Non-Stop Space Probe

Genre: Puzzle

Players: 1

.

Review:

Non-Stop Space Probe, released on Nintendo Switch in 2023, is an Arcade-style game where players move a spaceship through levels full of obstacles, trying to grab three diamonds and reach an exit.

The presentation is pretty appealing, despite its simplicity, using simple 2D shapes for its levels and various objects, simple colorful backgrounds, and a rainbow plume of smoke for your ship’s exhaust. Add to this a catchy (if repetitive) electronica theme and old-fashioned bleeps and bloops for sound effects, and this game does a good job giving off a modern retro vibe.

I just wish the gameplay was on the same level as the presentation. In concept it’s fairly straightforward – it’s a timed obstacle course run. However, in practice the controls are far too touchy, sending your ship wildly off course at the slightest twitch in the wrong direction. In a game where one hit kills you and you’re never allowed to stop moving, these frustrating controls simply do not cut it, leading to death after death that feels unearned, forcing you to restart every time.

There’s still a lot of retro charm in Non-Stop Space Probe, and players seeking a challenge may find this game right up their alley. But most players will find this game far too demanding and unforgiving for something with such frustrating controls.

tl;dr – Non-Stop Space Probe is an Arcade-style game that has players flying a spaceship through an obstacle course. While the presentation here is appealing, the gameplay is extremely unforgiving, and this is made worse by nasty, twitchy controls. Unless you’re looking for an old-school challenge with a lot of frustration, skip this game.

Grade: C-

^{You can support eShopperReviews on Patreon! Please click HERE to become a Sponsor!}

^{This month’s sponsors are Ben, Ilya Zverev, Andy Miller, Homer Simpin, Johannes, Francis Obst, Gabriel Coronado-Medina, Jared Wark, Kristoffer Wulff, and Seth Christenfeld. Thank you for helping to keep the reviews coming!}