When you first fire up a game and start playing, the first things that you usually notice are game play, music and art style. It is the latter that really jumps out in the latest release from Head Up Games. Earth Atlantis sports striking visuals that are reminiscent of Rockwell Kent wood cut prints. Old world art style set in a futuristic world.
At the end of the end of the 21st century there was a cataclysmic weather event known as the Great Climate Shift. Over 96% of the earth’s surface is now under water. Machines have taken on the form and shape of marine animals and threaten mankind. It is up to you as a Hunter to clear the oceans of these mechanical menaces.
Earth Atlantis is a 2-D side scroller set in a large maze-like world. Scattered throughout are slightly larger open areas in which boss creatures can spawn. The object of the game is to clear out these bosses. You will have to navigate your way through the ocean to reach each boss as they spawn and take them down. It is up to you how you want to take them down, as several will appear at once, in different areas, so you can pick and choose your battles. There are a total of 25 different bosses, each with different attacks and weaknesses for you to discover.
When you start your game you will have to pick which submarine you will take on your hunting trip. Each sub comes equipped with a gun, but they have different firing patterns when they are powered up. You can also gather a 2nd weapon for each while exploring the ocean, but they are the same, no matter which sub you pick. Game pace is also within your control. Will you take your time and explore the depths as you clear out the bosses, or will you just rush from one giant of the deep to the next in an attempt to speed run your destruction.
As I said at the start, the graphics are beautiful. The sepia toned wood cut style gives the game a look all its own. The mechanical fish enemies are as elegant as they are deadly. The attention to detail in the environment is just as impressive. The musical score gives the game a feel of epic proportions. Even just exploring the ocean will have you on the edge of your seat.
Earth Atlantis is available now on XB1, PS4 and Nintendo Switch. This is one to add to your collection if you are a fan of side scrolling shooters, or games packed with style. There is a lot of substance behind the sleek veneer of this title and is definitely worth a look.
