December 2, 2016, at 12:12 p.m.
Kick Ass Kickstarter: Highrisers
If you had to choose between putting rockets on your helicopter or leaving early which would you pick? Rockets are not only functional, but also sweet as hell, so it seems like a no-fbrainer right? Now what if I told you you’re also trying to leave as quick as possible? Might convince you to pick up the pace. Especially because every night more and more monsters come knocking on the door to rip you to shreds. But on the other hand… rockets on a helicopter. While not every option sounds this obvious to answer, it’s questions like this that will have you drawing out every possibility in Highrisers.
Gameplay
Highrisers is an upcoming pixel-styled Build-and-Explore Urban Survival-RPG for PC. In this game it’s up to you to help the four survivors make it through the night and eventually escape the city. Each of these party members have plenty of skills that can help you in your survival. And there won’t be any trips to Wal-Mart when you’re building that rocket attachment for that helicopter.
Because if you want to fix that broken turbine (or replace it with a rocket) you’ll have to scavenge the high rises for parts. And how will you scavenge? By breaking down everything you see. Furniture. Appliances. Everything. But remember: The further down the high rise, the more the danger will rise. Higher. High.. highrisers of danger.
So once you’ve got all the lug nuts and 2×4’s you need, it’s time to start making parts. Whether it’s workbenches, medicine, flamethrowers, or rocket engines everything you need has to be made. But before you make it you gotta read the damn manual! Get your ass to the library and use your time wisely to research skills to help along the way. Will you learn how to build bigger bombs or bigger bushels of bananas for the team? Because it’s up to you to keep them safe from the monsters, and from starvation.
Visuals
Highrisers is able to walk that razor’s edge on looks. Any time you see an independently produced video game with pixel graphics you’ll hear something like this: “Oh my god guys, another ‘retro-game.’ Nostalgia bait, anybody?”
While many games fall into that trap of nostalgia bait, I don’t see that here. While the game’s visuals are certainly nostalgic of the 80’s neon-laced stylization, it’s very well done.
The characters have distinct looks that are easily recognizable. And the backgrounds have a nice lived-in feel to them, giving some authenticity to the area. The monsters also have a nice look to them that is both visually appealing and intimidating. The user interface also looks clean and easy to navigate when deciding what skills to research, paths to take, etc. Hopefully the game will have more visually appealing monsters to show in the future.
Final Thoughts
The game looks like it’s going to be a great way to raise your blood pressure, and adrenaline. While you’re meticulously picking over every piece in the high rises you’ll need to decide just how you want to survive. If you even can. Because as the nights grow longer and go lower you’ll face more and more monsters. And with every character pivotal to the success you’ll need to keep an eye on everyone. And with how many monsters appear in the trailer at once… What was that saying?
The best laid schemes of mice and men
Go often askew
Help support the Kickstarter here.