Summary
- JYDGE offers neon-soaked action & diverse customization
- My Friend Pedro is a stylish & chaotic side-scrolling shooter
- Endless Dungeon combines twin-stick shooting & tower defense
The twin-stick shooter genre isn't quite as relevant as it once was, but games such as The Binding Of Isaac and Helldivers have managed to keep blood pumping through the genre's veins. This genre is known for fluid run-and-gun combat that allows players to move while shooting in a variety of directions.
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Classic twin-stick shooters such as Smash TV are shining examples of what this genre can provide, but there are plenty of modern twin-stick shooters that bring their own qualities to the table. While traditionally 2D experiences, there are a variety of modern twin-stick shooters that feature a 3D aesthetic.
1 JYDGE
Neon-Soaked Action And Diverse Customization
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Released: 2017
- Developer(s): 10tons Ltd.
- Genre: Twin-Stick Shooter
Set in a neon-soaked, Judge Dredd-inspired "megacity" rife with crime and violent gangs, JYDGE sends players on a violent crusade to eradicate crime. The game features minimal but slick 3D visuals interspersed with bright shocks of neon light that break up the relatively dark environments.
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The main selling point of JYDGE is customization, allowing players to customize both themselves and their weapons. This allows for a variety of strategies, ensuring that the moment-to-moment gameplay remains engaging despite the naturally repetitive nature of twin-stick shooters. Like all good twin-stick shooters, JYDGE also features online co-op.
2 My Friend Pedro
A Stylish Side-Scrolling Twin-Stick Shooter
My Friend Pedro
Essentially made to be played with a controller, My Friend Pedro is a stylish twin-stick shooter that allows players to split their aim between multiple enemies. This, combined with a bullet-time mechanic and the ability to ricochet bullets off walls, results in a visceral experience that's frequently fun and often cinematic.
My Friend Pedro is a relatively hollow experience with a very loose narrative and a tight focus on its chaotic gunfights. Players who aren't driven to achieve better grades after completing a level in a sub-par manner may want to steer clear of My Friend Pedro, as that's the only real motivation it's willing to offer players. However, for those who enjoy brisk levels that encourage speed and reward practice, My Friend Pedro is a safe bet.
3 Endless Dungeon
A Combination Of Twin-Stick Shooting And Tower Defense
Endless Dungeon
- Released
- October 19, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Amplitude Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Tower Defense, Roguelike, Shooter
By twisting and turning the gameplay of Dungeon Of The Endless into a combination of twin-stick action and tower defense, Endless Dungeon manages to provide an experience that, while not for everyone, is tremendously unique. Multiple playable characters with distinctive character designs, immersive environments, and hectic gunfights make Endless Dungeon a thoroughly entertaining experience if somewhat lacking in strategic depth when compared to the original game.
Endless Dungeon doesn't try to be what it's not, however, doubling down on its wave-based, twin-stick shooter gameplay. The distinctive playable characters are the game's biggest highlight, and together they prevent the game from becoming stale.
4 Assault Android Cactus+
Polished 3D Graphics, Local Co-Op, And Accessible Gameplay
Assault Android Cactus
Remarkably old-school yet featuring polished 3D graphics, Assault Android Cactus is a highly accessible twin-stick shooter with local co-op that elevates an already engaging experience. The bullet-hell chaos, well-executed sci-fi theme, and varied roster of playable android characters make Assault Android Cactus a worthwhile title for fans of twin-stick action.
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Each of these nine characters has its own primary and secondary fire modes, adding some micro-decisions to the frantic action and allowing room for light strategic choices. It's the diversity of these characters and the variety of missions to battle through that make Assault Android Cactus such a high-quality twin-stick shooter.
5 The Ascent
Visceral Firefights In A Gritty Cyberpunk Setting
The Ascent
- Released
- July 29, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Neon Giant
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
The Ascent's gritty cyberpunk setting is quite likely its most appealing aspect, expertly realized with frequently impressive art direction. The 3D visuals only further this, offering up some truly immersive environments. However, the game's RPG systems and frenetic twin-stick gunfights are a consistent joy and are sure to please fans of old-school twin-stick shooters.
The Ascent can be played in single-player but, like all great twin-stick shooters, it can also be played co-operatively both locally and online. The RPG elements of The Ascent are mostly focused on its cybernetic augments and level system, providing players with a solid sense of progression throughout the cyberpunk adventure.
6 Helldivers
Co-Operative Twin-Stick Chaos
Helldivers
Though its sequel may be better known, the original Helldivers is a brilliant top-down, twin-stick shooter that's chaotic and cooperative. Better when played with a group of friends, Helldivers consistently offers players fast-paced, frenetic action in a satirical wrap.
Rapid gunfire, big explosions, and swarms of alien bugs abound, Helldivers is a simple but incredibly addictive co-op experience that's great for any fan of twin-stick shooters. Helldivers is an action game at heart, and it's hard to be strategic amid the chaos, but teamwork is essential thanks to the inclusion of unforgiving friendly fire, which itself often leads to some hilarious moments.
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