Explosionade DX

Genre: Action-Platformer / 2-Stick Shooter

Players: 1-2 Co-Op (Local), Online Leaderboards

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Review:

Explosionade is an Action-Platformer with 2-Stick Shooter mechanics originally released in 2010 on Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Indie Game service. Since then, it was ported to PC in 2015, and then to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2021 in this “DX” version with improved art resolution, additional enemies, and online leaderboard support.

The presentation here makes use of 2D visuals with some pretty good animation and a fair amount happening onscreen at any given time, as well as an absurd story about a schlubby space marine accompanied by silly character portraits. This is backed by a rock-inspired instrumental soundtrack that works well for the game’s ridiculous over-the-top action and story, but isn’t especially memorable.

Each of the game’s 60 levels takes place on one screen, individually segmented into smaller areas that players must navigate, with enemies strewn throughout the area. Players pilot a mech that combines Platformer and Two-Stick Shooter mechanics that work well enough on their own, but what makes this game truly unique is its shield mechanics.

At any time, players can opt to use a shield that completely protects them from damage, but the shield needs a recharge after extended use and prevents the players from using their standard gun. However, the shield also doubles as an antigravity field, allowing players to continue a jump’s momentum upward, or bouncing off the ground. Using this, players can opt to use the shield defensively, or they can plow into enemy areas and smash into enemies with their shield as they bounce around. It’s a truly satisfying gameplay twist that makes both combat and movement in this game really stand out.

Another nice element here are the recharging “MegaNades” that players can use, with these grenades being sticky by default, but by holding down the grenade button they can be made to bounce until they either collide with the enemy or they get into a position where you release the grenade button to trigger the bomb to stick. Players can toy around with this to their heart’s content, trying to bank shots into areas filled with enemies while staying in relative safety.

The mechanics here can take a bit of getting used to, but the game thankfully allows players to reassign buttons at will. Players can also alter the game’s speed and difficulty levels independently to their liking, or invite in a second player for co-op play. There’s a good enough variety of options here to ensure that players can approach this game the way they like.

My biggest complaints about Explosionade is that its single-screen level design, relatively short length, and lack of any sort of competitive multiplayer all feel like huge missed opportunities – I would have loved to see a game with mechanics this good expanded into something even bigger and better. For that matter, a level builder would have been great too. However, at a mere $6 price tag, it’s hard to complain too much when what’s here is just so very good.

I was delighted with Explosionade when I first played it over a decade ago, and it has aged extremely well. It may be lacking in content, and it misses out on its potential to be something even greater. But with its small $6 price tag, what’s here is absolutely worth the price. I only hope this game finds the success it needs to prompt its creator to expand on this game’s excellent gameplay in a sequel. In the meantime, fans of Action-Platformers who missed out on this game’s earlier releases should definitely give it a try now.

tl;dr – Explosionade is an Action-Platformer with 2-Stick Shooter mechanics and some really delightful game mechanics like its shield/anti-gravity mechanic and adaptable grenades. It’s a bit short and lacking in content, but it’s more than worth its small $6 price tag, and fans of the genre should absolutely give this game a try.

Grade: A-

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