The neon twin stick shooter’s renaissance continues, as UDK-powered spherical arena shooter – Waves – blasts onto the PC. Squid in a box had the latest build of Waves on display at Eurogamer Expo’s Indie Arcade, for all to see. I spent some time with it (and clocked up the highest score at the Expo!) and here’s what I think so far:

The first thing I noticed about waves is just how slick it is. The HUD, sound, graphics and animation are all fantastically put together. Waves is entering a highly competitive field, with dozens of high quality shooters in this vein having came out in the last few years, but the visual polish on display here is easilly in the “best in category” range. If you like shiny neon againsnt a black backdrop, you’re in for a real treat.

The enemy placement and movement patterns seems dead set on surround you with baddies from all sides, squeezing you into tiny deathtraps as they close in on you. It’s intense, but very satisfying when you slip out of a ring of enemies closing in on you, then take them all out in a few seconds when they converge on your previous position. If it all get a bit too hectic, a click of the right mouse button temporary slows everything down, giving you a moment to catch a breathe.

Using WASD for movement and the mouse for 360 degree aiming gives you a nice freedom of movement and really precise aiming. You get an aiming cursor, and a line to show you current aiming trajectory. I’m sure it will work well with a controller too, but unlike some similar shooters, I didn’t feel at all hamstrung by using keyboard and mouse.

There’s quite a few clever enemies. There’s the usual assortment of lesser threats and cannon fodder, mixed in with a few more dangerous nasties. You’ll definately want to watch out for the massive cube, he’s a bit of a bastard. He can only move vertically and horizontally, and has slightly delayed reactions, but once he’s got you in he line of sights, he can move really quickly. The hive-like hexagons are one’s to watch for too, as they multiply over time, taking up more and more space on the level.

It’s all highly entertaining stuff, and one go was just not enough. I’ve only played one of the five different game modes so far, but if twin stick shooters are up your street, then Waves looks like it ticks every box.

Waves is due out by the end of the year, and it’ll be purchasable direct from squidinabox.com, and from Steam.

[Waves]

Trailer