Tachyon Project Reviews
On one level Tachyon Project is quite a cruel game, making old writers with slowing reflexes question their gaming abilities. More importantly, though, it's enjoyable and represents the work of a development team committed to producing a quality download title. From solid mechanics and smart gameplay to online leaderboards and neat touches like stat tracking, it immediately sets its stall as a game worth investing in.Though there are a few flaws and the difficulty level makes it a game for those with fast thumbs, Tachyon Project is well worth consideration on Wii U. For fast-paced twin-stick shooting action there aren't many better options on the eShop.
Overall, Tachyon Project is a surprisingly good twin-stick shooter. I think it’s got plenty to offer for fans of the genre with its health/time gimmick, a somewhat interesting story, lots of customisation, mission types and enemy variety. It’s got a lot going for it, including the cheap price. Yes, the battle arenas may be a little boring and taking damage from enemies as they spawn are obvious flaws, but they’re not enough to stop me from recommending it.
Tachyon Project is not bad and is a fine fit for anyone looking to kill an hour or two with arcade-like gameplay, but it comes off as disjointed. The story is presented far bigger than it actually is, the marketing tries more to sell the idea of an old shoot 'em up than a new game, and Ada's movements are stiff for the wrong reasons. That said, the missions are structured well; there's a lot to customise in Ada, and it is engaging enough to warrant a playthrough. There's a good game hiding inside Tachyon Project and hopefully a sequel can iron out the kinks to bring it out.
While fun on its own merits, it's hard not to compare Tachyon Project with its obvious inspiration. The addition of a level-based story mode and customizable loadouts is worth applauding, but when the main game doesn't feel inspired it's hard to muster the excitement for it. It has its moments, but it's not memorable enough to withstand the test of time.
If you're a fan of the Geometry Wars games or other abstract dual-stick arcade shooters that take place in a rectangular playing field, you'll feel right at home here. It's not the most imaginative game I've played, but it definitely earns its keep with fun twists on an old, favorite concept. If you're looking for that itch on the go, Tachyon Project will get the job done.
Even with as many twin-stick shooters there already are on the Switch Tachyon Project manages to distinguish itself both with its story mode structure and its level of challenge. For the most part this is a great thing for shooter fans but if you tend to only dabble perhaps you may find yourself in over your head after a few levels. Throw in the many upgrade combinations you can choose to play with to refine your ship’s style to suit your preferences and it is a great addition to any shooting fans’ Switch library.
Tachyon Project is a fine dual stick shooter. For some it might be a little light on content, but for any high score junkie it is a title I'd recommend as I have been having a great deal of fun with it.
Tachyon Project features an enjoyable, fluid gameplay that despite not bringing anything new, will still please 2D twin-stick shoot'em up fans. Not all is glorious, though, and Tachyon Project has a very frustrating difficulty level - too frustrating for its own good - and its levels end up looking a lot like each other, which ends up harming this game more than it should.
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Tachyon Project brings up a decent challenge with its classic action-packed arcade set-up, but its story-driven concept and overall package leaves more to be desired.
If you're looking for a fast-paced twin-stick action release on Nintendo Switch, then you should check out Tachyon Project. [OpenCritic note: Tracey separately reviewed the Switch (75%) and Wii-U (80%) versions. Their scores have been averaged.]