RICO shouldn’t be a game that beats across the bush. It’s a roguelike-ish shooter constructed for co-op that sells that 80s hollywood buddy cop fantasy of punting open doorways and clearing out waves of expendable mooks as you’re employed your manner as much as no matter generic drug kingpin is behind all of it. Out now and developed by Ground Shatter, I’ve performed a number of rounds of the game, and whereas it feels surprisingly bare-bones in locations, there’s one thing to be stated for its quick, two-player co-op focus. See the launch trailer beneath.
I’ll degree with you right here – RICO doesn’t make the best of first impressions, with its awkward intro that includes some bizarrely wobbly motion-captured overacting. Second impressions aren’t too significantly better, with the game’s environments largely being blocky rooms with unhealthy guys randomly strewn round, simply ready to be shot. There’s not even any music through the ranges, which appears like an ideal excuse to placed on some 70s cop present tunes, however can also be just a bit off-putting, contemplating what number of games have had superb soundtracks these days.
Once the precise door kicking occurs it’s fairly enjoyable. It’s easy stuff, with a crouch button and a slide-tackle transfer, however no leaping. Baddies, as soon as alerted, will hold making an attempt to homicide you till they’re all handled, and received’t activate till you kick in a procedurally generated door. Each mission has a combination of targets, each necessary (disable three bombs earlier than you explode) and non-compulsory (gather 11 ‘evidence’). Completing these and getting out of the extent in a single piece allows you to and your pal patch up among the injury taken earlier than your subsequent struggle, and possibly purchase a brand new gun or two. Progress carries between missions inside a given 9-stage ‘case’, however win or lose you’re again to sq. one after that.
You can play RICO solo for those who don’t have a pal to share it with (it even helps split-screen play), however I wouldn’t advise it. It throws you a bone within the type of assured bullet-time each time you smash open a door and take the unhealthy guys without warning, however you’re nonetheless going to be watching your individual again, and checking each nook as you go. Half the enjoyable of the game appears to be rapidly deciding who’s taking which aspect of a room or coming into by way of which door, then getting the job carried out ASAP. It’s easy, arcade stuff – not deep or polished, however appears enjoyable sufficient with a good friend.
RICO is out now on Steam and Humble for £16.19/€17.99/$17.99. It’s printed by Rising Star Games.
