Attack from Planet Smiley stands out as a retro arcade survival shooter that pits players against waves of invading smiley faces in a high-stakes defense scenario. Released back in 2020, this indie title emphasizes quick reflexes and strategic weapon use to hold off an relentless assault, blending simple mechanics with escalating challenges that can hook players into repeated attempts for better scores.
Gameplay
In this game, survival hinges on fending off hordes of angry smiley faces that descend upon your position. Armed with an arsenal including lasers, nukes, and even more powerful lasers, you must destroy these invaders before they make contact or cross into your territory. A single smiley reaching you or your side spells instant defeat, ramping up the tension as waves intensify.
Boss encounters add another layer, with massive smiley faces that appear after prolonged survival. These foes endure heavy punishment and retaliate with their own shots, though you can target and eliminate their projectiles mid-flight. Nukes prove essential against them, demanding careful resource management amid the chaos. Scores reflect performance, displayed in various colors, with pink reserved for top-tier achievements, though elements of chance influence outcomes.
Audio complements the action with a selection of three retro-space tracks that energize the experience, while the core loop revolves around dodging, shooting, and adapting to increasing threats. Some technical quirks, like key input limitations during intense moments, stem from the game's engine, but efforts to address them through updates show ongoing refinement.
Game Modes
The game supports single-player sessions where you tackle the invasion solo, focusing on personal high scores and survival streaks.
For cooperative play, it offers 2-3 player modes that allow friends to join in shared or split-screen setups. Teamwork becomes key here, as coordinating attacks and covering each other heightens the challenge, but the same game-over rules apply if any player falters or lets a smiley through.
Current State and Updates
Since its full release in late 2020, the game has seen developer attention on bug fixes, such as adding missing features like smiley kill counters and resolving co-op control issues related to simultaneous key presses. These improvements aim to smooth out rough edges from its GameMaker origins.
As of now, it remains a compact title with minimal storage needs and broad compatibility on PC hardware, making it accessible for quick sessions without demanding high-end specs.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title suits those who enjoy straightforward retro arcade challenges with a twist of irony in battling cheerful yet deadly foes. Its addictive quality emerges from the pursuit of colored high scores and the thrill of co-op survival, though the reliance on chance might frustrate precision-focused gamers.
With just one user review available, broad reception data is limited, but the core appeal lies in its lighthearted yet punishing mechanics. If you favor indie games that mix nostalgia with cooperative elements and don't mind occasional technical hiccups being ironed out, it offers solid replay value for short, engaging bursts.
