Gameplay
Nex Machina vs. Matterfall: Which Shooter Should You Buy?
Housemarque games are all about challenging, intense gameplay. Both Nex Machina and Matterfall combine twin-stick shooting and swarms of enemies in frantic bullet hell action that requires superhuman reflexes and plenty of hand dexterity. Doubly so in the case of Matterfall, which is especially demanding with its addition of platforming to the equation. Playing either of these games, you might find yourself pausing the intensity, if not to take a breather, then possibly to stop your hands from cramping mid-level.
Nex Machina puts a greater emphasis on fast-paced, arcade-like high score chasing than its previous top-down shooters. Game designer Eugine Jarvis worked closely with Housemarque during the development of the game, and it was his experiences with iconic eighties titles (Defender, Robotron: 2084) that helped to shape Nex Machina’s distinct arcade flavor. As a result of this collaboration, it certainly plays superbly and just feels immensely satisfying to obliterate waves of enemy droids. Mid level power-ups constantly change the ebb and flow of battle, altering your weapon attributes for more power or spread. There’s also a neat dash mechanic that serves as a vital defensive ability to quickly buy yourself more time and space. The intensity of gameplay is further added to by the urgency of saving humans throughout each stage, which is more or less optional but adds to your overall score.
Matterfall, by comparison to Nex Machina’s arcade lineage, couldn’t be more alternative from the traditions of the genre’s in which much of its gameplay is based. As both a twin-stick shooter and a platformer, controls require you to rewire your brain somewhat. Jumping is controlled with the R1 button, which frees your thumbs up to control the sticks for precision aiming. There’s a lot to think about, and there’s a lot moving about on the screen, too, because, at times, Matterfall feels as much of a bullet-hell game as any of Housemarque’s top-down titles. It is, then, a pretty inventive blend, and when you get on a good run, it’s a huge amount of fun.
‘Smart matter’ is one of Matterfall’s key mechanics; transparent walls that are dotted around each level at key choke points. Unlike enemies, players can pass through these walls via the dash mechanic, and can shoot through them, too. They provide handy shields or platforms to access different areas, and employing ‘smart matter’ tactically is a core part of Matterfall’s moment to moment gameplay. It’s innovations such as these in combination with Matterfall’s blend of different genres that make it quite unique. Sadly, though, the combination of platforming, shooting, and negotiating waves of enemies never quite chains together all that cohesively. It’s certainly not a drag to play, but it isn’t on the level of Nex Machina’s stellar gameplay.
