Spareware
Release Date: March 18, 2016
Action, science fiction, top-down, indie games, co-op, shooters, splitscreen, Xbox exclusive, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
An arcade twin-stick shooter game focused around a co-op experience. It was developed by Rusto Games - a small developer team specializing in production of mobile games. Spareware takes the player to a dystopian, futuristic version of Helsinki, where the machines start a rebellion against humans. The player assumes the role of a robot allied with humanity, whose task is to reach the so-called Core and set free the friendly HelOS AI.
Spareware is a twin-stick shooter for XONE, designed mainly for cooperation. The title was created by a small Finnish studio Rusto Games, which so far has produced mainly mobile productions such as Tank It!, Rival Rumble, BeaverKarts or Drunk Fu: The Wasted Masters.
Plot
Spareware takes us to 2186, to the dystopian version of Helsinki, in which mankind, afraid of the degenerated nature, concentrated in relatively safe cities. However, a completely new threat appeared on the horizon in the form of rebellious robots. We play the role of one of the allied machines, whose task is to reach the so-called core and release the friendly artificial intelligence called HelOS. Only with its help humankind will be able to defeat the growing army of robots and save humanity from extinction.
Mechanics
Spareware is a typical top-down shooter, offering a classic top-down view and the ability to move and shoot independently in all directions. During the game, we travel through randomly generated districts of the city, eliminating the waves of mechanical enemies. One of the key elements of the game is the ability to modify the robot and adapt it to our playstyle by replacing such elements as head, arms, body, and legs. As the game progresses, we also unlock access to several special abilities (active and passive), providing various bonuses like increased speed or decreased reloading time.
Game modes
Spareware has been designed mainly for multiplayer games and although we can play alone, the title shows its true potential in cooperation mode for up to four players where each of the participants controls a different robot. The key to success is the special skills of each machine. Because of the so-called "friendly fire" option (which cannot be switched off), we must not only avoid hostile fire but also be watch out where we shoot - a stray bullet can accidentally hit other players.
Last updated on January 28, 2020
Videos and Screens
Spareware Summary
Platforms:
Xbox One
Developer: Rusto Games
Publisher: Rusto Games
