“Minishoot’ Adventures” from SoulGame Studio is a charming cross between a twin-stick shooter and a metroidvania. When the Shipling village is attacked by an evil power, one Shipling is chosen to find their friends, recover primordial powers, and restore balance to the Great Crystal. The player must free a world filled with corrupted enemies and a never-ending onslaught of bullets and danger as they seek to bring their friends home. 

The game’s combat is challenging but not overwhelming. Even when the screen was covered in bullets and projectiles, I found myself naturally avoiding damage while focusing on the enemies. (I seriously didn’t think that was possible when I started the game.) All the enemies, from the big boss battles to the little guys, are fun and engaging. With many optional challenges and abilities to discover, every victory and upgrade feels earned, and never too hard to achieve. 

The world of “Minishoot’ Adventures” is relatively small, but it feels great to explore. The map has an intuitive flow. If an enemy feels too difficult to pass in one area, you’re probably not supposed to be there yet, and there are several alternate paths to find. It’s also got a good number of secrets and hidden items. I always felt rewarded for breaking every rock and searching for invisible doors. 

The cartoonish art style gives the charming top-down world a very relaxed vibe. All the designs are simple and endearing — even for some of the enemies. I didn’t think I could empathize with a sentient spaceship, but I did! The music adds to the chill feeling of the game; it’s like gaming with a lo-fi playlist. Sometimes, the music was a bit too chill, creating a jarring contrast with the frantic battles onscreen. But then, when the music ramps up, you know it’s serious. 

“Minishoot’ Adventures” is only lacking a stronger narrative or maybe a bit more mystery — though it is a throwback to a time of simpler games, which were light on storytelling. Any other shortcomings (such as a handful of visual glitches or occasionally frustrating progression tracking) can be forgiven because of the small developer team and all the game’s positives. Otherwise, “Minishoot’ Adventures” is a relaxing time and a slam dunk.