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What are the best twin-stick shooters on PS4?

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May 7, 2018

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6 Games Considered

Best twin-stick shooters on PS4	Price	Steam Rating	Platforms
-- HELLDIVERS	$19.99	Very Positive	Very Positive
-- Enter the Gungeon	$14.99	Very Positive	Very Positive
-- Nex Machina	$19.99	Very Positive	Windows, PlayStation 4
-- Alienation	$19.99	–	–
-- Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris	$19.99	–	–

HELLDIVERS

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Intense co-op play

The whole game can be played in local or online co-op with up to three other players. Each stage is procedurally generated and feature certain objectives that need completed. Of course, the objectives need executed while hordes of enemies swarm you. This is what makes for the intense action as there are so many enemies to be found coming at you at all times, add in extra players and the action becomes quite turbulent thanks to the friendly fire mechanic. There is no way to turn off friendly fire which means everyone who is going in guns blazing may upset the other players meaning everyone will need to keep a close eye on all of the action taking place in order to succeed. See More

Top Con

Game gets difficult

There are 12 different classifications of difficulty in the game, as you progress the game gets a lot more difficult going all the way up to the twelfth difficulty. For some this may be too difficult and will end in frustration, so for those not looking for a challenge, this game may not be for them. See More

Specs

Steam Rating:Very Positive

Top Pro

Heavily influenced by the film Starship Troopers

The main story of the game plays out a lot like the theme in Starship Troopers, where the world is united in exterminating an alien race on other planets. The humor found in the movie as well as the action are to be found in this game as well, which is all a bit over the top but all in fun, of which the game is. So for all of those that are fans of Starship Troopers, this game should offer a bit of nostalgia for them. See More

Top Con

Joining co-op can be a pain

There is no way for everyone to just jump into a game, one player needs to host and then the others can be invited, but of course they already need to be on the players friend list, which may not always be the case which means more work to get everything together. A more seamless experience would be nice to see but sadly that is not how the co-op was designed. See More

Top Pro

Requires more tactics over other twin stick shooters

Ammo is limited in the game, meaning the player needs to make each shot count. On top of this, where an enemy is hit matters as well, so center mass is the best place to shoot them, of course this is not always easy. Due to the fact that ammo is limited and placement of shots matter it is up to the player to try and figure out the best methods for not running out of ammo and shooting each creature. This requires patience and planning, something that is often missing from run of the mill twin stick shooters. See More

Top Con

Things can get a bit repetitive

After a while of playing the game, it can all seem a bit "samey" in that really all you are doing is the same tasks over and over again. the repetitiveness of the game can get frustrating after a while leading to the game being ignored. See More

Top Pro

Enemies go all out during extractions

At the end of each stage the player/players must order an extraction vehicle. Once called the players must ward off an onslaught of enemies for 90 seconds. Only one player needs to get on the extraction vehicle, which means all out mayhem as each player can just start unleashing their most devastating weapons. This is quite a fun part of the game as each player can just go all out. See More

Top Pro

The scoring system greatly encourages teamwork

When playing co-op, once a level is completed there will be a score rewarded to the players. Luckily this score is not based off of kills, which means players can focus more on objectives instead of going lone wolf for kills. the scoring allows for more teamwork to happen, which is great as that is what co-op should be geared more towards, cooperation. See More

Enter the Gungeon

Top Pro

Easily stay in the action of the game

There are a few small features in the game that add up to making sure the player is never too distracted or pulled out of the action. Things like once a stage is cleared and all coins dropped by your fallen foes will be magnetically pulled to you, just to make sure time is not wasted running around picking up currency. Another is that each map has numerous teleporter nodes, which makes for fast and easy travel. And lastly there is a quick start in the main menu that allows the player to jump right back into the action the next time they start up the game. All these things add up to an ease of use that makes sure the player is never too distracted by the un-fun elements of play. See More

Top Con

Co-op feels tacked on

Co-op in the game is only local (no online co-op at all), which limits who you can pay with. On top of this the way one has to go about starting a co-op game feels a bit unintuitive, which can be frustrating. Stages can also feel cramped when in co-op mode, meaning players bump into walls and objects too much. See More

Specs

Steam Rating:Very Positive

Top Pro

Gameplay is balanced well

Often in a roguelite game there can be the chance of getting delt a bum hand on any particular run, luckily Enter the Gungeon does not suffer from this issue as there is a good balance of the gunplay mechanics that sees any death by you as your own fault of not playing to your max ability. Never is it some cheap shot or some item that was not able to be picked up this run, it is just your skill and awareness of wht is being shot at you that matters the most. See More

Top Con

High difficulty

The game can be difficult, especially when first starting out. This may mean a lot of deaths and a feeling of no progressions due to having to start over a lot. While the game is not unmanageable for players who enjoy the games genres, it may be a bit of a turn off for newcomers. See More

Top Pro

Satisfying replayability

Thanks to the roguelite aspects of the game, there is randomly generated levels, which means fresh gameplay each time the game is played. There is also 4 different characters available in the game, each of which has a different boss fight at the end of the game as well as different characteristics while being used. This also makes for a good bit of replayability for those that would like to see all the different bosses in the game as well as experience the different type of gameplay for each character. See More

Top Pro

Cool collection aspect

There are 190 guns available in the game that the player can collect through purchasing them in an in-game shop as they progress through the game. Most likely this will take multiple playthroughs with all four of the available characters, which means tons of playtime for those that like to collect everything in a game. See More

Top Pro

Unique tone

The game is often silly with many humorous elements such as every character is based around being a bullet, that in turn own guns and fire other bullets. There is no mistaking that the game is about shooting, and the game is somewhat 4th wall breaking by taking advantage of this fact and hilariously throwing it into the players face. See More

Top Pro

SHMUP like gameplay

A lot of the shooting elements in this game revolve around SHMUP like mechanics. Players will need to doge a juke many bullets on screen at ones. Luckily there is a roll capability that allows the player to doge when in a precarious position. This roll feature though is not just some way to make the game easier but is a tool to be used as the game is specifically designed to need this roll in certain places. See More

Nex Machina

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Boss battles truly test your skills

At the end of each level are difficult boss fights that crank out bullets and beams in all directions that you have to dodge while dealing damage at the same time. The bosses are all different in design, such as a giant ape that lumbers around the field and throws obstacles at you, to a more stationary tower that bombards you with other enemies that you're forced to prioritize instead. Each boss is a comprehensive test of the skills you've learned up to that point, encouraging you to make the best use of your power-ups and dodge timings. See More

Top Con

Deaths can be too punishing at times

In Nex Machina, you'll die after a single hit from an enemy, causing you to drop one of your power-ups, like your ability to dash three times in a row or increased weapon spread. You'll then have to return to the spot where you died to collect the power-up that you dropped. If you lose all of your lives, you're forced to use a continue, leaving you with only power-up. It'a a punishing system that makes you work harder with fewer tools after continuous deaths. See More

Specs

Steam Rating:Very Positive

Genre:Shoot 'Em Up

Top Pro

Great synthwave soundtrack

Complimenting Nex Machina's speedy, chaotic gameplay, the soundtrack matches the sci-fi setting with hard-hitting, energetic synths and modulations. The electronic beats are catchy and fun to listen to while blasting through the game's metallic levels and robotic enemies. The tracks fit into the idea of what it would have been like to play any retro sci-fi game without the musical constraints on games in the 80s and 90s. See More

Top Con

The game is very short

Your first playthrough will only take about an hour or two, which may not be worth it. There are plenty of new paths and secrets hidden across the levels, so a completionist playthrough will take about five or six hours. See More

Top Pro

Responsive controls

Since you only have a short window to dodge hazardous laser beams on the field and maneuver your character around swarms of enemies, it's great that the controls are tight and accurate. You can pull off dodges and risky swerves to save a human NPC with ease as long as you master the angles and timing. With a challenging game like this, you don't need to worry about input lag getting in the way of more aggressive playstyles. See More

Top Pro

Difficult yet rewarding gameplay

Nex Machina's bullet hell gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, with dozens of robotic enemies rushing at you while you use every skill at your disposal to survive and increase your score. Not only do you have to avoid enemies, but you also have to use your ability to dodge hazards on the field such as laser beams. There are also optional human NPCs to save who are usually taking damage by waves of enemies. Clearing the surrounding robots while dodging any nearby lasers to save these humans will award you with extra points to your score, so it's worth it to go after them whenever you can. As you defeat enemies, they'll sometimes drop power-up items, such as shields that will absorb damage that would normally kill you, and tools to increase the range of your bullets. Clearing a level with no deaths earns you a nice score boost at the end, encouraging you to run through the game as best as you can. It takes a lot of precision to dodge lasers while killing the enemies that come at you from all directions, but pulling it off is a rewarding, addicting experience. See More

Alienation

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Lots of variety in enemy type

There are many enemy types, from the slow-moving kind you can simply shoot down as you run and gun, to ones that move fast, explode, wear heavy armor, and teleport around the map. Every enemy has a trick up it's sleeve, so you'll have to adjust your strategies on the fly. As you progress through the game, the enemies become more numerous and stronger resulting in exciting and balanced gameplay. You won't get bored of shooting the same enemies over and over, as they are randomly placed with plenty of variety. See More

Top Con

Guns are all pretty similar

With the exception of their raw damage output and base stats, most guns of the same type (shotgun, flamethrower, etc) look and perform the same. See More

Top Pro

Fast paced, arcade action

The action never stops. Enemies of multiple types spawn all over the place in random locations, lasers and flamethrowers light up the screen, and things explode into a shower of color and particle effects. Loot is everywhere, drops randomly, and can be upgraded RPG style. There's hardly a chance to catch your breath because the enemies just don't stop coming as you make your way through procedurally-generated maps and missions. See More

Top Con

PvP can be unfair

Through an 'Invasion' system, other players can invade your game and attempt to kill you while you attempt to defend against them. However, there is no attempt to match up players of equal power, so it usually results in unfair play where higher level players are demolishing lower level players. It feels very unbalanced and offers no extra rewards like loot or experience. See More

Top Pro

Great weapon looting and upgrade system

There's always a new weapon to loot or find via randomized weapon drops. Weapons come with a variety of upgrade sockets that can be fitted with upgrade "cores" to increase the base stats like damage, clip size, and rate of fire. All upgrades are incredibly satisfying as they feel immediately more powerful. Each player can carry 3 weapons at the same time, as well as a grenade slot for explosives like boomerangs and mines. You're free to mix and match your weapons to create a style that works for you. If you're not happy with your random drop, you can always salvage/reroll it to have new stats and sockets. Regardless of your weapon choice, you'll always be able to custom tailor it to suit your playstyle through the versatile upgrading system. See More

Top Con

Single player can be hard

This game was meant for co-op, meaning the single player mode can feel overwhelming at time. Playing alone and with no support, you will oftentimes simply be outgunned. See More

Top Pro

Different classes to compliment each other in co-op play

Alienation features three different classes to choose from, all of which compliment each other in co-op play. Tanks can take the brunt of the damage, while saboteurs can dash into swarms of ranged enemies to take them out, and the bio-specialist which serves as an assist role by healing teammates can unleash clouds of poison to choke enemies. Playing with your friends offers the opportunity to create some fun team compositions that compliment each other as you work together to blast your way through swarms of aliens. See More

Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris

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Co-op play encourages strong teamwork and coordination

In order to overcome obstacles in your path, get at loot in hard to reach places, or use teamwork to solve a variety of puzzles, the game encourages a deep level of coordination and communication between players that isn't required in most other isometric dungeon crawlers. This makes it a great co-op game to play with friends. Boost a friend to the top of a column for hard to reach loot, pull a switch so they can access a locked gate in another area, or even lay down a rope line to help your friends cross a perilous chasm. Almost everything in co-op play will require multiple people working together to advance throughout the level. Additionally, the puzzles scale based on the number of players, oftentimes adding new mechanics such as switches, levers, and walls that aren't present in solo play. Nobody will ever feel left out as there's always a way for players to contribute to solving puzzles whether you're playing with 2 or 4 friends. See More

Top Con

The story is generic and simple

If you're looking for a deep and intricate story, you won't find it here. The plot revolves around Lara and friends finding all the pieces of Osiris and putting him back together to stop the evil god Set from enslaving all humanity. There's not much depth or character development. See More

Top Pro

Various loot adds a bit of an RPG element

While this is not a loot-based dungeon crawler, there's still a variety of different weapons to discover and blast your foes with, as well as gems and treasure chests scattered around the levels. The gems are used to open treasure chests that contain rings and amulets. This loot provides combat bonuses such as extra fire damage, a leech effect to steal health from enemies, or provide a bigger blast radius for your bombs. Finding these gems and treasure chests will require some exploration into hard to reach areas, oftentimes by utilizing the help of your friends, but looting a new ring or amulet to increase your combat capabilities makes it a worthy endeavor and gives the game a light RPG element. See More

Top Con

Online co-op with strangers can be frustrating

Most of the intricate and complex puzzles require intense cooperation and communication between players. Achieving that level of coordination playing online with strangers is difficult and frustrating in some situations. See More

Top Pro

Boss fights incorporate puzzles

Sometimes the boss battles incorporate elements of the puzzles from the level you just played, and build on them a bit. This makes the boss battles more strategic. Instead of just pumping lead into them and mashing buttons, you have to strategically alter the environment to take them down. For example, there is a snake boss that requires you to arrange mirrors and shoot lasers to expose the weak areas of the boss. Your friend may be arranging the mirrors while you're shooting the lasers. Discovering the trick to defeating each boss is highly rewarding as each encounter incorporates a clever, satisfying mix of action, teamwork, and puzzles. See More

Top Pro

Good balance between action and puzzle solving

You'll do your fair share of running and gunning through hordes of scarabs and skeletons, but the action is offset nicely by numerous environmental puzzles. There's just enough action so that you stay on your toes, but it's never overbearing to the point you'll ever feel overwhelmed by enemies. The puzzles are spaced liberally to give a break from the action and let your brain do the heavy lifting for a while. Every so often, you'll put your weapons down and instead pull levers, throw down rope lines, shoot lasers at mirrors, and change the flow of waterways in an attempt to continue down your path. See More

Neurovoider

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Great co-op

You can play the game's main campaign with up to 3 other players locally. This considerably amplifies the mayhem, resulting in really entertaining shootouts and boss battles. With Neurovoider being a roguelike, the permadeath mechanic still applies, which can lead to both tragic and funny moments. See More

Top Con

Fairly difficult

Neurovoider is a super fast and hectic game, so anyone not used to playing games at a very high tempo can get instantly overwhelmed even on the easiest difficulty. While practice helps to lessen this, players looking for slower-paced games probably won't have as much fun with this title. See More

Specs

Genre:Roguelike, Shooter, Role-Playing

Co-Op:4 Player Local

Top Pro

Great replayability thanks to extensive procedural generation

Almost everything in Neurovoider is procedurally generated. This includes levels, enemies, weapons, and even loot - the combinations are almost endless, to the point you probably won't encounter the same level layouts, enemies, and even loot twice. As a result, Neurovoider can stay fresh and exciting for a longer time than a lot of other similar games. See More

Top Pro

Humorous setting

Neurovoider's setting is both dark and humorous - a dystopian Earth overrun by robots that spend all their time partying, so you, the last organic being alive on the planet, decide to crash that party with bullets and rockets. While this is a minor aspect of the game itself, the absurdity of the situation can add some unexpected humor to the intense shootouts. See More

Top Pro

Exhilarating shooter gameplay

Neurovoider is a game where you enact a robot genocide with ludicrous amounts of bullets, rockets, lasers, and explosions. The mayhem almost never slows down, and as you enter new sections of a level, you're greeted with new hordes of misshaped party robots with fairly challenging boss battles occasionally thrown into the mix. On top of that, there's the roguelike permadeath mechanic, considerably adding to the intensity of each encounter, since every battle truly is a fight for survival. See More

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