In Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate, Moving Pieces Interactive delivers an updated version of their sci-fi roguelike that’s as colorful as it is chaotic, blending unique gameplay mechanics with a vibrant visual style. Available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, the game invites players into a universe that’s under siege by the forces of Entropy, where a robot and a space frog must team up to restore balance. The premise is as quirky as it sounds, and the gameplay leans heavily into this imaginative setting – we took a look at the newly released PS5 version.
The narrative of Shoulders of Giants is simple but effective, serving primarily as a backdrop for the frenetic action. You take control of a sword-wielding robot and a gunslinging frog, two unlikely heroes guided by a psychic owl in a quest to save the universe. It sounds rather silly and the storyline isn’t particularly deep, but it provides just enough context to make the intergalactic chaos feel meaningful. The charm of controlling such an odd duo adds a layer of humor and creativity to the experience, which certainly helps to make it stand out from other roguelikes.
The game’s core appeal lies in the simultaneous control of both the robot and the frog, offering a dynamic mix of hack-and-slash combat and ranged shooting. This dual-character system is both a blessing and a challenge, requiring players to master the unique abilities of each character while constantly switching between them. The result is a fast-paced and fluid combat experience that keeps you engaged as you adapt to the battlefield around you. The game’s roguelike structure further enhances this, with each run offering new abilities and upgrades that can drastically alter your playstyle, making every session feel fresh.
However, while the game’s high-octane action and combination of melee and ranged combat is exhilarating, it can also be overwhelming, especially during more chaotic encounters. The game’s difficulty spikes can feel harsh, particularly when you’re still getting to grips with the dual-character system. This can lead to moments of frustration, where the fun of experimenting with new abilities is dampened by the steep learning curve and a sense that you’re not being given enough time to learn.
Shoulders of Giants’ worlds are colorful, with each planet boasting its own distinct palette and atmosphere. The vibrant visuals are complemented by a lively soundtrack that keeps the energy high throughout each run, giving it an audiovisual presentation that sets it apart from other roguelikes on the market. However, the sheer amount of visual effects on screen during intense combat can sometimes make it difficult to track your characters, leading to unnecessary hits and missed opportunities. Too much of a good thing, perhaps.
The game’s controls are generally smooth and responsive on the PlayStation 5, with tight inputs that make switching between the robot and the frog feel seamless. The adaptive triggers and haptic feedback add an extra layer of immersion, particularly during heavy combat sequences. However, the complexity of controlling two characters at once can occasionally lead to input errors, especially in the heat of battle, where a mistimed switch can work against you.
What we haven’t really touched upon yet it Shoulders of Giants and its cooperative gameplay. Whether you’re playing in two-player mode with one person controlling each character, or diving into the four-player online co-op, the game offers a range of multiplayer options that emphasize teamwork. This cooperative element adds significant replay value, as coordinating with friends to tackle the game’s challenging levels is both satisfying and rewarding. We only tested the two player option, but had a lot of fun with it.
In conclusion, Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate is a visually attractive and mechanically sound roguelike that offers a nice twist on the genre. Its combination of melee and ranged combat, along with its vibrant art style and engaging co-op modes, make it a fun title for those looking for something fresh and different. However, the steep learning curve and occasional difficulty spikes may deter some players from fully enjoying the experience. For those willing to master its dual-character system, though, Shoulders of Giants offers a chaotic and enjoyable journey that’s worth the effort.
Score: 7.6/10
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