Developed by Picorinne Soft and published by Pixelheart, the Infinos series brings retro-inspired shoot 'em up action to the PS4. Infinos, the first game in the series, is a side-scrolling shooter set in a sci-fi universe where the planet Infinos is under siege by an alien force known as Argos. As the pilot of the prototype fighter ship Fauria, you embark on a desperate mission to repel the invaders across various cosmic battlegrounds. In continuation to this, Infinos 2 picks up years later featuring the resurgent alien army that is threatening the Infinos Federation once more. As the designated fighter pilot you take control of an upgraded AT-Fauria to combat this renewed assault through even more diverse and perilous environments.
The key differences between the two titles lie in scope with the original featuring six stages focused on an initial invasion, while the sequel expands to eight stages with a longer stage setup, more varied enemy patterns, and heightened intensity that builds on the first game's foundation.
The Gameplay ...
Infinos, as the Gradius/R-Type inspired frontrunner, delivers classic arcade-style mechanics with a focus on precise, fast-paced dodging and shooting. Players can collect power-ups dropped by enemies to switch between weapon types, including straight-forward shots for wave based space skirmishes, vertical spreads for ground-based targets, and piercing lasers for heavy armor. Each encouraging adaptive playstyles mid-battle. Satellites in the game act as orbiting companions that follow your ship, providing additional firepower and shielding, which can be powered up through repeated collections for multi-directional barrages.
When it comes down to visual options the display includes a few different screen sizes at the touch of a button including one that can host a wallpaper or not, and a widescreen variation for HDTVs. This is not specific to Infinos.
In the way of playthroughs Infinos unfolds across six stages, starting in the planet's orbit amid swarms of incoming fighters, descending into an underground cave system riddled with traps and burrowing foes, infiltrating an enemy research facility with laser grids and automated defenses, navigating a hazardous asteroid field with debris and ambushes, pushing through a fortified enemy fleet in deep space, and culminating in a showdown at the alien mothership core.
Scoring in both games emphasizes destruction, with points awarded for enemy kills, destructible environmental elements, and chain combos from rapid takedowns. Bonus ship opportunities (extra lives) unlock at milestones like 30,000 and 100,000 points, rewarding aggressive play. You start with a limited ship stock that replenishes via bonuses, and the game offers five to nine continue credits depending upon the game to retry from the last checkpoint, adding forgiveness for newcomers while challenging veterans to one-credit clears.
Infinos 2, itself, refines the formula with similar core mechanics as to Infinos, but amps up the strategic depth differently through three optional difficulty settings (EASY, ARCADE, HARD) as well as more intricate enemy formations and boss patterns, throughout. The playthrough spans eight stages wherein space, machine lined interiors, and asteroid fields make the stage by stage lineup.
The Presentation ...
In terms of presentation, Infinos embraces a nostalgic pixel art style with vibrant sci-fi visuals with chunky sprites for ships and enemies against layered backgrounds of starry voids, glowing caves, and metallic facilities that evoke 1980s arcade cabinets. The graphic design is detailed yet uncluttered, ensuring readability during chaotic firefights, though it can feel a bit simplistic in quieter moments. The soundtrack features chiptune melodies with upbeat synth waves and pulsing basslines that ramp up during boss encounters, capturing that retro urgency without overwhelming the sound effects of explosions and lasers.
Infinos 2 steps up the visual flair with crisper pixel art that incorporates more parallax scrolling for depth in environments like warped dimensions and planetary surfaces, creating a sense of scale with massive bosses and intricate enemy designs that feel more polished and varied. The graphic design strikes a balance between homage and modernity, with subtle animations adding life to the chaos. Its soundtrack is more electrifying, blending chiptunes with rock-infused riffs and faster tempos that sync well with the action, providing an adrenaline boost that elevates tense sequences.
The Verdict ...
Ultimately, Infinos offers a solid, bite-sized retro shooter experience that's fun for quick sessions but lacks depth in modes or replayability beyond score chasing, making it feel like a loving fan project rather than a full-fledged title. Infinos 2 improves on this with more content and tighter pacing, delivering a more satisfying campaign that rewards skill without alienating casual players, though it still prioritizes nostalgia over innovation. At $5 each, the pricing reflects the modest scope. Two experiences with short campaigns minus the extras like co-op, but they still manage to punch above their weight in pure arcade thrill. These games are best suited for shoot 'em up enthusiasts craving Gradius-like vibes on a budget, retro gaming collectors, or anyone seeking undemanding pick-up-and-play action to unwind with.
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