Tachyon Project Reviews
Tachyon Project isn't a remarkable shooter, but it's well-designed on several levels. There's no multiplayer to speak here, but with a decent campaign, lots of customization, and New Game+/Endless modes, you'll be perfectly fine going at it solo.
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.
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.
Tachyon Project seems to take a lot of inspiration from Geometry Wars but puts its own spin on things. Taking cues from one of the best twin stick shooters ever made, isn't a bad thing in the slightest.
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.]
As far as replay value, Tachyon Project is pretty standard. You can get through the entire Story Mode in two to three hours, but there is also a Challenge Mode to keep you playing. Here you can find several different options, such as Endless Challenge. Your progress here can be shared to leaderboards, for the more competitively-minded gamer. You can also go back an play levels in Story Mode to unlock Weapons and Perks, if you’re so inclined. But, unless you’re truly obsessed, you probably won’t spend more than five hours on the game. That said, I was very satisfied with my time with Tachyon Project. It was different enough to hook me, drew me in with the story, and left me desperately wanting a sequel. I can’t think of higher praise for a game than that. If you have $9.99 to spend, Tachyon Project is a great game for both Steam and XBox One.
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.
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 does not reinvent the wheel for twin stick shooters, but it does add some creative new tread that allows it to feel familiar yet fresh at the same time. There are plenty of modes, challenges and customisations to try out, so fans of the genre should have plenty to keep them busy throughout their time with it.
Tachyon Project is a great arcade twin-stick shooter that feels like a natural evolution of the genre. The game handles well and features some nicely varied enemy types, but it's also far from flawless.