Switchblade Monkeys are back at PAX 2014, showing off their upgraded top down twin-stick shooter. Moving Secret Ponchos over to the PS4 from the PC last year meant working with a brand new engine. This was no easy task, and forced the developers to essentially start over, but hard work pays off.
While playing split screen in an eight man online death match, there was no hint of the game slowing down. Even with the higher end graphics of the PS4, we were at a constant 60fps.
Characters and their abilities remain relatively the same, but with more customization and a better look. I tried out Killer and Kid Red in two games of death match. Both characters feature ranged primary attacks, a must for those of us just starting out, but with drastically different play styles.
Knowing when to move in to fire off a barrage of shots, and when to dodge away to reload takes practice and patience. Pulling out a kill is incredibly satisfying for this exact reason.
Rounding out your toolkit, each character comes with a second weapon and alternate fire for your main ability. Killer and Kid Red’s other skills included a knife attack and a stick of dynamite respectively. For me, the highlight of the matches we played involved sticking said dynamite onto an enemy player, dodging out of range, and watching as it exploded, killing another nearby enemy.
Aiming your abilities is eased by the targeting reticle, which paints a line or circle on the ground. Thankfully, these are drawn in a way that fits in with the art style and doesn’t clutter the screen or feel distracting. This kept me feeling in control and aware of how I needed to move, even in tense situations, and even if I wasn’t that great at aiming in the first place.
This is a unique and wildly fun competitive shooter that earns your attention. Secret Ponchos is set to come out on PSN in the Fall of this year with a ladder and matchmaking system in place to show off your skills.
PC gamers won’t be left out though. The developers went to extreme lengths, putting up their own savings to bring the game to Steam’s Early Access. We’ll be waiting patiently for more info on the game, and can’t wait to check it out on Steam.
Check Out the Best Cosplay From PAX East 2014!
PAX East 2014 Cosplay
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PAX East 2014 Cosplay #30
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