The Bug Butcher Review

07:00:00 Unknown 0 Comments

Humanity has gone to the stars to look for new life and new civilisations but instead found hordes of uncompromising alien bugs who want to chew, burn and digest they way through the human race.
Harry is called out to a scientific outpost where they have been conducting experiments on these enigmatic entomological entities. As with the age-old Icarus cliche something has gone wrong, and the bugs are running amok in the labs, and parking garages, and lifts.
So break out 'Ol Faithful and prepare to do some extermination Dalek style!

The game-play is a 2D shooter, but with a difference. You're locked into firing upwards. So unlike Contra and Metal slug where it is key to firing along the horizontal plain, this locks you into a vertical plain. This gives it a kind of Space Invaders vibe but with much more depth in game-play. You match this with the way enemies behave, gun juggling and the environment they behave in, giving the game some depth.

The enemies love to bounce and break off into tiny little guys which you have to exterminate. We've got pink aliens, blue aliens, weird flying electro bugs and enemies that can kill you in a single bite, but I have to say the spider based bugs are the most annoying, as they snatch up and try to devour the scientists that are on your side.

Now to help you combat the waves of colourful bouncy alien bugs you have a small but effective arsenal of weapons. Starting with the basic laser blaster lovingly referred to as 'Ol faithful you get power-ups, laser beams, rocket barrages and the ever useful and effective freeze bombs.

Graphics are a fun cartoony style. You've got your main guy with disproportionate features, scientists who I swear are original Gameboys with arms and the Aliens who look fun and almost non-threatening. The game has a colourful and appealing look that isn't harsh to the eye.

The music sits somewhere between 80's synth and modern-day electro. It doesn't wear thin on you and seems to match the whole overall style of the game. Daft punk-esk.

Admittedly it took awhile to get into the game as I experienced a few technical issues, but after awhile I was pulled directly into the game and found myself completely engrossed. I know this as I started to lose track of time, which is the sign of a good game.

As I stated above I had some technical issues, as I was playing on a mac. The game didn't seem to recognise certain keys on my keyboard and wasn't adapted properly. I overcame this by using a Xbox 360 controller. But having to resolve technical issues is slightly off putting

I loved this and thoroughly enjoyed it, the input issue did grate on me and the fact I started by playing it in the wrong mode and I couldn't play two players didn't put me off. My advice, stick to the arcade mode.

This game is for those who love 2D shooters such as Contra and Metal Slug or if you just want a break from the norm. It's well made and well rounded and should provide between 4 to 8 hours of gameplay if you don't get stuck in the loop of getting all the trophies high scores, achievements etc. 



When it comes to value for money it's a bit hard as I was given it for review. So I'll have to leave that up to you guys.