Space may be the final frontier for science and exploration, but it is also the final battleground that humanity has to fight. When a sinister force looks to exploit a dangerous enemy source and turn it into a weapon, only one pilot, his co-pilot, and his robot A.I companion have what it takes to strike back. This is Subdivison Infinity DX from Blowfish Studios and MistFly Games, a spaceship combat shooter with various gameplay options and a game that was showcased at PAX EAST this past Spring. This space combat shooter game arrives with cutting-edge visuals and gameplay, and it is used to great effect, despite its relatively short length and repetition.
Subdivision Infinity DX puts players right into the cockpit of an interstellar combat fighter. Lost in space and marooned on a space station, a fellow robot A.I informs you of grave danger coming to the system. Fortunately, the space station that you reside in has a fully-operational spacecraft hanger, with the ability to construct and enhance various spacecraft. With nowhere to go and at the behest of your robot companion, you set off to engage a new and hostile enemy.
Subdivision Infinity DX puts players in hostile situations at the edges of space. Across several sectors of the star system, players fight and engage a variety of hostile forces to complete specific objectives and end the threat to several star systems. Players pilot one of several dozens of ships, from smaller interceptor craft to larger gunships. Each ship can be equipped with several different types of weapons for a total of three weapons. In two primary weapon slots, players can select a combination of laser-based weapons, including ion cannons and laser-based miniguns. The secondary weapon slot is reserved for finite ammunition, such as missiles. On mining missions, this slot is reserved for using the mining tool to mine asteroids for or and valuable substances. In between missions, players can explore various sectors of each system and mine for ore. If players are keen eyes and willing to explore, they may also acquire special items and upgrade tools, used for constructing new ships and upgrading existing ones, though, in Subdivision Infinity DX, upgrading is referred to as evolving. Naturally, evolving a chosen ship is essential, not only giving the ship a fresh new look but also increasing offensive and defensive abilities. The mining missions are much slower than the faster-paced combat missions. Finding the hidden boxes filled with materials is also a challenge, and while purchasing a sonar beacon helps, it is still challenging to locate and successfully acquire these special boxes. Despite this, investing the time is necessary to unlock newer, stronger ships for the game’s later levels.
The biggest hallmark of Subdivision Infinity DX is its tight and responsive gameplay. Flying is incredibly sharp and responsive, between breathtaking visuals and particle effects, along with a pulse-pounding 90’s inspired soundtrack. Players must use their wit, skill, and wise flying to successfully combat and defeat enemies. Each mission has a different set of objectives, though most of the time, the objective is to hunt down enemies and destroy them. Larger enemies, such as capital ships, put up more of a fight and encourage more thoughtful combat. Flying recklessly often leads to defeat. There is a balancing of this challenge, as the game does allow for shield recharging of the pilot’s ship, and enemies do drop occasionally weapon and health pickups.
Ultimately, Subdivision Infinity DX is sharp in its gameplay, from tight controls to a solid presentation. It’s an engaging arcade thrill ride that is satisfying and fun to play.
Subdivision Infinity DX is a strong action experience, met by a few setbacks. The story takes a back seat, for the most part, only serving as a carrying piece from mission to mission. Subdivision Infinity DX‘s story is told in dialogue boxes with several characters, some with a few spelling errors, and it boils down to take off, fight the bad guys, and stop the big threat. It does the job it’s supposed to, but not much else. It would have been interesting to see this depiction of space explored further. Additionally, the game’s mining missions feel like a chore, especially as some of the ship upgrade parts are difficult to acquire, even after purchasing a radar buoy to locate them. I feel that these missions could have been made more interesting if there was more of a polish to it. Instead of flying your starcrafts and mine asteroids with a laser, you instead fly a unique craft specifically designed for minging and go through almost an entirely different game to mine asteroids. Even incorporating first-person turret defense of the space station or other installations would have changed up the gameplay.
Subdivision Infinity DX is a sharp game with a good foundation with the potential to be more. The presentation is stellar, and the gameplay is quite strong in regards to space combat and zero-gravity dogfighting. Despite is shortcomings, I strongly recommend it for its strengths, as well as the fact that there are no other space ship shooters available at the moment, outside of Elite Dangerous. If you are ready for good old-fashioned space combat, fire up your weapons systems and strap in for a good time.
More information about Subdivision Infinity DX can be found on the Blowfish Studios website. A digital PS4 copy was provided for the purpose of review.
