Publisher: Andy Wallace

Particle Mace (2016)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Particle Mace: A Chaotic and Addictive Physics-Based Arcade Gem

Released in 2016, Particle Mace is an explosive arcade game for 1-4 players that pays homage to twitch games of the past, but replaces the typical guns with an unruly physics-based weapon. Take control of a tiny ship in an extremely hostile universe, and defend yourself as long as possible from enemy ships and asteroids using a collection of trash particles tethered to your ship.

To survive in Particle Mace, you must carefully navigate around the many hazards while building up momentum to swing your weapon into your foes or your friends, all in a field of brightly abstracted visuals and an entrancing procedural background.

Gameplay

Particle Mace is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master. The controls are simple: use the left stick to move your ship, and the right stick to aim your weapon. To attack, simply build up momentum by moving your ship in one direction, then release the stick to swing your weapon.

The challenge in Particle Mace comes from the physics-based gameplay. Your weapon is a flail made of trash particles, which means that it has a lot of momentum and can be difficult to control. This makes it difficult to hit your targets, but also makes it possible to pull off some amazing trick shots.

Modes

Particle Mace features three different game modes:

  • Survival: In this mode, you must survive as long as possible against waves of enemy ships and asteroids.
  • Versus: In this mode, you can compete against up to 3 other players in a free-for-all deathmatch.
  • Co-op: In this mode, you can team up with up to 3 other players to take on waves of enemy ships and asteroids.

Weapons

There are a variety of different weapons available in Particle Mace, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some weapons are better for close-range combat, while others are better for long-range attacks. You can also find power-ups that can give your weapons special abilities, such as increased damage or homing missiles.

Visuals

Particle Mace features a unique and eye-catching visual style. The game is set in a brightly abstracted universe, with simple shapes and vibrant colors. The backgrounds are procedurally generated, so each playthrough looks different.

Music

The music in Particle Mace is composed by Disasterpeace, who is known for his work on the soundtracks for Fez and Super Meat Boy. The music is electronic and atmospheric, and it perfectly captures the game’s chaotic and addictive gameplay.

Reception

Particle Mace received positive reviews from critics upon release. The game was praised for its unique and innovative gameplay, its vibrant visuals, and its addictive multiplayer. Particle Mace was also nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Design.

Conclusion

Particle Mace is a chaotic and addictive physics-based arcade game that is perfect for fans of twitch games and local multiplayer. The game’s simple controls and unique gameplay make it easy to learn, but difficult to master. With its vibrant visuals, entrancing music, and variety of modes and weapons, Particle Mace is a game that will keep you coming back for more.

Tips for Playing Particle Mace

Here are a few tips to help you survive longer and score more points in Particle Mace:

  • Use the environment to your advantage. The walls of the arena can be used to bounce your weapon off of, which can help you hit targets that are behind you or out of reach.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on the enemy ships and asteroids, and try to anticipate their movements. This will help you avoid getting hit and give you an advantage in combat.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons. Each weapon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so experiment with them to find the one that suits your playstyle best.
  • Use power-ups wisely. Power-ups can give your weapons special abilities, so use them wisely to gain an advantage in combat.
  • Have fun! Particle Mace is a chaotic and addictive game, so don’t take it too seriously. Just relax and have fun!

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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