Recs.
Updated
TowerFall Ascension is a 2D local online shooter with gameplay that sees players platforming in an arena trying to shoot one another with limited ammo. There is also a co-op mode where players fight wave after wave of enemies.
Specs
Pros
Pro Old-school arcade-like design
Makes for fun interesting scenarios, as there is a portal on each side of the screen that allows arrows flying off the left side to come in on the right. It also allows for trick shots by utilizing one side of the screen to shoot enemies on the other. This adds to the challenge, as you need to be conscious of your partners placement as they can be hit with your shots.
Pro Balanced risk reward with limited ammo
Players are limited with three arrows at the beginning of each match with each shot being able to be collected by whoever grabs it first making for the need for strategical analysis as to whether the arrow can be used without falling into the wrong hands to then be used by another player to their advantage.
Pro Fun co-op quest mode
While not the core of this local multiplayer shooter there is an inclusion of a 2 player local co-op quest mode that features two players fighting against hordes of bad guys. Friendly fire is on, so without communication may be difficult, which is what makes this such a fun mode for local co-op play as both players need to communicate well to succeed.
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 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.
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 Simple to learn, hard to master
Anyone can pick up the game and be playing competently in a minute but there is a lot of technique and strategy to lean to keep players engaged. While the gameplay keeping itself pretty basic and easy to grasp, there is a level of skill needed here that can be learned through repeated gameplay, as practice makes perfect.
Cons
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Con Co-op quest mode is short
Probably 7 hours tops to get through the co-op quest, so for those looking for a longer game with full co-op quests, this may not fit the bill being a bit short on that front. Luckily, it's not the only aspect of the game, leaving some replay value.