GM Edge

I love playing Cactus’ arcade games. Not just because I know it’ll be fun and addictive like any other good arcade game, but because I never know what to expect. Cactus’ style shifts a bit, and can only be defined in randomness.  Take Insect Invade 2 for example, a game where you play as a gun toting, naked mad man fighting monsterous bug creatures. Thankfully, this game is nothing like that, in fact, you could consider it another shift in style. The central idea of Protoganda: Strings is pretty simple, but the execution of that idea is complex and in-depth (for a GM game at least). From graphics to gameplay, Protoganda has an ‘in your face’ attitude you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Before I start, I want you guys to get familiar with the term ‘bullet hell.’ I’ll be saying it a lot in this review, so go google it or something. The gameplay is what really holds Protoganda altogether for me. The general side-scrolling shooter formula stays pretty much the same, but it sways just enough from the basic shooter to make for a compelling bullet hell game. Its mostly the tiny differences that make up for the minorly generic cliches. Both you and your enemy have weak spots that must be hit to cause damage, a much welcomed change to the traditional side scrolling game. You might’ve notice I said “your enemy.” Thats exactly what it sounds like. One on one battles. Battles with large Metal Gearish things constantly shooting, all lined up for you to take them on. The game itself is like a massive Boss Rush feature with plenty of opitions, you can fight them in order or randomize a bit.

Either way, you’ll be playing for hours non-stop if you’re good. This game is all about time, not lives. You could go through some pretty nasty take downs and still keep playing. For a bullet hell game, its more fun than it is dishearting. Which makes it an original experience. In all honesty, I don’t think this game would’ve worked with more enemies on screen. Another FAIRLY original (and I say fairy because its not 100% original and its not 100% over used) aspect about this game, is that you can choose between two modes, “absorb” and “shield.” Shield makes the game play like a normal side scroller, forcing you to dodge what you can while pushing bullets away (a la Neo, Maxtrix Reloaded) with a Z+X bullet deflect command. The Z+X bullet deflect is quite useful but takes time to master. Making it a helpful feature without taking away from the game’s challege. The Absorb mode allows you to switch between colors, so that if you’re confronted by a blue bullet with the color blue selected, you won’t be damaged. This is a good mode if you’re a fast, bug eyed junkie who’s quick on his feet. All in all, the gameplay is sheer shoot’em up fun with a few new things added into the mix. Plus, its got more replay value then any other GM game out there.

The graphics are breathe-taking, and some what awe-inspiring considering the fact that they were made in GM. Imagine the shapes from the famous rail shooter, Rez and the glowing whimsy of Geometry Wars. Then add the designs of a Metal Gear, and you get Protoganda’s graphical style. Another thing I loved about this game was the enemies’ Russian names. Obviously poking fun at everyone’s favorite flavor of Communist propaganda (get it? get it? the title could be a blend of the words propaganda and prototype, how creative!).

In conclusion, this game has the perfect balance of fun, challege, eye popping graphics, and techno music.
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