Black Paradox
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Black Paradox
Satisfying shoot'em up with rogulike elements that will entertain those who seek an almost classic experience with a twist... That doesn't remain interesting for too long sadly.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
It's endlessly repetitive, has an unfair upgrade system, the gameplay is relentlessly unforgiving, and yet I've been playing the game constantly. Black Paradox has that magic 'one more go' element, and whilst it's tough, the fact that you progress just a smidgen further each time, learning a new attack pattern or safe space, means you just have to keep on playing. Recommended to hardcore shooter fans, casual gamers may find it just too difficult.
The visuals and 80s soundtrack are amazing and look great whether playing on a TV or on the Switch in mobile mode. Too often did I feel I was on the back foot when it came to weapons, upgrades, and dealing with random enemies. There's definitely a balance issue when it comes to the procedurally generated mechanics.
A good italian shoo'em'up with all the elements of the classics of the genre.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Looking at screenshots, and playing the game briefly, it does not seem like it might be as good as it actually is. But there is something oddly addicting trying 'just one more time' to get further. The progression could use some quickening, and other things could use expanding; but the flair the game possesses is hard to deny. Really the only thing stopping this from a higher score is the lack of depth, such as a story, better upgrade systems, or anything along these lines, but for what it is, it is surprisingly solid.
Black Paradox is a shmup that looks great, sounds great, and plays great but doesn’t reward great. The roguelike elements can really feel unfair when you get stuck with useless weapons and the grind to increase your ships abilities feels a bit unbalanced. It’s a good thing that I found the gameplay to be so fun and addictive though as it kept me playing despite those concerns.
Black Paradox may not be the biggest shmup out there but it plays so well that it's hard to put down once you pick it up.
