PSN Review: Heavy Weapon

Driving a super atomic tank and destroying every Red Star enemy in sight is a blast is a blast! Driving back and forth, firing off missiles, turret fire, lasers, and nukes makes this game an edge of your seat shooter while you protect what little life you have.

Developer: PopCap Games
Publisher: Sony Online Entertainment
Genre: Action
Rating: E (Everyone 10+)
Online: 1-4 Co-op local and online
Price: $9.99

The story and idea behind Heavy Weapon is something we have seen in the past with countless games. The year is 1984 and you command an atomic take. Why? It’s simple; everything that has to deal with the early 80’s has to be nuclear. The point of the game is to shoot everything in sight and survive.

Heavy Weapon is a 2D, side-scroller game with the backdrop changing for each level. The other difference between levels is the waves of planes, helicopters, and other unique enemies. Besides the level layout being fairly simplistic, the controls aren’t too far behind. You will use the left analog stick to control your motion to the left or right while using the right stick to aim and fire. What really makes this game stand out is that it is very reminiscent of the Metal Slug series with its cartoonish style.

Heavy weapon gives you 19 levels to play through. You would think that a game like this would have unique levels, but it doesn’t. Once you complete the first nine or ten levels, they will begin to repeat, but with the number of enemies you face and difficulty increased. Besides the nine times two level designs, you will also have two other game modes to play. Once you complete the campaign, you will unlock the Boss Blitz. Here you are given one life and tasked to take out as many of the bosses as you can. The other mode is the typical survival mode. In this mode you are given three lives, but you will be tasked to take out as many enemies as you can.

Throughout the course of the levels you will gain power-ups to help you survive longer. You’re friendly medical chopper drops off power-ups like spread gun, increased fire rate, and shields. You’ll also gain parts for your “mega laser.” During each level, random enemies drop parts that help you build up your timed, one-hit / one-kill “mega laser.” Also at the end of each mission you’re given the opportunity to upgrade your tank. These upgrades include improved shields, missiles, lasers, chaff, and few others. These offensive and defensive power-ups will be vital to completing the campaign. The real treat is the limited nuclear missiles you are allowed to fire off. If you’re overwhelmed with a screen full of enemies, firing off this big boy will give you a few seconds of reprieve while enjoying the view of the mushroom cloud in the distance.

Heavy Weapon is a decent fun game, but it will tend to get repetitive after awhile. The presentation is decent as well as the sound giving the game that over-the-top feel. Even with the tendency of the game repeating itself and having the feel of being simple, this is a great game to play with friends and dominate. (B)

- Mike K