| Developer | Publisher | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Phew Phew Games | Phew Phew Games | Microsoft Windows-Xbox Series X/S-Xbox One-Nintendo Switch |
Anomaly Agent isn’t your average platformer. It’s a neon-soaked mix of activities, served up in a pixelated glass that shatters time itself. Developed by Phew Phew Game, this game throws you into the boots of a government secret enforcer tasked with battling temporal anomalies plaguing the world. Prepare for a whirlwind of punchy combat, mind-bending narratives, and quirky characters, all pulsating to a heart-pumping synth-wave soundtrack. It’s a short but exciting journey.
Step into the neon-drenched levels of the game as Agent 70, a government agent tasked with cleaning up the anomalies messing with the city. Combat is the heart of Anomaly Agent, and it’s a satisfying dance of bone-crunching punches, acrobatic dodges, and unlockable weapons. Enemies come in all shapes and sizes, from robotic grunts to hulking clone brutes, each requiring slightly different tactics. The game demands precision and quick reflexes, rewarding skilled players with an exhilarating flow and more coins for consistent combos. However, be warned, the difficulty curve can be steep, especially later on and in the boss fights, so prepare for some pixel-perfect timing and a healthy dose of patience. But fortunately, checkpoints are close to each other and load in a blink of an eye.
The story unfolds mysteriously, reflecting the anomalies you’re battling. Narrative fragments are woven into the gameplay, leaving you piecing together the bigger picture like a detective collecting clues. This approach isn’t that tricky but it also fuels intrigue and encouragement. The dialogue choices and your actions, subtly influence the world and in the end, even lead to multiple endings. While the core narrative might not blow your mind and be super familiar, its unique presentation keeps you engaged.
Anomaly Agents is a visual feast with vibrant neon signs, gritty alleyways, and creative clothing styles. The 16-bit pixel art is lovingly crafted, capturing the retro aesthetic with fine detail. However, the main environments themselves can feel a bit repetitive, offering more visual variety than actual exploration. Additionally, some might find the pixelated visuals dated compared to modern retro games.
The pulsating synth-wave soundtrack deserves its standing ovation. Every level thrums with energetic beats, perfectly complementing the game’s fast-paced action and futuristic setting. The music dynamically adapts to the gameplay, seamlessly transitioning from calming exploration tunes to adrenaline-pumping battle anthems. It’s an aural treat that immerses you deeper into the game atmosphere. The game’s soundtracks are available on Steam, and it is worth buying.
While Anomaly Agent shines in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The linear environmental design can become monotonous, and the narrative might leave some players yearning for a more fresh story arc. Additionally, the difficulty curve can be unforgiving, potentially frustrating less experienced gamers. However, these are balanced by the game’s charm and unique mechanics. Its humor is delightfully quirky, injecting lighthearted moments into the weird setting. The upgrade system offers a small level of replayability, encouraging experimentation with different combat styles. But overall the upgrades that you can buy are not as deep as an RPG title. But as you proceed to the game you better know that all your abilities and powers need a controller. So forget to have a smooth experience with a keyboard.
Anomaly Agent is a love letter to classic 2D sidescrollers, infused with modern sensibilities and genre-bending elements. Its fast-paced combat, mind-warping narrative, and pulsating soundtrack create an addictive experience. However, repetitive environments, a not-so-remarkable story, and a sometimes steep difficulty curve might deter some players. Ultimately, this pixelated adventure is an enjoyable journey for those seeking a challenge and a taste of something different. If you’re looking for a detailed beat ’em up platformer game then be prepared for super fun gameplay and a few errors along the way.
The review code was provided by the publisher
| GAMEPLAY | ART | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| 90% | 90% | 100% |