Developer: Knuckle Cracker
Publisher: Knuckle Cracker
Platform: PC
Tested on: PC
Creeper World IXE – Review
The Creeper World franchise has a history dating back to the release of the original game in 2009. Developed and self-published by Knuckle Cracker, the series is renowned for its unique combination of tower defense and real-time strategy elements. Players defend their base against a relentless blue mass known as the Creeper. Initially a side project by founder Virgil Wall, it evolved into a full-fledged series due to its popularity and the creative freedom it offered. Wondering if Creeper World IXE will flood you with fun? Dive into our review to find out!
Story
The introduction of Creeper World IXE (pronounced “Icks”) plunges us into the story of the infant Oat, who is rescued by the military on the fateful day when the IXE eradicate his homeworld. Decades later, we journey with the now Captain Oat and his first-in-command, Lia, as they navigate a region of space infested by the IXE. Although the mission begins as a routine endeavor, it quickly evolves into an investigation of unusual wreckages from earlier missions. Delving deeper into hostile space, the crew discovers powerful technology from the past and becomes embroiled in a historic attempt to end the war.
This narrative unfolds through brief dialogues between our characters at the beginning of each mission. Unfortunately, the writing is adequate at best, with most characters lacking distinct personalities or backstories. Captain Oat is an exception, though his overconfidence and zeal make him quite unlikeable. Nevertheless, the dialogues elicited a smirk or two from us with some of their decidedly metaphysical techno-babble.
Graphics
The graphics in Creeper World IXE are functional and utilitarian, focusing on readability and tactical clarity. Packets and materials are rendered in satisfyingly chunky low-res pixels, with physical behaviors and interactions that add another layer of amusement. The ship designs, though futuristic, remain confined to blue-grey tones with occasional red or orange accents on weapons. Each weapon is rendered separately, enabling players to identify a ship’s capabilities at a glance. Ships dissolve pixel by pixel when damaged, with their weaponry deactivating accordingly. However, some aspects of the pixel art could benefit from refinement. The color ramps are often lacking in contrast, resulting in a few muddy portraits and textures.
Sound
With the majority of the soundtrack composed by Connor Short, Creeper World IXE’s music evokes the 80s synthwave era. Additional tracks by Finn M-K bring a modern retro sound reminiscent of musicians like Perturbator or Scandroid. Throughout many tracks, influences from demo scene legends like Rob Hubbard, Skaven, and Fairlight are evident. The selection of energetic and retro-futuristic tracks perfectly complements the game’s sci-fi theme and pixel art graphics.
Sound effects, on the other hand, are a mixed bag. While many of them are satisfyingly crunchy, some weapons are barely audible. Conversely, the activated Nullifier’s electric crackling noise is extremely loud and jarring.
Gameplay
Creeper World IXE builds on a familiar concept: clear a path to all the IXE cores on the map. This is achieved by strategically placing weapons to carve out safe zones in the Creeper, advancing into gaps, and pushing the Creeper back until emitters can be nullified. Resources like energy, ammo, and anti-Creeper must be generated and distributed, while pushing forward to retrieve technology and other upgrades. The introduction of simulated pixels akin to those in Noita adds new material interactions, such as lava setting wood on fire and acid dissolving metal.
Creeper World IXE‘s standout feature is all about manipulating and mixing materials. For example, wooden structures burst into flames when lava touches them. These flames are extinguished by water, which also forms protective barriers against the Creeper. Oil, being highly flammable, sets the stage for explosive scenarios, full of opportunities and hazards. Dissolving metal with ease, acid carves out routes but also damages both friend and foe. Even more potent and exotic elements can be achieved by mixing different substances.
This addition introduces layers of strategy and chaos, ensuring that each playthrough is unique. Players must consider not only the placement of their units but also the changing environment. The strategic depth is heightened as players adapt to the evolving battlefield, whether by igniting an oil pool to burn through a Creeper-filled corridor or using it to create a defensive explosion.
Many technologies retrieved during gameplay further enhance player expression. From more conventional weaponry to utility vessels that can reshape the battlefield, the versatile and destructive arsenal allows for creative and dynamic approaches to many a mission. Some of them even play like puzzles, challenging the player’s understanding of materials and ship synergies.
A wide selection of buildings and ships provides Creeper World IXE with its signature creative solution-finding. The Apex is the main ship, stockpiling and distributing resources. To bolster energy generation, Reactors are deployed and the Miner can collect resources as well as dig paths through many materials. In terms of offensive ships, we have the small and versatile Defender at our disposal, as well as heavier and more specialized vessels in the Gunship, Cryon, and Frigate. If steadily supplied with ore, the Maker ship disperses highly effective Anti-Creeper. Once sufficiently driven back the blue goo, the Nullifier destroys Creeper emitters.
Conclusion
Overall, Creeper World IXE refines the already compelling formula by adding a new dimension to the strategy. Minor cosmetic criticisms fade into insignificance when the gameplay is so captivating. With a presentation that’s so highly readable, we always feel we have an understanding of the tools at our disposal and the routes to victory. In many missions, it merely comes down to choosing and properly executing the most enjoyable solution – more often than not literally dissolving our enemies. The exceptionally memorable and hummable soundtrack is a driving factor that keeps us wanting to try just one more level. But more than anything, its fresh combination of strategic planning and alchemical puzzles makes for a uniquely enjoyable experience, solidifying Creeper World IXE as a standout title in the series.
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