Shockwave Triggers is a vertically scrolling bullet hell shooter with colorful 16-bit style graphics.  It’s available on all current consoles and PC, but reviewed on PS4 here.

Controls are simple.  Move with the control stick and fire a wide shot rapid fire with one button.  Another fires a more focused shot but slows you down.  You also get a limited use of bombs that can take out all enemies on screen, damage bosses heavily, and turn bullets into icons you collect.  You can gather power-ups that widen your shots or give you a side option.  If you get hit you lose a life, lose all lives and continues and it’s Game Over.  Two can play at the same time as well.

I like how there are multiple difficulty selections, but like all other bullet hell shooters, it’s still way too hard.  I also like the colorful graphics but they do make it hard to see projectiles at times.  I didn’t like how the game only gives you limited credits, but you can buy more at a shop with money you earn during play.  This shop also lets you buy other things like an art gallery, boss rush, jukebox, and more.  Unfortunately in my first playthrough I only made less than half as much money as I’d need to buy only one credit, so it’s a bit of a grind.  I’d say this one’s best for bullet hell pros only.

Kid Factor:

Shockwave Triggers is rated E-10 with ESRB descriptors of Fantasy Violence and Mild Language.  I didn’t notice any bad language in the text, and you just shoot spaceships that explode.  Reading skill is helpful for the text, and younger gamers may find it too difficult.

Tags: Game Reviews