EVADER

Lately, developers have started experimenting with control schemes that allow players to control two characters, or two objects, at the same time using the two thumbsticks on their controllers. It can take a bit of getting used to, but it opens the door to unique gameplay mechanics.

EVADER is a remarkably fun arcade game that requires you to survive for as long as possible against waves of enemies, each with different abilities. You can destroy most of them using a beam that is generated between two objects, each controlled with an individual thumb stick.

It’s easy enough to grasp the basics, and there is even an interactive tutorial included to help you out. The beam is generated between the green and purple pucks, but there is a limit to how far apart they can be; you can also bring them back together quickly if you need to get out of a tight spot.

Once you start the game, however, you will realize that it takes quite a bit more practice to get used to the control scheme. A good tip is to try to keep track of which side each of the pucks is on, as performing quick maneuvers will be difficult otherwise.

There are a total of six types of enemies to worry about, some of which and be defeated easily and some that will take a bit more effort. They aren’t particularly dangerous on their own, but dealing with several of them at once is not simple.

Your goal is to survive for as long as possible and use the combo multipliers to get the highest score. Your global rank is shown when you finish a game, and you can check the leaderboard to see how others are faring.

A game of EVADER is usually quite short, unless your skill level is off the charts. However, you can restart it instantly and try again, and again, and again.

Surprisingly, the game doesn’t become boring as quickly as you would expect; on the contrary, it seems to get more and more enjoyable as you hone your skills and get better accustomed to the control scheme.