Plat Runner 06: Clash Force

Yesterday I received my first preview copy of a game from Ratalaika Games. Clash Force is due out tomorrow and I feel very fortunate to have gained a copy ahead of release.

Ratalaika Games is well known for its short, affordable and easy to platinum games. Clash Force is no exception at the price point of €4.99 and a plat time of 25-45 minutes based on your skill set. While this is covering the PS4 version, it will also apply to the Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch.

The game itself is a tribute to side scrolling platform shooters of the past. Using only the standard button to shoot made the game a tense, classic feeling game of the genre. The bosses were challenging and the levels fairly brutal. I managed to get to level 18 before starting to use the turbo fire mode.

Holding either of the right triggers allows for a constant stream of firepower. For those just in it for the platinum trophy, this will get you through the required 15 levels with very little challenge whatsoever. It removes most of the threat and vanquishes the majority of enemies before they even enter the screen. On my second play through I hit level 15 in 20 mins using this tactic. 

For fans of the classic platforming, Clash Force feels like Sonic meets Mega Man. It’s fast paced, vibrant and athletically pleasing pixel artwork takes me back to my early days of gaming. It gave me the same rush as the classics did back then, made my thumb hurt and put a smile on my face. 

Another two features that I really enjoyed were the lack of respawning enemies. In most games such as the near impossible Ninja Gaiden, if you made the mistake of going to far back enemies in front of you and behind you would respawn, often making a tactical retreat impossible. In Clash Force enemies stay defeated, making a hit and run tactic very preferable. The other feature I loved is the jumping. Out of nearly all of the indie titles I’ve played, the jumping in clash force is fluid and so smooth to control. The height and distance is easy to determine, so much so that most of the time I didn’t have to deploy consider jump timings or large drops. I found I could jump weave through hazards and land where I needed to.

The game is short at a mere 21 levels but on harder difficulties and not using the turbo function, you will get more than your moneys worth. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and for any gamer it will be another platinum in the cabinet. 

Hints and Tips

• If you are finding an area especially challenging use the hit and run tactic, approach, shoot and back up.

• The hardest level (In regards to the platinum) I found was level 5. Use the platforms to jump ahead and doge the bats. I didn’t even worry about killing most of them.

• If stuck (or lazy) use R1 or R2 to turbo fire.

Plat Runner 04: Zero Zero Zero Zero

A few days ago I managed to get my 50th Platinum. It was Dynasty Warriors 9, a series close to my heart. Straight after getting it I decided to hit a few indie titles as a cheeky reward. All three of course are published by Ratalaika Games S.L. but the one I am going to give advice on today is Zero Zero Zero Zero.

This monochrome platformer felt like the later levels of Super Meat Boy. It is simple, fast and brutal. Some levels feel near impossible while some are more straightforward. The twist is there is no level select. Levels are thrown at you, if you die you are put at the start of one of the levels you have yet to finish. This twist means that you do not have time to learn from your errors or even what the level entails sometimes. 

I adored it. It made me sweat and got me thinking. About halfway to the final trophy I announced I was done and then continued to play on. Not many of Ratalaika Games S.L. products come with this deep level of frustration meeting satisfaction. 

Unlike a lot of hard games these days you are not learning through death. There is no trickery here or subterfuge. The game handles smoothly and you can see the entire level and what it entails before you. All errors are your own. The game demands patience, precision and skill. Luck does not come into it.

In hardcore you have one life to get as many levels done as you can. Thankfully the only hardcore trophy Requires you to only pass the initial level, where you walk to the coin and back to the door. Every level requires you to carry out this task but none will ever be this easy again.

As far as the trophy list goes it is very straightforward: 1 Platinum and 11 Golds. Finish 1 level on hardcore and 34 on Normal.

Tips and Tricks

• You will die and you will die a lot. Do not be put off, the payoff is very rewarding for each level completed.

• There are a lot more than 34 levels.  If one looks to hard or you hate it die and try for something that is more to your skill set.

• Take it slow, you are unlikely to get anywhere charging in blind. Some levels require speed in order to avoid death but in most cases you can pace it until you get the lay of the level. 

• Know that you only have to succeed once. When a level is done it will not return. 

• It should only take between 30 minutes and an hour. It took me 36 minutes and 27 seconds. 

That sweet Pop moment

I have seen this game get a lot of hate online and I don't think it's justified. It is cheap, satisfying and well considered. If you don't like the idea of a punishing platformer or just are in it for a quick plat, go elsewhere. But if for a change you want to play something that pays a homage to the dawn of gaming, gives you a decent challenge and a more proud indie plat, then Zero Zero Zero Zero is for you.