Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Indie, Music, Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3
- Developers: 24 Caret Games
- Publishers: 24 Caret Games
Retro/Grade: A Mind-Bending Rhythm Game That Will Challenge Your Reflexes and Your Sense of Rhythm
Retro/Grade is a unique and innovative rhythm game that combines classic shoot-’em-up gameplay with a mind-bending time-bending mechanic. Developed by 24 Caret Games and released in 2012, Retro/Grade has garnered critical acclaim for its originality, challenging gameplay, and infectious soundtrack.
Gameplay
In Retro/Grade, you play as Rick Rocket, a space pilot who must travel back in time to prevent a temporal anomaly from destroying the universe. To do this, you must navigate through deadly enemy waves and “un-fire” attacks, all while keeping to the beat of the music.
The game’s unique time-bending mechanic is what sets it apart from other rhythm games. Instead of pressing buttons to the beat of the music, you must press buttons to “un-fire” attacks that have already been fired. This creates a challenging and mind-bending experience that will test your reflexes and your sense of rhythm.
Levels
Retro/Grade features a total of 24 levels, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. The levels are divided into four different worlds, each with its own distinct visual style and soundtrack.
The first world, “Neon City,” is a vibrant and colorful world filled with neon lights and skyscrapers. The second world, “Cyber Forest,” is a dark and dangerous world filled with towering trees and deadly enemies. The third world, “Temporal Rift,” is a surreal and otherworldly world where time and space are distorted. The fourth and final world, “Singularity,” is a chaotic and unpredictable world where the laws of physics no longer apply.
Music
The music in Retro/Grade is one of the game’s strongest points. The soundtrack is composed of a mix of electronic, rock, and chiptune music, and it perfectly captures the game’s unique atmosphere and gameplay. The music is also synchronized with the gameplay, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience.
Controls
Retro/Grade can be played with a gamepad or a guitar controller. The gamepad controls are simple and easy to learn, but the guitar controller controls add an extra layer of challenge and depth to the gameplay.
Graphics
The graphics in Retro/Grade are colorful and stylish, and they perfectly capture the game’s retro aesthetic. The game’s backgrounds are filled with detailed pixel art, and the enemy designs are both creative and challenging.
Replayability
Retro/Grade is a highly replayable game. The game’s challenging gameplay and multiple difficulty levels will keep you coming back for more. Additionally, the game features a variety of unlockable ships and power-ups, which add even more replayability to the game.
Conclusion
Retro/Grade is a unique and innovative rhythm game that will challenge your reflexes and your sense of rhythm. The game’s mind-bending time-bending mechanic, challenging levels, infectious soundtrack, and stylish graphics make it a must-play for fans of rhythm games and shoot-’em-ups alike.
Review Score
8/10