We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
WiiU

North America

Ballpoint Universe: Infinite Hands-on Preview at GDC

by Aaron Kaluszka - March 22, 2014, 1:40 am EDT
Total comments: 1

What if those doodles you drew while bored in class didn't stay tethered to the page?

Ballpoint Universe: Infinite is a hybrid platformer and shoot ‘em up with an artistic twist -- nearly all of the art is composed of ballpoint pen on paper. The stylized nature gives the game a sharp and unique look, which combines fanciful mechanical and organic designs, but the gameplay is familiar.

The flying portion of the game plays like a typical vertical shoot ‘em up and has elements of more traditional games in the genre as well as some more bullet hell-style segments. A wide variety of enemies -- all sketched in pen -- attack in waves. Each area ends in a boss battle whereby you must destroy red-indicated sections to take down the nemesis.

Ballpoint Universe sports an impressive number of customizable weapons, shields, and other ship parts. In particular, the different weapons have a wide variety of characteristics, which lend themselves to different play styles. There are plenty of projectile-based weaponry, but there’s also at least one sword-based weapon, which has a short range, but high payback. These ship parts can be bought and upgraded at the store between stages and are purchased from cash collected in the game. Additionally, a larger attack can be built up and unleashed.

The platform portions have you running around as a goofy bird-like character, solving puzzles along the way. These areas aren't as fast-paced, but the artwork really shines.

The title is already available on Steam, and as is the situation with many indie games, Nintendo approached Arachnid Games and asked them to bring it to Wii U. It’s no surprise; the surreal look of somebody’s notebook doodles come to life and depth of the weapon system warrant checking out.

Talkback

onlymattMarch 23, 2014

I'm not sure how i feel about all the platformers coming to the wiiu, i like the support, but i feel there needs to be more styles, there just seems to be games about jumping over things. I know there is more to it then just that.

Share + Bookmark





Genre Adventure / Shooter
Developer Arachnid Games
Players1

Worldwide Releases

na: Ballpoint Universe: Infinite
Release Oct 16, 2014
PublisherArachnid Games
RatingEveryone 10+
jpn: Ballpoint Universe: Infinite
Release Oct 15, 2014
PublisherUnity Games Japan
RatingAll Ages
Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement