REVIEW: ‘Stellar Interface’ Rogue-Like Gameplay with Shoot ’em Up Style (Switch)

There is a new threat in space and it is you. When space overlords threaten mankind, it is up to you, and your skills as a pilot, to defend it. Stellar Interface is a spaceship shooter from ImaginationOverflow. Spaceship shooters are extremely common, and each one excites players for their ease of play, accessibility, and a combination of sheer fun and challenge. Some shoot ’em ups, also called shmups, are tremendously difficult, and others are easy-going. For Stellar Interface, the team has decided to create a new type of shmup, a rouge-like, filled with a constantly changing degree of enemies and perks.

Stellar Interface has no over-arching story or narrative. It is a simple case of saving the Solar System from an armada of alien races hell-bent to destroy humans. These enemies come in a variety of forms, shapes, and sizes, from Russian doll robots to massive laser-filled vessels. From the orbits of planets to the innards of space vessels, the threats in Stellar Interface are varied and unpredictable, leaving the player to constantly adjust to the changing battlefield.

Additionally, where players will go and encounter is entirely unconventional. Players can choose where to go and who to face. The enemies, layouts, and levels are always shifting, making sure that every time players begin a run in Stellar Interface, it is not the same as before. The first few playthroughs will have players facing similar enemies, but one they knock down their first Galactic Overlord, which are bosses in the game, they will begin to unlock new levels and features, as well as new Overlords to fight and most especially, new perks.

Stellar Interface succeeds greatly not just because of its fun rogue-like features but for its surprising amount of customizable features. Most rogue-like games will allow you to change one perk and perhaps a single or secondary weapon, but Stellar Interface allows you to change several weapons and perks, known as cartridges in the game. The weapons are tied to RAM power in your ship, like a computer.

The stronger the weapon the more RAM is used. As players complete levels, they will be able to choose their cartridge or perk, being able to customize their ship’s abilities and weapon attributes into various combinations.

Stellar Interface becomes wildly rewarding and perfect for gaming on the go on the Nintendo Switch. The spaceship combat is tight and responsive, with each level providing a variety of challenges. The unpredictable nature of the game provides hours upon hours of fun, with the player constantly adapting to different enemies and bosses, as well as different weapons.

There is a sense of accomplishment, even on a run that ends in defeat, as unlocking new weapons and cartridges is part of the fun.  Stellar Interface also sports a solid soundtrack and a stellar presentation that is very reminiscent of the 16-bit days of gaming. It felt like something I could easily play on the SEGA Genesis or Windows 95 computer. With the portability of the Nintendo Switch, players can easily jump in for a quick fight, and with the game’s multiple gameplay features, the game is incredibly accessible for those experienced with spaceship shooters and those unfamiliar with the genre.

The game begins with a solid amount of ship and weapon options, including cartridge choices, but as players play more, they will be introduced to more features and be able to tailor their gameplay experience to their choices. Beam lasers, machine gun shots, shotguns, a cartridge that makes you stronger and another cartridge that makes enemies weaker are just some of the instances that players can choose with Stellar Interface.

Stellar Interface doesn’t feature a story mode of any kind, except the ability to play the entire campaign with another player and the add-on of the Lost Galaxy DLC. There is also an endless run mode for those wishing to score the highest possible placement on the leaderboards. However, there is something most profound in something so simple and yet so polished. Stellar Interface dials spaceship shooting to a traditional form and succeeds in reinventing it with the rouge-like mechanics.

Sometimes, there is a mood in a video game player to sit back, relax, and just have straight action, not because the player doesn’t want to experience a massive adventure or RPG but because it’s good to unwind with something traditional. Stellar Interface goes back into the good old times of regular bit-blasting, and it makes for a solid action experience.