Graphic and music are nice, tough the grey background is far too blurry. I would suggest a small rocket take off animation, and make small visual changes to the landing infrastructure when you get upgrades. I'd say the game needs some power ups, and also a passive horizontal grab ability, maybe one that can be upgraded too.
Author Comments
In the galactic depths of an alternate reality, where the unfathomable reaches of space remain a battleground, a retro-futuristic odyssey unfolds. "Apollo" catapults players into a whirlwind space shooter adventure, blending the fervor of the 1969 space race with interstellar warfare against Russian ships and enigmatic extraterrestrial adversaries.
As the intrepid captain of the USS Pioneer, a state-of-the-art spacecraft outfitted with cutting-edge weaponry and advanced technology, players are tasked with a perilous mission: to defend Earth and secure humanity's foothold in the cosmos. The backdrop of this extraordinary voyage mirrors the historical space race, where the competition for lunar dominance has escalated into a galactic struggle for survival.
The black expanse of space is a canvas painted with twinkling stars, celestial bodies, and the ominous presence of enemy spacecraft. The familiar silhouettes of Russian vessels, reminiscent of the 1969 era, buzz through the void, engaging in relentless dogfights. Their maneuvers are formidable, replicating the tension of a geopolitical struggle, interwoven with the futuristic backdrop of alien encounters.
Epic battles unfold across the inky darkness, with neon-lit lasers slicing through the vastness of space. The USS Pioneer maneuvers deftly, evoking the spirit of Apollo 11's historic voyage, as players lock on targets and unleash a barrage of projectiles. The sense of urgency is palpable, echoing the pressure of the Cold War era. Every shot fired is a testament to human resilience and the indomitable spirit of exploration.
Yet, the true test of courage lies in the face of the enigmatic extraterrestrial threat. Otherworldly beings, their ships adorned with alien symbols and emanating an eerie glow, materialize from the void. Their motives remain shrouded in mystery as they employ otherworldly technology and tactics, challenging players to adapt and strategize.
Amidst the chaos, players will have to balance between defending against the Russian ships, deciphering the alien menace, and pushing the boundaries of human achievement. Upgrades and power-ups acquired through the journey allow for augmentation and evolution of the USS Pioneer, shaping the outcome of this grand space odyssey.
In "Apollo," the fate of Earth and the progress of human exploration rest in the hands of those willing to traverse the cosmos, confront history, and embark on an epic quest to conquer the final frontier. Will you rise to the occasion and etch your name in the annals of spacefaring glory? The universe awaits your answer.
Controls:
Design your rocket:
Up and down arrows to move
press z to buy items, press x to sell items
Launch
Press z to blast enemies
left and right arrow keys to move.
i enjoyed the aesthetic of the game, and how you recreated the old feeling of playing on a Gameboy, and the amount of story you put in is good, as most people skip over that stuff.
all in all, i spent a good 20-25 minutes leveling up and having fun.
the only downside i see is that it can be hard to distinguish the rocks from the stars, especially when they are flying 300KM toward you. Maybe make them a slightly darker green, as most Gameboy games used slightly varying shades of green.
With that being said, i like this game, and you should give it a try.