Killsquad, published by Novarama, brings its action-packed co-op experience to the PlayStation 4 after its initial PC release in 2019. Melding twin-stick shooter mechanics with hack and slash elements, this game offers a dash of character customization and progression. Players embark on thrilling contracts across five unique planets where they face hordes of enemies and challenging bosses in their pursuit of victory.
Gameplay in Killsquad offers fast-paced, skill-oriented control where players must shoot fast, dodge swiftly, and react promptly, as the core contracts last 10-20 minutes, either as solo adventures or engaging up to four friends in cooperative play. The combination of twin-stick shooting and hack and slash mechanics creates a dynamic experience that holds its own in the genre, though the co-op multiplayer is where it shines most brightly.
The game features five distinct hero classes, each equipped with their own set of weapons and skills. From melee specialists to ranged experts, each character caters to different playstyles, providing an array of combat options. Progressing through contracts allows players to acquire and upgrade their skills, activating powerful abilities during missions. Additionally, bounty rewards can be spent on various equipment, ranging from weapons and power-ups to cosmetic items.
With over 30 contracts to complete across the Campaign Map, players journey through diverse planets encountering challenging enemies and bosses. Cooperation becomes paramount, as players can join ongoing missions in real-time, either to assist other squads or compete for high scores. The variety of contracts ensures engaging gameplay, but some may find the objectives and level designs to be somewhat lacking and repetitive in inspiration.
While Killsquad excels in combat and character diversity, its progression and loot systems are somewhat generic. Though offering ample customization options, they loot rarely leads to a satisfying sense of advancement. Additionally, the difficulty balance can be erratic, with some enemies and bosses proving too easy to defeat while others are near-insurmountable obstacles.
Graphically, Killsquad presents a functional yet unremarkable visual experience. The character and enemy designs, while serviceable, lack the flair and detail to stand out. Moreover, the level designs can feel repetitive and unremarkable, limiting the exploration aspect of the game. The sound effects and overall audio design, though serviceable, don’t contribute much to the overall atmosphere.
One of the game’s highlights is its co-op gameplay, which enhances the enjoyment of Killsquad significantly. Working together with friends to strategize and utilize character synergies is a rewarding experience and does a lot to make some levels feel far less monotonous and overly challenging.
Killsquad boasts fast-paced and skill-oriented twin-stick shooter mechanics, keeping players engaged in intense combat scenarios where the moment-to-moment combat is satisfying, with snappy controls and immediate action that works well in co-op. However, Killsquad does have its drawbacks. The progression and loot systems may not fully excite players, as the gear and equipment lack that exciting factor found in other loot-driven action RPGs. Level designs are too forgettable and linear, lacking exploration opportunities, making the solo experience feel underwhelming.
In conclusion, Killsquad brings engaging twin-stick shooting and hack and slash mechanics to the table, along with a diverse roster of characters. While co-op gameplay shines, the solo experience might leave players wanting more. The progression system and loot mechanics could use more depth and excitement, and the level designs lack creativity. Despite its potential, Killsquad struggles to stand out amidst the competition in the action RPG genre – unless you’re looking to play it in co-op.
Score: 6.8/10
Press Play Media 