GONNER2

Colorful, somewhat addictive, and ever-changing maps give the game it's charm, and the difficulty ramps up and beckons players back. GONNER2 has a story and promptly doesn't bother to tell the player what it is, or even what really needs to be done. The hero, Ikk, is pooped out on a map, picks up a rifle and ammo, and tries to avoid or kill bosses and mini-bosses to get to the other end to be swallowed back up by the worm-like creature that dropped him off to begin with. The game has no sound, and has a cooperative mode that allows up to four others to jump in. But since this is a 2D side-scrolling affair, the point of view and map tends to be centered on the first player. Die and you start back near the beginning, which can be frustrating if you're trying to make progress and are repeatedly unlucky.

Where the game succeeds, though is in the ease of play, the brightly colored maps and the procedurally drawn maps that make no two play sessions feel the same. Honestly, GONNER2's strength is in its game mechanics, which are rock solid. Keeping the focus on the game's controls puts an emphasis on strategically working through the levels. Plus, some luck can play a role in making your way through a stage, and reflexive elements are also involved to test your skill. GONNER2 builds off the original game, offers more in terms of multiplayer, ramps up the challenge and is nice little drop-in-and-play game that would be a good introduction to the roguelite genre for younger gamers.