In 2019, Lillymo Games released the retro-inspired spaceship shooter, Habroxia. As a follow-up from his first release, Perils in Baking, Habroxia proves to be a solid, charming spaceship shooter, that was entertaining and enjoyable, if unspectacular. Following the release of Habroxia, Colin Moriarty, host of Sacred Symbols: A PlayStation Podcast, became the Chief Creative Officer of Lillymo Games, and helped produce Twin Breakers: A Sacred Symbols Adventure in 2020. It was lauded for its retro gameplay and well-written narrative. Lillymo Games, Colin Moriarty, and Eastasiasoft are at it again, with a sequel to Habroxia. With a new creative vision, appropriately titled Habroxia 2 is an excellent sequel that greatly improves upon the formula set by its predecessor.
Young Sabrina always watched her Father and was awed at the sophistication of spaceships, from their look to their maneuvers. Sabrina’s father was integral to the pursuits of space exploration and helped defend humanity from a variety of threats. Sabrina even learned to fly the interceptor-styled combat vessel, with her Father on her wing. Unexpectedly, a massive attack occurs on Free Space and Sabrina’s Father joins a task force, dedicated to discovering the origins of the attack. One pilot doesn’t return home, and that so happens to be Sabrina’s Father. Determined to find out what happened to her Father, Sabrina sets off on a system-wide mission to not only investigate her Father’s disappearance but to potentially save mankind from certain destruction.
Retro SHMUP Upgraded
Habroxia 2 is a spaceship shoot-’em up, or shmup for short, that puts players in the cockpit of an interstellar space fighter. In each level, players face waves upon waves of enemies, each enemy different from the rest in both size and place. Players traverse through the level, and the various obstacles, to make their way to the end and fight one of Habroxia 2’s many bosses. Between the start of every level, players may collect weapon power-ups, currency, and lonely astronauts stranded within the level. New to Habroxia 2 are new gameplay challenges, such as bounties and hidden bosses. Additionally, some levels contain an alternate path to discover new bosses and can be revisited, as Habroxia 2 is presented in a non-linear structure. Certain levels shift the perspective, from left to right to top-down, bringing gameplay variety to the established formula. Upon the completion of the level, players are awarded credit, which can be used to purchase upgrades for their ship, including upgrades for their special shots, a new gameplay feature in Habroxia 2.
A True Sequel
Where Habroxia provides the basics in spaceship shooting, Habroxia 2 significantly builds beyond the basics to establish more gameplay variety and customization for players, a significant upgrade from Habroxia. Habroxia 2 features more directional-based shooting, as opposed to the linear shooting of the original. Using the right stick, players can shoot in a variety of directions, which is incredibly effective at attacking fast-moving targets, especially ground targets locked into corners. This basic shot can be upgraded to increase spread, power, and speed. New to Habroxia 2 is the special shots. Players select up to two additional special shots to assist in difficult situations. From scatter shots to missiles to beam lasers, the special shots cause extensive damage to opposing forces, and have infinite ammunition but must be recharged with each use. Certain enemies drop temporary power-ups for the level, which include particle cannons and extra shields. Finally, a boost function allows players to blast through shots and enemies, albeit for a very short duration.
Tough As Nails
While the new features may have Habroxia 2 sound like a cakewalk, Habroxia 2 is anything but easy. Each level is hectic chaos, with a myriad of enemies coming from above and below, forwards and backward. While the ship can fire behind the ship, enemies will constantly swarm players. They will undoubtedly be shot down multiple times, and in many cases, during the final moments of the boss fights. However, each demise does earn players some coin to put towards ship upgrades. Each boss has a second phase, which challenges players to adopt new tactics in their intergalactic fight.
The combat and gameplay in Habroxia 2 are interstellar, and filled with a plethora of action. The new weapons and abilities make each section of Habroxia 2 remarkably engaging and incredibly exciting. Even though the tough challenges and the many deaths, Habroxia 2 encourages players to not just have fun but to keep playing for that “one more try” feeling. Flying, moving, and shooting in Habroxia 2 feels extremely polished and tight, providing a sense of intense feedback to the gameplay. Overall, Habroxia 2 is an incredible upgrade from its predecessor. Habroxia 2 simply adds and refines smaller additions to create a significantly more satisfying experience. Habroxia 2 is bigger and more action-packed than ever before and it creates a gratifying gameplay experience.
Much More Refined Experience
Beyond the gameplay, even the overall presentation has been improved. Habroxia 2 has more animation and a noticeable increase in pixels and animations. It may not appear as obvious for players new to Habroxia 2 but for those that played the original, there is a sharp increase in smaller details. Additionally, newer assets and the non-linear orientation of the levels create a more immersive experience, and the story, while expectedly small, adds a strong meaning and narrative to the intergalactic quest, especially as the original lacked any real story. Additionally, the soundtrack to Habroxia 2 is far more varied and dynamic, especially depending on the level.
Spaceship shooter veterans will find all the hallmarks of a classic shmup, but the little aspects of the gameplay make Habroxia 2 almost an entirely different game; one that is made more enthusiastic, with vision and gusto. Even the modern takes on control and shooting help create a more refreshing shmup experience that is more in line with players of today. It is welcoming feedback as if the team of Habroxia 2 goes the extra mile for players to feel satisfied with their purchase and experience.
A Short Space Odyssey
Habroxia 2 is a strong sequel but it isn’t without some shortcomings. The experience is rather short, with only 17 levels. For completionists and speedrunners, the experience will last a few sitting, but beyond that, players will have seen everything that Habroxia 2 has to offer. Habroxia 2 does have a New Game + mode that reveals the true ending of the game, but that is the extent of the replayability. Perhaps twice as many levels could have sweetened the deal, but what is on offer is still a solid experience.
Closing Thoughts
Habroxia 2 is not the biggest game of 2021. It is not made by a AAA developer with a cinematic budget. Harboxia 2 however and most importantly, demonstrates the most important part of indie video games, and that is the capacity to grow, to evolve, and to build something better on the foundation of something good. Habroxia 2 demonstrates how a game can progress and evolve, becoming a better, more enjoyable version of its former self. Habroxia 2 is a triumph and a must-have for anyone eager for a spaceship shooter or looking for something new. Wherever Colin Moriarty and Lillymo Games are headed, their future is looking bright and their future is filled with an ambition that we should all wish to see.
Habroxia 2 is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, and Steam.
Habroxia 2 was reviewed on the PlayStation 4 Computer Entertainment System thanks to a key generously supplied to Marooner’s Rock by Colin Moriarty
