Virus Rush

Genre: Action / 2-Stick Shooter

Players: 1

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Review:

Virus Rush is an Action game with 2-Stick Shooter elements released on Nintendo Switch on 2024. In this game, players control a virus who has gained sentience and has been tasked by its creator to fight battles with microscopic enemies in a boss rush-style gauntlet inside a human body.

The presentation in Virus Rush is interesting, using 3D visuals with contrasting colors and subtle use of cel-shading to make for a striking visual look, though it’s not always a look that’s especially clear what’s going on. This is backed by a techno-style soundtrack that works well enough for the game.

When it comes to the gameplay, Virus Rush gives players a few different moves to work with. By default, they will auto-aim at the level’s boss and primary threat, but you can change your lock-on or even switch to 2-Stick Shooter mechanics at any time. You have a standard repeating shot, a dash ability, the ability to rotate the camera, and between stages you can use in-game currency to upgrade your abilities.

The thing is, each of these abilities is compromised in some way – your shots have a limited range, and often damaging enemies requires you to get close enough that you won’t be left with much time to dodge. Speaking of dodging, that comes with a cooldown, leaving you vulnerable and helpless if you rely on it too much. The camera rotation requires holding down a specific button while moving the right analog stick, which is awkward and seems unnecessary. And upgrades often seem to come with tradeoffs, and none of them leave you feeling especially powerful or competent.

On their own, these frustrations would be irritating but not damning, but Virus Rush is also frustratingly difficult and unforgiving, with it only taking a scant few hits before you’re killed and have to restart any battle. And the challenge is maddeningly high right from the start, not even letting players ease into the game.

I suppose, for those players seeking a challenge, Virus Rush may appeal to them. However, most are going to find that this game’s frustrations add up to an experience that’s just not fun. Unless you’re a masochist and a fan of Action games, I suggest you avoid this game.

tl;dr – Virus Rush is an Action game with 2-Stick Shooter elements that has players taking the role of a sentient virus fighting microscopic enemies in a boss rush-style gauntlet. The presentation is distinct, but this game tosses numerous frustrations at the player and then ramps up the difficulty to absurd levels right from the start, making for an experience that all but the most challenge-addicted players will find extremely unsatisfying.

Grade: C

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