Whisker Squadron: Survivor Review (Steam Deck)
Summary: Whisker Squadron: Survivor is a fun yet sometimes challenging experience that borders on frustration but excels when you hit that Luke Skywalker Death Star zone!
4
Fun but challenging!
Alright, strap into your tiny starfighter and prepare for a yarn about Whisker Squadron Survivor on the Steam Deck, because this isn’t your typical rogue-lite arcade-style action game. The narrative? Yes, there is a story as you play Olivia who is attempting to save her feline friends from the Swarm, the robotic enemy that threatens their very existence. Sure, the story feels a meld between anime meets Star Fox but the voice acting really helps progress this tail… err… tale!
The game’s core loop, a roguelite space shooter that thrives on its simplicity and immediate gratification. As you control Olivia, and dive into bite-sized missions, dodging projectiles and blasting foes as you attempt to make it to the next level. It’s fun, it’s zen!
The visual style, a charming blend of anime inspired characters and low-poly 3D environments, pops on the Deck’s display with its vibrant colors and cartoonish explosions maintaining a playful atmosphere even as the screen fills with a dizzying barrage of lasers and missiles. You’ll find yourself instinctively tilting the Deck to weave through the chaos, the intuitive controls making it easy to focus on the frantic action unfolding before you.
What truly elevates Whisker Squadron Survivor beyond a simple arcade experience is its delightful sense of progression. Each run, whether a glorious triumph or a fiery demise, contributes to unlocking new pilots, ships, and permanent upgrades. This gradual unlocking of content, coupled with the ever-changing selection of power-ups, keeps the gameplay loop fresh and engaging, encouraging you to dive back in for “just one more run” even when you’re supposed to be doing something else. The Steam Deck’s suspend/resume functionality becomes a lifesaver in these moments, allowing you to quickly pause the action and pick it up later without losing progress, perfect for those brief moments of downtime. However, the levels can be challenging at times, dare I say frustrating as well but when you channel your inner Luke Skywalker Death Star run, the victory is worth the pain.
While the game’s repetitive nature might deter some players seeking a more substantial narrative experience, the sheer joy of blasting through waves of enemies and experimenting with different weapon combinations is undeniable. The whimsical soundtrack, a catchy mix of synth and chiptune melodies, perfectly complements the on-screen action, further enhancing the game’s lighthearted and addictive nature. You’ll find yourself humming along to the tunes while dodging lasers and collecting power-ups, fully immersed in the charmingly chaotic world of Whisker Squadron Survivor.
Final Thoughts?
Ultimately, Whisker Squadron Survivor shines as a perfect pick-up-and-play experience on the Steam Deck. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering a delightful blend of arcade-style action, roguelite progression, and a charming aesthetic. So, if you’re looking for a fun, addictive, and visually appealing space shooter to enjoy on the go, grab your Steam Deck and prepare for some purrfectly chaotic space battles. You might just find yourself addicted to the charmingly frantic feline frenzy.
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