IndieGo 32: Sparedevil and Last Dream Fishing Arcade

We go on a pin-hunting frenzy in Sparedevil, a title that blends bowling with first-person shooting. Following the intense score-chasing, we take a break to unwind with Last Dream Fishing Arcade’s accessible angling and light role-playing elements. Yes, there’s some genre-blending in IndieGo #32.

Sparedevil, Sludge Pipe Games

No, we’re not sure if Sludge Pipe Games’ inaugural Steam release is pronounced, “Spared Evil” or “Spare Devil”, so we’ll assume the absence of a space in the title is strategic. But the game’s creative mash-up of mechanics, where ten-pin meets the first-person arena is unquestionably energetic.

Sparedevil’s training is little more than a diagram detailing the different input buttons. But once you dive into the game’s rounded alley, you’ll realize that bowling is simple. All you have to do is aim your bowling ball toward the groups of pins that are spawning around, charge, and release. Pleasingly, there’s no worry about spin or throwing angle.  Instead, you’ll move around “Hell’s Alley”, as you attempt to line up multiple targets.

The twist is that the pins aren’t stationary. Entire formations occasionally leap forward, and any leftover pins will begin to charge you with scorching anger. Over time, new types of pins will appear, and you’ll encounter rotating ones that have a single, mini-golf style opening only accessible from the front, or and even pins that will launch mortars. Before long, survival requires you to keep moving, dodging the diabolical alley’s ever-growing enemy count.

But success depends on more than just evasion. You’ll want to keep your combo count going, which feeds into your score multiplier. And scoring five strikes provides another reward: the use of secondary weapons that can accelerate the pin carnage. From a searing laser to an explosive jump, Sparedevil provides access to four assistive secondary abilities.

At present, the foremost issue with Sparedevil is longevity. While trying to earn a place on the online leaderboard for the game’s standard and timed modes is compelling and there are plenty of minor cosmetics to earn, additional game modes would be appreciated. To a lesser extent, the inclusion of a mini map would be another welcome addition. At present, it’s far too easy to bring a run to an end by accidentally falling off the arena platform or crashing into pins positioned behind you. But even with these blemishes, Sparedevil is no gutter ball.

Last Dream Fishing Arcade, White Giant RPG Studios

Given that fishing mini-games are pervasive in role-playing games, it’s hardly surprising to witness a developer shift genres and attempt to build an angling adventure with stat-based mechanics. And that’s the case with Last Dream Fishing Arcade, which lets you step into the waders of a dozen different characters (culled from the developer’s last RPG), each with their own distinctive combination of casting and reeling power, line strength and reflexes.

Regardless of who you pick, equipment is significant in Last Dream. Initially, you’ll be given a modest reel, rod, and fragile line. But as you land fish, you’ll earn points that can be used to augment your current equipment or purchase a better pole that comes with its own enhancement opportunities.

As the title implies, catching Fishing Arcade’s 100+ different varieties of fish sea life is straightforward. After casting off with a golf swing-style meter, any fish your hook touches will be automatically hooked in. Reeling uses two meters, depicting line tension and fish endurance, while a single button is used for hoisting your catch in. Expectedly, bigger fish will put up a fish and expert anglers can use performance bonuses on temporary perks like a stronger line. While each character has their own ability, you can use earned currency to acquire additional ones. Additionally, you can also purchase a wealth of different items that will make landing the big one a bit easier.

Structurally, Last Dream is rather laid back. There are timed fishing derbies where you can compete against CPU-power rivals. Or you can spend as much time as you want casting off at any of the game’s 14 venues, catching fish, as well as treasure chest, and even a message in a bottle from the depths of each locale. Many of the game’s goals center around landing different varieties of fish. Pleasingly, the game makes a clear visual distinction between caught species and ones that don’t have an entry in your fishiary.

At present, Last Dream might be a bit too relaxed. While the lure of earning better gear offers a gentle incentive, the game’s gameplay loop becomes monotonous before you unlock the New Game+ mode. But before tossing Last Dream back in the water, know that the developers are still tuning the game. Leading up to its full release on September 10^th, I witnessed an update that softened the grind on the way to becoming the God of Fisherman.