Review: Nex Machina

Often, the true measure of a game lies in its nuanced details. While expansive, AAA titles boasting 100+ hours of gameplay have their place, the immediate playability and intrinsic entertainment value often hold greater appeal, particularly given the time constraints faced by professionals and parents. This dynamic explains the enduring success of mobile gaming, owing to its inherent portability. Finnish studio Housemarque adeptly fills this demand, delivering classic gameplay sensibilities enhanced by modern technology on both PS4 and PC platforms.

One of the standout launch titles for the PS4 in the fall of 2013 was not a AAA behemoth, but rather an indie title from a previously lesser-known studio. Resogun presented a stylish, compelling, and exceptionally playable side-scrolling shoot’em-up. Its unique circular movement around its axis offered a modernized take on Defender. Housemarque’s Nex Machina shares many similarities with Resogun, featuring intense action, swarms of enemies, substantial explosions, and a high density of projectiles on-screen, bordering on the “bullet hell” subgenre. Its core gameplay is instantly accessible, taking mere seconds to grasp, though mastering its intricacies requires considerably more dedication.

Nex Machina is a twin-stick shooter, utilizing both analog sticks for character movement and aiming/shooting, respectively. The L2 button activates a dash, while R1 triggers a special weapon, if available. Drawing inspiration from retro titles such as Robotron and the Amiga 500 classic Smash TV, this influence is unsurprising given that Defender and Robotron creator Eugene Jarvis served as a “creative consultant” on the project.

The game delivers full-throttle action from the outset, complemented by a retro soundtrack reminiscent of the Amiga era, proving a treat for audiophiles. For those unfamiliar with well-composed game music, exploring the genre is highly recommended. A starting point could be the accessible versions available on Spotify via Instant Remedy. Nex Machina comprises five distinct worlds, each culminating in a boss encounter. The difficulty curve is well-balanced, providing a constant challenge while allowing players to respawn up to five times before requiring a restart of the entire world (dying on a regular stage forces a complete restart). Completing the entire game in arcade mode, its intended playstyle, typically takes 2-3 hours. This offers a significant adrenaline rush achievable in a single sitting. Saving is disabled; therefore, if prolonged play is not feasible, selecting Single World mode to unlock worlds individually is advisable.

Playing Nex Machina solo provides an exhilarating experience. However, engaging in two-player, couch co-op evokes the quintessential arcade experiences of the 80s and 90s. Coupled with its modern and stylish presentation (PS4 Pro supports upscaling to 4K and HDR), the game delivers entertainment and engaging gameplay for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. While the core mechanics may not be the most intricate or varied, its directness is a rare quality in contemporary games. Factoring in multiple game modes, challenges, and an accessible price point on the PSN Store, a strong recommendation for the action-packed Nex Machina is easily justified. Housemarque has once again delivered a compelling title!