Project Root

Release Date: May 1, 2014

Action, top-down, indie games, shoot 'em up, shooters, singleplayer

4.9

OpenCritic

46%

Steam

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A classic top-down shooter, referring to the legends of the Desert Strike series genre. In the game we play the members of the rebel organisation Arcturus, who are trying to put an end to the world dominance of the powerful energy corporation Prometheus.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Project Root, released on PC, XONE, etc., is a classic top-down shooter, referring to the legends of the genre known from arcade machines and 16-bit computers. The game was created by an independent studio OPQAM from Argentina.

Plot

The plot of Project Root is set in a world in which practically all production and distribution of electronic energy by a powerful corporation called Prometheus. Thanks to the ideas of the brilliant president Demetrio Watts, the company has developed new technologies that allow it to produce more energy at a much lower cost, giving it almost full control over the market. No one, however, expects that Prometheus' charismatic boss has his motives and is secretly making plans to take full control of humanity. The only people who know Watts' true intentions are a group of rebels who call themselves Arcturus.

Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics of Project Root are clearly based on classics like Desert Strike (and its sequels - Jungle Strike and Nuclear Strike), offering the possibility of moving within a 360 degree radius and free map exploration. We pilot modern combat fighters, and our task is to deal with waves of enemies, among which there are air and ground targets (e.g. tanks), as well as a bit more demanding bosses. During breaks between missions, we can improve our aircraft by installing various upgrades, improving e.g. speed, firepower, armor strength, etc.

Game modes

Project Root is for one player only.

Technical aspects

Project Root combines graphic style referring to classic genre with modern special effects. The game takes place at an extremely fast pace and is accompanied by a whole series of explosions and missiles coming from every direction.

Last updated on October 15, 2019

Videos and Screens

4.9

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 5% of Critics. There are 13 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

We Got This Covered: 2 / 5 by Eric Hall

Unfairly difficult and technically incompetent, Project Root is a classic example of a good idea gone horribly, horribly wrong.

Full Review

GameCrate: 6.8 / 10 by Robert Workman

Had Project Root thrown in a better checkpoint system and a far more rockin' soundtrack, it could be considered one of the better retro-inspired shooters on the market. As it stands, only a certain few will be able to appreciate it with its high difficulty settings. Those that do, however, should be satisfied with getting to the Root of the problem.

Full Review

ZTGD: 6 / 10 by Ken McKown

Project Root delivers on its promise of a bullet-hell style game with twin stick controls, but the mixture comes with plenty of issues. Those looking for a grindy-challenging affair that is mechanically sound will not find their money wasted, but I still wish it was fine-tuned for a more enjoyable experience.

Full Review

46%