Why Are You Shooting me!?
I started playing Minishoot Adventures today. I haven't played a twin-stick shooter in a long time, but it didn't take long to remember how they feel. The controls are smooth and easy.
Initially, you're alone in this world until you fly around and encounter another machine. "Are you friend?" I wondered. It came closer to my plane and I let it. It killed me.
Not friend then.
As with most games like this, things start shooting at you the moment you enter the screen and I wondered why. Sure, I'm an unknown object, but am I an enemy? Am I a threat? In games we shoot first and ask questions later.
This is a fun exploration game. Why does it need bullet hell and enemies around every bend? - Other than 'Minishoot' being in the title. Why is this what we've come to expect of video games? Why is violence the default?
Fortunately, for me at least, over the last few years there has been a huge surge in cozy, combat-free games. Games that focus on story, characters and worldbuilding without relying on combat to tell the story.
All that said, I did have fun with Minishoot Adventures and beating multiple waves of enemies did feel like accomplishment. But I do sort of wish I could just cruise around the world and make friends in town rather than instantly be considered an enemy.