S&S; Indie Review: Starchon

Title: Starchon // Format: XBLIG // Release Date: September 26, 2010 // Developer: Freelance Games // Price: 80 MS points Each // Violence: 1/3 // Sex: 0/3 // Mature Content: 1/3
This is the last game from Freelance that I'll be covering for awhile, yes queue up the depressing violin music, and this one doesn't have a single boob or scantily clad dressed woman in sight.   Presentation and Core Gameplay: Even though Starchon was the first game that Freelance Games had released on the XBLIG store, it happened to be the last game of theirs I've gotten my hands on.  Like I previously stated, its kind of disheartening to not have any boobs or women in the game.  I know that seems kind of shallow right, but don't judge me, I have been spoiled my Trailer Park King and Cherry Poke Prison.  Instead of being in a trailer park, the game takes place in deep space.  The visuals are solid all-around, including your spaceship, carriers, and enemy ships.  Although there isn't a lot of variety in the enemy ship models, it never really feels repetitive when swarms of ships are attacking you.  The music is subtle in the game,and without any voice acting, the presentation is really lacking in a lot of areas.  The core gameplay in the game is handled really well, simplistic controls are always welcomed in my book.  You use the left stick to maneuver the ship around the square shaped, and your A or X button can be used to fire your weapons.  Pressing the Y button will make your ship dock onto the carrier, while docked you can purchase and equip weapons and shields for your ship.  The menu system for upgrading is laid out very awkwardly, you'll make constant mistakes like picking older upgrades instead of the new upgrades you just purchased.  This is a small gripe with the game, once you learn the system, its fine how it is.  The campaign does get a little challenging at times, but its never cheap.  The gameplay in the game is definitely my favorite part in the overall package.   Final Thoughts: Starchon is a solid space shooter, with some good, fun gameplay.  Although the presentation department is really lacking, the gameplay really saves the day.  Any fan of space shooters should definitely give this a play. S&S Rating: 7/10