Project Tower, developed by Yummy Games, offers a blend of third-person shooting and science fiction storytelling. Set in a dystopian universe where alien invaders known as the Hiks force the humans they’ve taken prisoner to ascend perilous towers in a brutal survival challenge, the game presents an intriguing premise. However, while the concept is compelling, the execution stumbles in areas that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Here’s our look at the PlayStation 5 version.
The narrative premise establishes a grim scenario that effectively sets the stakes, and the tower itself feels like a menacing, oppressive entity as players navigate its floors – it can feel a bit like Ghostrunner at times in that sense. The addition of cutscenes presented in long, seamless shots adds a cinematic touch, making the world feel more immersive. Despite this, the story lacks depth, and the characters fail to leave a lasting impression, leaving the overall narrative somewhat shallow.
Gameplay is where Project Tower both shines and falters. The core mechanics of climbing the tower, battling hordes of enemies, and solving puzzles are engaging in bursts. The standout feature is the metamorphosis mechanic, which lets players transform to outsmart their foes. This innovative system adds a layer of strategy and variety to encounters, making combat feel fresh. However, the novelty wears thin as repetitive level design and limited enemy types begin to undermine the experience. The arsenal of weapons and skills provides some room for customization, but the balance feels off, with certain upgrades far outshining others – leaving you with a limited selection that you’ll actually use.
The controls are responsive for the most part, though some issues with precision, particularly during high-stakes moment where combat becomes intense, can lead to frustration. This is compounded by difficulty spikes that feel more punishing than rewarding, as they often rely on trial-and-error mechanics rather than skillful play – getting lucky rather than getting better.
Visually, Project Tower has moments of brilliance, particularly in its depiction of the tower’s alien architecture. The environments are detailed, but their repetitive nature detracts from the overall aesthetic and immersion. The audio design helps to build tension, with a moody soundtrack and punchy sound effects that elevate the combat. Yet, inconsistent sound mixing occasionally dampens the atmosphere, especially in quieter moments.
The game’s pacing also raises concerns, as it struggles to maintain momentum over its runtime. While the tower-climbing structure is designed to evoke a sense of progression, the lack of significant variety and impactful story beats makes it feel more like a grind than an adventure. The absence of meaningful rewards for overcoming challenges further diminishes the motivation to push forward.
Ultimately, Project Tower is an ambitious title that doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The metamorphosis mechanic and intense combat sequences offer glimpses of greatness, but issues with repetition, pacing, and balancing hold it back. For fans of sci-fi shooters, there’s some enjoyment to be found, but it may not be enough to satisfy those seeking a polished, cohesive experience.
Score: 6.8/10
Press Play Media 