Ballistic Overkill Early Access Preview
By Richard Jewell
Released on October 8th, 2015 on PC (Steam)
Developer: Aquiris Game Studio     Publisher: Aquiris Game Studio ​

Metrico+ is an infographic side-scrolling puzzle platform game developed and published by indie Dutch Developer Digital Dreams. Originally released back in 2014 on the PS Vita as Metrico, Digital Dreams has now ported the game to various platforms. Available on PS4, Steam, and coming soon to Xbox One, Metrico+ adds updated mechanics, new puzzles, new modes, new character animations, a revised music soundtrack, and a + sign to the ending of its name.

I sat down recently to spend some time with Metrico+, having no experience with the original game, and I must say I was charmed from the get-go. Metrico+ flaunts an impressive geometric world, with unique gameplay mechanics that force you to experiment with your characters movements in order to solve puzzles and advance through the game. Move left, a pillar might rise from the floor. Move too far right, the pillar may rise a touch too far for you to reach. Jump at the wrong moment and the pillars might box you in, forcing you to restart at a checkpoint.
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Thankfully, checkpoints seem to be available in every puzzle and are very much part of the game itself. Metrico+ expects you to go through trial and error, and at some points even forces you to reload a puzzle in order to continue. As you complete a level, you’ll earn new upgrades, and just as you feel like you know the answers, Metrico+ changes the questions, forcing you to adapt and apply your new upgrades as you move through the game. 

The narrative in the game seems to be vague so far. I’m not quite sure if there is a goal for the protagonist as I haven’t completed the game yet, but so far I’m enjoying building my own story for my character. As for the aesthetics of Metrico+, I was impressed. As I stated earlier, the game is built using striking infographic art design. Not sure what infographic means? I wasn’t either. Evidently, it means information presented in a visual format. That makes sense, considering the mechanics used in the game hinge on the art design itself, but don’t fret, I never felt the need to break out my high school geometry books.

Now, the beautiful art design is important, but we all know music helps take a game to the next level, and I feel like this game has the goods. Composed by Dutch artist Palmbomen, the synthetic sound design helps aid the visuals, and provides a relaxing atmosphere as you travel through your shapely world.

I enjoyed my time with this game, but I’m getting lengthy here, so let me leave you all with the following: Do you like puzzles? Do you like stylish geometric designs and pie charts? Do you like to relax after work with a beer and some soothing electronic beats? If you said yes to these questions, Metrico+ may just be the game for you, my friends.

​Metrico+ will be available January 20th, 2017 on Xbox One for $13.99, and is currently available for purchase on Steam and PS4 for $13.99

Awesomenauts Assembled just went live on Xbox One and I feel that a preview is in order. Awesomenauts Assembled is a side scrolling MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) developed by Romino Games. This title pairs two teams of three against one another to fight in six different arenas, varying in texture design and layouts. There are also twenty-six unique characters to choose between, all coming with their own unique kit and playstyle.
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Romino Games have made a few announcements that are in celebration to the Xbox One launch. They include the following: