Roto Force, an upcoming indie twin-stick shooter with rotating stages from developer Accidently Awesome and publisher PID Games, will officially launch on July 18th, 2023.
According to today’s announcement tweet, Roto Force will be available on PC via Steam and iOS or Android mobile devices. There’s currently no word on a console port. You can watch a brief gameplay trailer from earlier this month on the Pid Games YouTube channel:
This hidden gem promises to successfully balance retro and modern sensibilities, and the stage rotation feels much more like a tool than a gimmick.
Roteano, which recently added an anniversary update, is a similar rotation game that distinguishes itself by adding rhythm to the mix. However, the stages in Roto Force offer a surprising thematic variety, adding different obstacles like rising water or bosses that fill the entire level. This approach justifies and makes full use of the rotation mechanic.
Also, it fits the retro world, which has a relentlessness that harkens back to old school games like Missile Command or Asteroids. It’s a pure test of reflex, but there’s a distinct sense of escalation, evolution, and ingenuity in Roto Force.
There’s also a delightful sense of humor. Although the marketing hasn’t quite sold it this way, the Steam page mentions that players are assuming the role of an intern at the titular “Roto Force”, and basically being put through the ringer by their boss. The enemies and levels indulge concepts that are totally over the top in all of the best ways.
This game should perform well on mobile devices, thanks to the small scope of its levels and mechanics. But it would be great to see a console port for this, which would likely thrive via subscription services.
You can read more about Roto Force, Accidently Awesome, and other upcoming indies by checking out the rest of our news section.
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