THIS IS EARLY ACCESS COVERAGE.
If the classic arcade game Asteroids had a baby with the 90’s Nokia snake game and then raised that baby in an EDM club, it would probably be something very much like Space Dance. The objective is to avoid collision with moving objects by either dodging or destroying them, all to the tune of electronic dance music. The unique feature is the ability to bind enemies together in a single chain that will follow you around the map and when destroyed, will create a kill streak and bonus score points. However, the field of play is limited, and much like the classic snake game, the longer your chain the less space you have to move.
Space Dance is a fast and fun update to a classic arcade omni-shooter. It offers short game time, tight controls, and provides a decent test of skill. Unfortunately, flaws in its presentation and the designer’s decision to leave out certain gaming functions means players are left with more of a proof-of-concept rather than an actual product. A flaw worth mentioning is the vagueness of the chaining feature functions. With inconstant captures, erratic movements of captured targets, and the random detonation of captured targets, it is challenging to use and never really explained. Some missing functions that would improve playability are a pause feature, a progress bar other than just your score, or even a difficulty setting. That being said, Space Dance, is still early access and they could easily be added before the final release.
Graphics are a clean, simple affair with a few interesting special effects. However, with only three types of targets and an all-black background, it would be hard not to appear clean. That being said, there is a stylish afterglow effect on the moving objects and a nice fade-in effect for spawning targets. Back-ground music, as stated prior, is a single track of Electro House music. While not unacceptable, having additional tracks or the ability to turn it off would be preferable. Particularly early on, when you find yourself having to restart multiple times while you try to learn the pattern of the game.
Space Dance is inspired by simpler times. While the current product is a bit lackluster, the fact that it’s still early access means there is a chance for improvement. At a price point of just ninety-nine cents, it’s worth picking up as both a time killer and to see what the developers have in store next.
If a score was to be given for this early access product as it is today, it would receive a 5.5/10.
A Nerd with far too much time on his hands.
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