Recs.
Updated
TowerFall Ascension is a 2D sidescrolling local multiplayer shooter with gameplay that focuses on tightly controlled arena platforming. Using a unique twist, the players ammo is limited to three rounds This makes for a hectic situation where each shot needs consideration, and each miss requires fast thinking and action, in order to not run out of ammo.
Specs
Pros
Pro Easy to learn but hard to master
You run, jump, and shoot arrows, which anyone can learn in a matter of minutes. To become a great player, however, there is a lot of technique and strategy to learn. This includes aiming, using cover, reading your opponent, and many other things. As a result TowerFall Ascension is accessible to casual players while also being able to keep the hardcore players interested.
Pro Old-school, arcade-like design adds a level of complexity not found in many modern games
In the style of Asteroids, everything that flies of the left side of the screen appears on the right. This allows for trick shots and adds to the level of complexity that you need to plan for. You also need to remain aware of your partners’ location, as they can be damaged by an errant shot.
Pro Co-op mode that improves communication
TowerFall Ascension has a 2-player co-op mode where you and your friend fight against hordes of bad guys. It has friendly fire, so you need to communicate to avoid hurting each other. This creates a mode that motivates you to communicate with your friend more, leading to a lot of back and forth banter.
Pro Friendly fire during local co-op means communication is key but also leads to humorous banter
While not the core playstyle of the game, there is a 2-player local co-op quest mode that pits you and a friend against hordes of bad guys. Friendly fire will harm your teammate, so without communication, this mode is difficult –, which is what makes this such a fun mode for local co-op players who are already in the same location, as it leads to a lot of back and forth banter.
Pro Any skill level can figure out the gameplay, while still keeping it challenging for everyone
Anyone can pick up the game and reach a level of basic competence in a matter of minutes. To become a great player, however, there is a lot of technique and strategy to learn. The gameplay remains pretty basic and easy to grasp, but there is a level of skill that can only be learned through repeated practice.
Pro Well balanced risk-reward gameplay by way of limited ammo
Players are limited to three arrows at the beginning of each match. Once they are fired, the arrows can be collected by whoever is nearest. Therefore players need to think strategically in order to ensure their arrows don’t fall into the wrong hands.
Pro Single-screen levels add depth to strategy
In the style of old school games like Asteroids, everything that moves outside the edge of the screen appears on the opposite side of it. Because of this you always need to remain aware of your surroundings and other player locations, so you don't get hit by an arrow coming from an unexpected direction. This adds a level complexity not found in many modern games, which is quite refreshing.
Cons
Con Limited to local multiplayer only
Limiting a game that thrives on multiplayer to local-only co-op really hampers the fun that can be had, especially on PCs. Not many PC gamers own four controllers or have the space and screens to host that many people.
This can be overcome by using something like parsec.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Con Limited to just local multiplayer
As it is now, you're limited to just playing with or against your friends or not playing at all. If you could play matches against other players online, the game would've been a lot more accessible.
Con Really short co-op campaign
The co-op quest mode takes around seven hours to complete. So if you're not interested in the competitive multiplayer aspect of TowerFall Ascension, you'll run out of things to do really fast.