Super Destronaut DX-2 | Nintendo Switch Review
Updated: Nov 19, 2021
Super Destronaut DX-2 could very well be described as Space Invaders on acid. It's also the sequel to its predecessor Super Destronaut DX. It is developed by Petite Games and published by Ratalaika Games, and available on PlayStation, XBox and Nintendo Switch. The game was released on July 2nd 2021, and for the purposes of this review, I was playing it on the Nintendo Switch.
I hadn't played the first game, but have always been a fan of Space Invaders, as well as other similar games like Phoenix, so I was looking forward to trying out Super Destronaut DX-2. It was clear from the get go that this was no ordinary Space Invaders clone. The action is fast and furious, and very well suited to the handheld Switch, with thumbstick for movement and the A-button to fire. You also have the B-button as an alternate fire which on certain game modes will also slow down time, but on a little timer of its own, that you need to wait until it replenishes before using again. You can move all over the game screen, which you will need to make the most of as you dodge the onslaught of alien ships, bullets, missiles, as well as lasers and barriers, and whatever else those pesky little aliens fire in your general direction.
There are 2 game modes, Challenges and Arcade. In Challenges there are 6 worlds with 5 levels each and you progress through them all in order, trying to get either bronze, silver or gold ratings. There is a complete mix of game modes throughout the Challenges and these are all playable in the Arcade mode. Classic mode is just straight up game play with 3 lives - survive and progress really. Time Attack is just that, with you playing against the clock, and able to extend your available time by progressing through each wave quickly and not losing too much health. Time Rush is similar but allows you more time. Bullet Mode gives you a certain amount of bullets to complete each wave but it's one shot kills here to even things out a little. Finally there's Hardcore Mode, and well, it's just more of the same, but more difficult.
Occasionally a flying saucer will scoot along the top of the screen, in true classic old Space Invaders style, and if you manage to get it, a power-up will drop, adding more fire power to your ship. There are modifiers as well which adds to the fun and mayhem. Settings are just music and SFX levels, bloom, chromatic and screenshake on or off. There is also a Statistics screen to keep track of your enemies killed, bullets fired, waves completed, lives lost, as well as how many power-ups you've acquired and finally there's a record of your total play time.
Super Destronaut DX-2 does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a very fast paced retro arcade shooter with nice colourful visuals and enough contained in the game to keep you coming back for more. If you enjoyed games like Space Invaders and Phoenix back in the day, then it's definitely worth giving Super Destronaut DX-2 a try. It costs a little more than the price of a decent coffee, and I would really recommend going for the Switch version if you have that option. It's also yet another great game published by Ratalaika, so what are you waiting for. g1a5w3g1an's Rating: 3.5 homing missiles out of 5.
For more information on Super Destronaut DX-2 please use the following links... Petite Games - Developer | Twitter
Ratalaika Games - Publisher | Facebook | Twitter | Website
Many thanks to Ratalaika Games for the Review Key.
Super Destronaut DX-2 | PlayStation Store | XBox Live | Nintendo eShop
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