The Continuous Evolution of Retro-Inspired Shooters

The retro-inspired first-person shooter sub-genre has been thriving for some time now, and it continues to impress with each new release. While many of these games involve taking down demons or cultists to heavy metal soundtracks, there are hidden gems that offer fresh perspectives that are often overlooked.

Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengeance of the Slayer has been one of my favorite game releases this year. It seamlessly combines the distinctive aesthetic of late-’90s FPS games with captivating character exploration. It stands out from the rest, even though its gameplay intentionally recreates the feeling of an amateur mod.

Calcium Contract, on the other hand, presents a unique challenge to understand. Unlike Slayers X, it appears to be a genuine attempt to provide a satisfying playing experience, but it comes with an absolutely bizarre aesthetic. Imagine if Duke Nukem 3D was developed by a studio in a parallel universe where McDonald’s is a country. That’s the best way I can describe it.

A Tale of Unyielding Resilience

Calcium Contract follows the story of a chicken serpent that isn’t particularly fond of the idea of dying. However, as the laws of nature dictate, everything that lives must eventually meet its end. You are the latest in a line of doomed attempts to enforce the inevitable fate of this mighty creature. In essence, you play as a grim reaper.

While the concept may sound incredibly intense, the game’s aesthetic is anything but. The weapons and enemies resemble the creations of someone who passed out while babysitting and heavily intoxicated on peyote. They possess a colorful and toy-like appearance, making them easily distinguishable at first glance. The chickens? They charge at you. The lizards? They cast fire spells.

The weapons, however, require a bit more effort to comprehend. Your primary weapon is a pitchfork that fires three projectiles. You’ll also come across a shotgun and an automatic weapon that shoots musical bones. And that’s just the beginning; the game doesn’t offer an extensive arsenal of destructive firepower.

No More Wall-Humping for Secrets

I believe the lack of wall-humping for secrets in Calcium Contract is intentional to minimize the need for backtracking and thorough exploration of the environment. Instead, you’ll encounter peculiar characters carrying treasure chests, and your task is to defeat them before they escape. This innovative approach to “secrets” ensures that gameplay isn’t slowed down by excessive exploration. It challenges your ability to swiftly identify and eliminate targets rather than relying on monotonous wall-hugging techniques.

The levels themselves bear a striking resemblance to classic raycast shooters. They primarily involve finding keys and vary in size and openness. Some levels depict recognizable environments, while others adopt a more abstract design.

Nevertheless, all levels share the same surreal nightmare aesthetic as the enemies. The skybox creates one of the most peculiar sights I’ve ever seen in a game. You can glimpse the looming island interior in the distance, occasionally with the chicken serpent peering down at you. As you progress, the perspective changes, offering views of various landmarks and providing a sense of tangible progress. It’s a delightfully absurd touch.

Immerse Yourself in Malk’s World

I’ve mentioned before that one of the aspects I adore in retro shooters is their attempt to represent real-world locations within their primitive engines. It gives them a charming quality that feels familiar and comforting. From what I’ve seen so far, Calcium Contract doesn’t seem to aim for that particular style, but it compensates for it by offering an incredibly enjoyable gameplay experience.

While the weapons may lack weightiness and the action may be more measured, each battle offers a plethora of interesting elements. There are resurrecting enemies, snipers with laser pointers, and mages casting fire spells everywhere. Developer Igor Aleksandrowicz explained that their focus is on creating a game that feels good to play while maintaining its own distinct identity. I can confidently say that they have largely succeeded.

A demo version of Calcium Contract is currently available, showcasing four modified levels from the development version of the game. This demo provides better access to weapons and a taste of enemies that would otherwise be encountered at a different pace. The final version is set to be released later this year. Be sure to give it a try; it’s bound to ignite something in your brain.

 

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