Atomicrops

While some games look for success by sticking with one genre, others like to experiment by mixing from Column A and Column B, hoping the result doesn't blow up in gamers' faces. Atomicrops is one such experiment, blending the life simulation of games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing with classic arcade-style shooters. The problem is that the game suffers from a bit of an identity crisis and can't ever quite find its footing. It's a hectic and chaotic mix that's crazy fun at times and mind-numbingly frustrating at others.

Each day starts with players trying to build some momentum by starting a few crops growing on their land. But they're under a near constant attack from random enemies. This means you've already got to split your time by frantically shooting armed rabbits and slimy slugs while still planting, watering, and harvesting your crops. There's a substantial sized area to explore, but often not much incentive to do so. After all, if you stray too far from your crops, an entire cycle can be wasted. Building anything substantial is an excruciating grind. If this was a standard slice of life sort of game, this sort of slow burn would be expected. But the run-and-gun side of the Atomicrops' mentality makes waiting around for progress while dodging a screenful of bullets feel like an eternity. And once you finally make your way back to town, sell your harvest, and collect your rewards, there's just not much to do except head back out and do it all over again. If challenge that constantly keeps you on your toes is appealing, this could be the game for you, but otherwise, you may want to look for a different crop of gaming fun.