Black Paradox

Black Paradox is a game seemingly designed with the philosophy that gamers enjoy ice skating uphill.

The visuals and 80s soundtrack are amazing and look great whether playing on a TV or on the Switch in mobile mode. Too often did I feel I was on the back foot when it came to weapons, upgrades, and dealing with random enemies. There's definitely a balance issue when it comes to the procedurally generated mechanics.

Looking at screenshots, and playing the game briefly, it does not seem like it might be as good as it actually is. But there is something oddly addicting trying 'just one more time' to get further. The progression could use some quickening, and other things could use expanding; but the flair the game possesses is hard to deny. Really the only thing stopping this from a higher score is the lack of depth, such as a story, better upgrade systems, or anything along these lines, but for what it is, it is surprisingly solid.

Satisfying shoot'em up with rogulike elements that will entertain those who seek an almost classic experience with a twist... That doesn't remain interesting for too long sadly.

Black Paradox is a shmup that looks great, sounds great, and plays great but doesn’t reward great. The roguelike elements can really feel unfair when you get stuck with useless weapons and the grind to increase your ships abilities feels a bit unbalanced. It’s a good thing that I found the gameplay to be so fun and addictive though as it kept me playing despite those concerns.

I’m having an absolute blast with Black Paradox. I keep coming back to it as there’s just so much more fun for me to have in this retro-futuristic world. The Roguelike gameplay is addictive and for every death I experience, I feel pumped to just try that little bit harder. It’s so ’80s it hurts and I absolutely love that about it. Is it the best game ever made? No, of course not but that’s not what it’s trying to be. Instead, it’s a beautiful homage to the classic arcade days, made even better when you bring along a friend to shoot up all of those evil space baddies. The frustrating progression system holds it back from being the best side-scroller shooter I’ve ever played but it’s certainly one of the most fun.

The game is everything you would want from an arcade shoot ‘em up, the 80’s references and feel, the classic gameplay, that makes you pick up the controller and not put it down.

Black Paradox may not be the biggest shmup out there but it plays so well that it's hard to put down once you pick it up.

A good italian shoo'em'up with all the elements of the classics of the genre.

For people who revel in the challenge of making the most of what you’re given in shooter form Black Paradox is a rock solid challenge and should excite...