Developer Summary

Intrusion 2 is an action platformer set in a sci-fi environment on a reserve planet occupied by a hostile military corporation conducting forbidden weapon research. Intrusion 2 is inspired by classic 16bit era sidescrollers and focuses on classic fast-paced action combined with modern physics and animation.

What We Think

Paying homage to side-scrolling shooters of the 16-bit era, Intrusion 2 manages to pack an even larger payload than its spiritual predecessors.

Intrusion follows a fairly standard control scheme. Using WASD or the left stick will control the player’s movement, jumping and ducking, while the mouse (or right stick) will position the reticule. Firing and cycling through weapons works fairly effectively in both methods of player input.

I was of two minds with the movement controls; while I enjoyed using an analog stick to move, I found that the right stick just couldn’t match the accuracy of the mouse when taking aim at the game’s quicker enemies. Also, I found myself instinctively holding the analog stick up to jump repeatedly. Unfortunately, the stick must be thrust upwards for each desired jump, and the previous jump needs to have been completed. It’s a small issue, but it cost me a few frustrating deaths in some of the boss battles that called for quick evasion moves.

Though the player’s starter pistol will never run out of ammo, it lacks the flash and the satisfying oomph of the larger weapons in the game. Shooting up enemy troops and the various destructible elements in the game world will ensure a steady stream of ammo, but relying too heavily on a favorite weapon can mean running out of juice in a pinch.

Metal Slug Clone? Quite the Contra-ry!

Fans of side-scrolling action games like Metal Slug and Contra will initially feel at home, but will soon be convinced they’ve moved into more luxurious digs. The visuals are an all-you-can-cram-down-your-gullet buffet, packing in a plethora of nuanced soldier and mech designs. Though there is only so much variety in the standard foot soldiers, the level design is laid out in such a fashion as to guarantee that complacent players will become perforated characters.

Even early into the action, players will be required to take on ridiculously overpowered enemies. Standing and unloading ammo will not suffice; it’s necessary to jump in various directions, to avoid counter-fire, all the while aiming on-the-fly. Take full advantage of the destructible environment–even some of the larger enemies are susceptible to having a large rock dropped on them from above. Regardless of the preferred tactics, the action is constant, and the stream of enemies is relentless.

Nothing Mini About These Mini-Bosses

While the game packs a wealth of beautifully designed super soldiers and mechs, it’s the boss battles that truly blow the lid off this game. The player will square off against a hoverplane armed with gigantic robotic fists, an incredibly nimble female cyborg sporting a ridiculously large plasma cannon, and a robot capable of lifting entire buildings (while the player is inside) to name a few.

Some instances will provide access to mechs and mounts. I found that due to diminished mobility, the mech suits took a lethal beating far too quickly, but it’s a fair trade considering the boost in overall firepower. On the other hand, the mountable arctic wolf is crazy fast. My only complaint with these creatures would be some wonky physics moments, particularly when climbing or hanging from rock faces.

Pla-Tunes

The soundtrack packs some serious punch and is fully loaded with gorgeous guitar riffs. Quieter moments reminded me of slightly gutsier versions of Rush ‘N Attack and Bionic Commando. The pace picks up with the action, and so it should! When I’m jumping between rocks floating on lava and firing at a crazed female robot, I want some smoke coming off that six string! Intrusion 2’s soundtrack is suitably epic.

Action Satisfaction

Any gamer hungering for a quick dose of crazed, over-the-top gameplay need look no further: Intrusion 2 brings more than enough fast-paced armed conflict to scratch any itchy trigger finger. It also comes wrapped up in a stunningly crafted battlefield populated with some inspired enemy designs. Playing through intrusion is thoroughly engrossing, and is generously peppered with Keanu Reeves’-level “whoa” moments.

The game features 9 levels, 3 multi-tiered boss battles, various difficulty settings, and It is well worth the $10 price of admission.

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