modifying a beloved coin-op game.
Satryn DX
Platform: Switch, previous on PC as Satryn Deluxe
Developer: Maybell
Publisher: Flynn’s Arcade
Release date: July 18th, 2024
Availability: Digital
Price: $6.99 via Nintendo eShop
Although there are many twin-stick shooters available, not many match Robotron: 2084’s abilities. The coin-op, developed by Eugene Jarvis and Larry DeMar, gave gamers their first taste of extreme manic intensity when it was introduced to arcades in 1982. Basically, your two simple objectives were to shoot every last cybernetic monster on the single-screen playfield and save the members of a suburban household.
The first wave, like most arcade games of the time, let you gain confidence by letting you get used to moving and firing in eight different directions. But your confidence would be dashed in no time. The next waves put your ability to prioritize your targets to the test as they packed an ever-increasing roster of enraged adversaries. Satryn DX’s Switch release mostly expands upon this fundamental design. Developer Maybell thankfully produces furious action that surpasses Robotron’s own disappointing sequel, Blaster.
Alien Menagerie
Similar to Robotron, Satryn DX features purposefully simple sprite-based visuals that aid in navigating the upcoming visual mayhem. At first, you’ll encounter groups of small red Bulbs that will not give up on you. Many will eventually mutate into bomb bulbs, which are identifiable when fired and have the ability to destroy anything within their explosion radius. When used properly, Satryn DX is similar to aikido in that it allows you to deflect the power of your opponents.
You’ll have to fight as their larva fills the screen and the entire blasted colony rushes toward your location if you fail to kill the mite mamas fast enough. Pompis remember the asteroidal space rocks. These geometric objects break apart when shot, ricocheting off the screen’s edges after a short while.
Bubbles that can shoot a fast-moving energy beam are unquestionably one of the most difficult adversaries. You can launch the beam to start a Dragon Ball-style battle, but these encounters might seem like two-front warfare if other enemies are bothering you. Furthermore, even while it feels good to be able to shoot down hostile projectiles, there are times when the bullets mix in with Satryn’s background of enemy kills and environmental dangers. You’ll need to develop the ability to “read” the screen for threats, but it’s not a deal-breaker by any means.
Having friends makes life easier.
You’ll need to keep an eye out for more than just the opponents who resemble tanks and robotic scorpions. A number of buddies are dispersed over the screen with each wave. By preventing roving enemies from slaughtering these survivors, you can raise your score multiplier. Additionally, Satryn DX drops temporary weapons as your score rises. There are many happy times where the hunter turns into the hunted, thanks to weapons like grenade launchers, flame throwers, and firearms that can shoot in two, three, or even four directions. You’ll see that this is actually what a Robotron sequel required when these occur.
Despite having just one game mode, Satryn DX offers two useful ancillaries. Of course, a high score for the area is noted. However, the game provides a QR code that allows you to get a desired spot on the internet leaderboard if you wish to compete worldwide. Strangely, the table is not visible in the game. Furthermore, while you play, the in-game handbook, which lists adversaries as soon as they are spotted and keeps count of how many times they have been killed, gradually fills in. I love this kind of unnecessary detail. I also like how power-ups and unsaved Friends are obtained at the conclusion of a wave. For aficionados of arcade-style games, Satryn DX is a must-have experience because of these kinds of small design choices.
The review code provided by the publisher was used to play Satryn DX on the Switch.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 85%
Controls – 75%
Aesthetics – 70%
Content – 75%
Accessibility – 75%
Value – 80%
77%
GOOD!
Summary : Satryn DX builds on the success of Robotron: 2084 (1982) by delivering waves of excitingly frenetic twin-stick shooting. This is a game to enjoy if you enjoy action in the vein of an arcade and can’t stand drawn-out explanations.