From Space

When you consider a game called From Space, the first thought would probably be a title about an alien invasion where humans are enslaved in horrific ways. That's true here, but this time there's an entirely new angle about this post-apocalyptic co-op shooter. It might be the most damn near colorful dystopia you've ever seen!

We've seen the whole dystopian shoot-em-up thing before, with players working together to run around and destroy anything in their path. From Space brings the idea that gameplay in the action-shooter genre doesn't have to be stressful - but rather pretty. That idea has already captured our intrigue. So let's give the game a whirl to see if there's some value to the concept!

The Apocalypse Never Looked So Pretty

Let's get the lowdown on From Space. Earth has been invaded by a horde of pink aliens that have spread their rosy shades of goo pretty much everywhere on the planet. So what's your job? Liberate your home from these pink pests by grabbing an arsenal of gear to blow these intergalactic armies away in a rain of fire and fury. That narrative is all too familiar, but mechanically is it another copy-paste action-shooter?

Well, let's see. You'll be able to create a squad of four live players to co-op your way through levels where the sole objective is to seek and destroy. Players will use various weapons of different calibers to fend off their foes, upgrade their skills, and venture on through exponentially challenging enemies. So, mechanically, it's similar to a co-op action shooter game.

However, From Space sets itself apart from its astounding visuals, which turn a post-apocalyptic scene into a flurry of the visual senses. The colorful shades of pink and the contrasting green explosions create a fluid river of color. This one element makes gameplay enjoyable. Despite repetitiveness, each level stays interesting through the intensity of combat, vibrant animations, and level design.

That being said, it's clear that From Space needs to be played with friends to get the best out of it. Playing the game solo isn't only tricky; it fails to provide the thrill one only gets from sharing the experience with others. But gameplay doesn't take extraordinary risks, but it's still a pleasant, fun, and replayable experience.

It's No Disaster

So how can we sum up From Space? The best way to put it is the mechanical prowess of Hotline Miami paired with the colorful visuals of Splatoon. This top-down action shooter isn't breaking any ground with its gameplay. Still, it's providing a vibrant alternative to the genre where there are not many players who wouldn't enjoy themselves.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Visually one of the most beautiful top-down action shooters you'll ever play.
• A vast arsenal of weapons to creatively combat foes
• High intensity for an incredible multiplayer experience

Cons:

• Not enjoyable without other players
• Little narrative to supplement the experience
• Mechanically pretty similar to other games of the genre