Gamers from around the 16-Bit era probably remember a little fad that came and went with very few interesting titles released. Clay based animation. I am not sure where this developed from, maybe the old cartoon Gumby? That clay based cartoon that started in the late 1950’s did have a new adventure in the late 1980s so that might be where this stemmed from. Skipping past Trog to mention Clayfighter, probably the most well-known clay based game, then hit fast forward again to get to 2002 where we find Platypus. I know, I am skipping a few titles, notably by Neverhood studios, my goal is to whet your appetite for these games rather than be a compendium on them. Platypus was different, it was a scrolling shooter instead of a traditional action game of some sort.
Anyone that is a fan of scrolling shooters, whether side scrolling or overhead scrolling shooters, knows how enemies explode is a make or break on explosions. If you are fighting bosses and they just flicker off the screen it is quite the let down. Same for the regular enemies you fight throughout the levels.
Platypus Reclayed has a unique benefit – the clay. The explosions here are different versus sci-fi shooters we are used to. Explosions are not sparks and bits of the enemy falling. Nope, here they are globs of clay with some pieces here or there that identify the enemy you just hit.
It is a nice effect and easily missed as this game is quite pretty.
Platypus Reclayed has the unique art style down pat here. Multiple levels of scrolling in the background as well as interesting enemies to take on, especially bosses. Everything up to the bosses is just fodder to give you more powerful weapons.
Platypus Reclayed appears to have found that sweet spot between old school challenge with unique enemy layouts and bullet hell. This is great news as Platypus Reclayed seems to be trying to walk that fine line between generations of games to maximize their fanbase here.
My reflexes are not what they used to be so bullet hell shooters are just not something I can enjoy. It is nice to see a scrolling shooter that is not going just bullet hell with its difficulty is being released.
Platypus Reclayed will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC (probably via Steam) in 2025.
