The Ubermosh series has been trickling into the Switch eShop entry by entry over the past couple of years. These hectic twinstick shooters areThe Ubermosh series has been trickling into the Switch eShop entry by entry over the past couple of years. These hectic twinstick shooters are known for their deep challenge and intricate design — each game being shaped by player feedback to cultivate a true community-cultivated experience.
Santicide is the sixth entry in the Ubermosh series, originally seeing a 2018 release on Steam. This arcade shooter plays in the form of 90-second rounds where the player attempts to not only take out as many enemies as possible, but also attempt to survive. Living, though, is usually easier said than done, and the carnage you leave in your wake is an ever-present reminder that the clock is ticking and you must keep moving or you will die.
Santicide is another arena brawler, with twinstick shooting mechanics. Different abilities can be selected and other characters can be unlocked as you progress, each with different starting abilities and affinities. While the colorful and deadly techniques you can utilize are incredibly useful for wiping out massive amounts of enemies, learning the best times to use them can be tricky. In learning, expect a lot of deaths as you find your rhythm. Try not to look at the timer, else you may miss an enemy baring down on you from your peripheral vision.
Graphically, the game’s pixel art style lends really well to the flashy lights that trickle across the screen when using abilities, and the smears of defeated enemies leave weapons and blood behind that stand as a testament to the outright carnage unfolding in the arena. The sound, too, is pretty great overall. After clearing a 90-second level, you can take a break before moving on to the next one, which is great because I found myself getting incredibly tense during rounds and the break staved off the finger cramps I was used to in the last games.
Pros:
-Our one-man developer is getting better with each entry
-Classic arcade-style gameplay
-The timer mechanic can help you with feeling like there’s too much at once.
Cons:
-Steep learning curve
-Not new player friendly
Overall: 8.5/10
Ubermosh: Santicide proves that a one-man development team can accomplish a lot with just player feedback as a motivator and balance check. For arcade fans and gamers who don’t mind a challenge, these bite-sized games are a perfect fit. Players who struggle with twinstick shooters may want to steer clear, as this series is not very friendly to new players.… Expand
