites which can be evolved as you collect the right ones in sequence. Increasing their assists as they evolve. 

Stages themselves are randomly generated, and with varying difficulties. Leaving survivability up to a limited heart health stock. Each stage in line, as you enter them, harbors waves of lesser enemies as well as a feat based mini-boss, and the final multi-phase boss encounter. Through your ships shots, assisting upgrades, and limited deflector shield you'll need to complete the stages in their entirety to finish the game. Gathering chip currency in the midst of all this to spend on permanent upgrade unlocks as well as the Kurse and Kushion modifiers.

The Presentation ...

Attack of the Karens, is a retro inspired shmup indie with a green and purple color palette that accents the futuristic theme. Filled with meme material including that of cybernetic Karens voiced individually the game carries the player with both comedic value and roguelike replay value that is pleasing to those not so easily offended. The soundtrack itself is done in 8-bit chiptune staying true to it' retro arcade inspiration. Collectively culminating in a visually and audibly pleasing experience.

The Verdict ...

The indie devs behind this surprise shmup really went all out with production value. The voice-overs, in particular, were above and beyond expectations. Not only does the voice talent shine, but it fits the meme perfectly. Gameplay-wise 'Attack of the Karens' definitely has a more traditional shmup leaning, but does it's own thing well enough with the additional roguelike elements, especially the Kurses and Kushions modifiers. While there's a lot of positives there are some moments of stutter in heavy bullet hell situations that can be lightly problematic given dodging said bullet hell is imperative for success. That aside the game is a solid addition to the shmup genre, and worth the price for owning. LoLz and Replays for Dayz!!!