Gun recoil, commonly viewed as a hindrance in many gaming experiences, takes on a new life in Shotgun Cop Man. Developed by the Swedish studio DeadToast Entertainment, led by Victor Ågren, this action-packed game flips the script on traditional recoil mechanics, making it essential for both combat and traversal. This game stands out as DeadToast's most impressive work to date, offering a more straightforward yet thrilling experience compared to their previous title, My Friend Pedro.
Players assume the role of the titular Shotgun Cop Man, who embarks on a mission to arrest Satan five years post-training. The game’s narrative is refreshingly simple, with brief cutscenes showcasing the interactions between Shotgun Cop Man and Satan, where the latter's responses are humorously dismissive. This comedic tone is woven throughout the gameplay, making Shotgun Cop Man a delightful experience.
In Shotgun Cop Man, you start with a shotgun and a pistol, although you can swap the pistol for various weapons found throughout the game. The unique traversal method is directly linked to your shotgun: players use a twin-stick control scheme to aim and fire, causing recoil that propels them in the opposite direction. This innovative mechanic allows players to navigate levels while simultaneously eliminating enemies. However, relying solely on the shotgun isn’t always enough, so utilizing both weapons effectively is crucial.
Your secondary weapon—whether a pistol, Uzi, or flamethrower—offers a faster rate of fire and less recoil, aiding in dodging incoming attacks. Additionally, each kill replenishes your shotgun ammo, encouraging a dynamic playstyle. Although you have unlimited ammunition, the shotgun can only fire three times before needing a reload, making strategic shooting essential, especially in challenging environments filled with hazards.
One of the most impressive aspects of Shotgun Cop Man is how naturally everything integrates. The game is forgiving, especially in the early stages, allowing players to survive by firing indiscriminately. However, as levels grow more complex, players must adopt a more strategic approach to navigate through obstacles and enemies. Optional objectives enrich the gameplay, challenging players to complete stages within a specific time, defeat all enemies, and avoid damage for full completion.
Even if you get hit, Shotgun Cop Man offers a safety net. When struck, your heart detaches and floats back to you—retrieve it, and you regain full health. However, taking another hit without your heart results in death, sending you back to one of the game’s generous checkpoints. Each death is humorously depicted, with a zoomed-in shot of Shotgun Cop Man exclaiming, “I DIE,” adding to the game’s charm.
With nine distinct worlds, each containing 17 stages, Shotgun Cop Man offers a wealth of content. Players face diverse boss fights at the end of each world, requiring skill and strategy to overcome enemies that morph, spawn minions, and teleport. Mastering control mechanics is vital, but the real challenge lies in completing optional objectives, driving players to replay stages for 100% completion.
The visuals of Shotgun Cop Man draw inspiration from Super Meat Boy, featuring small character sprites and a broad view of the action, allowing players to spot threats easily. The environmental design leans toward an industrial aesthetic, reminiscent of an underground nightclub. The game’s soundtrack complements this theme, with pulsating bass tracks that enhance the adrenaline-fueled gameplay experience. The sound effects—explosive gunfire and splattering blood—create an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of cinematic action.
On the Nintendo Switch, Shotgun Cop Man runs smoothly with minimal frame rate drops, even during intense sequences. The seamless load times ensure a polished gaming experience, allowing players to dive back into action quickly. Overall, Shotgun Cop Man is a remarkable addition to the action genre, and fans eagerly anticipate future titles from DeadToast Entertainment.
