Cycle 28

 Switch
User Score
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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2

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  1. MedusaMadman77
    Aug 30, 2018
    9
    So, I've been singing the praises of Cycle 28 for weeks. It's my daily go to for a quick fix of classic arcade action. While Cycle 28 plays like a successor to Asteroids, there's more of a defined space to explore, like Sinistar.

    Cycle 28 is best described as a minimalist, arcade shooter, rouge-like. Yep, the thing that brings you back is a few simple, but effective power-ups, that give    So, I've been singing the praises of Cycle 28 for weeks. It's my daily go to for a quick fix of classic arcade action. While Cycle 28 plays like a successor to Asteroids, there's more of a defined space to explore, like Sinistar.

    Cycle 28 is best described as a minimalist, arcade shooter, rouge-like. Yep, the thing that brings you back is a few simple, but effective power-ups, that give you that extra little boost against the enemy fleet. From bullet types to drones, you can equip two at a time and I'm not sure how many there are. Which, brings up faults?

    This is a classic arcade game. There's a deep meta-story, with an already claimed, real-life prize. If you are looking for a deep, linear story, you might be disappointed. But, that shouldn't be the reason you are playing. You are here for the action.

    Your ship is a simple, but unique shape and you find that it helps you stick out from the 3 or 4 colors majorly present when playing. You mission is to stay alive? Recuse someone? ...I'm not sure, but basically, every time I play, it goes from 0 to 10 pretty quickly.

    You've got three buttons. Steering with the left analog. Boost with RT. Fire with A. Firing w/o boosting will push you back, so there's always a delicate balance between attacking and strafing enemy fire. Speaking of fire, you get about 3 hits before you are shieldless. Escaping for a engine and weapon cool down usually brings them back, but by that time, larger ships have called in wing of attack craft and you go from attack to defense like that. While all this is happening, all the ships are sending out ant-sized drone fighters, just to make things interesting. Quick note. The ambient audio and score never encroach on the action and without displays, you'll need to rely on audio cues to stay alive.

    If you are looking for a Japanese-style SHUMP, you might be a bit put off. But if you understand why we still talk about the classic arcade games that started all this, you are in for a treat with Cycle 28.    … Expand
  2. r0mer0
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very fun little shooter, but please ignore the stupid story. Seriously. In order to get the 'real' ending of the game and story, you will have to follow a trail of hints and tips throughout the in-game texts, that require to correctly decipher and guess a clue hidden in a real world book, which you will have to buy. The book is not worth the money, it is pretentious sci-fi pulp at best. But then again, if you like the simple philosophy, predictable twists and awkward writing, your game experience might benefit. For me, this real world easter egg hunt experience is sadly overshadowing an otherwise decent game.

    SPOILER:
    The book is The Explorer, James Smythe, 2012    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Switch Player
    May 16, 2019
    80
    Despite the fairly limited upgrades and occasional flaws, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be found in Cycle 28. Its fast-paced, addictive gameplay will keep you coming back again, and again, and again… Needless to say, the name is apt.
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  2. FNintendo
    Nov 16, 2018
    60
    Cycle 28 is an extremely minimalist but nonetheless competent space-themed shoot'em up that features a solid gameplay and a plot structure that is undeniably interesting to a certain point. The game's minimalism ends up becoming excessive, however, and a bit more variety would not harm, especially since the Cycle 28 as it is runs the risk of becoming repetitive too quickly.
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  3. NintendoWorldReport
    Aug 29, 2018
    65
    When it comes right down to it, Cycle 28’s gameplay rarely exceeds its arcade-housed forefathers. It attempts to develop its gameplay into something more, and while honorable, this effort is mostly fruitless. The unlockable upgrade system does add some mild drive to push the player forward, but odds are it won’t be enough to keep you playing throughout the entire story. If you are looking for a retro, arcade shooter, there is a reasonably solid experience here, but don’t expect anything more.
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