Shoot or Loot

One of the first concepts in video games was related to fast reaction times and easily controlled characters, such was the case with Asteroids or Space Invaders. They were seemingly simple games that got more and more difficult along the way, mainly because the number of enemies increased and so did the pace of the game. Nowadays, video games have other ways to torture players, but the old methods are still used sometimes.

Shoot or Loot is a 2D platformer with endless running mechanics in which your sole goal is to make it alive for as long as possible, while jumping over gaps and shooting enemies as accurately as possible. The game is very fast-paced, so it’s mandatory that you display fast reflexes, but you can learn this after a few minutes of gameplay, at least if you are willing enough.

There’s not much of a story to keep you engaged, but then again there’s no need for one anyway. The game starts with the main character running and it ends with him dying, so the formula is about as simple as it gets. However, the responsive controls and challenging mechanics make you come back for more after every failure, which is why the game is so addictive and fun.

Unlike most platformers and endless runners, this one allows you to shoot enemies as well, although you have a limited number of bullets that pretty difficult to find and replenish. Hence, there are times when you just can’t make a jump without touching an enemy and dying, which is where the guns come in handy, although you have to be very quick and precise.

Thankfully, the gun is controlled using the mouse, which means that you can have as much freedom as you need and easily target the desired enemy. Even so, some sections are downright impossible if you are not superhuman, so it’s a matter of luck sometimes. Lastly, the graphics are pretty repetitive as well, even if the levels are technically randomly generated every time.

Even if Shoot or Loot has its flaws, such as the lack of diversity and the unoriginal gameplay, it can still keep you entertained for a while, at least if you like a challenge. On the other hand, it gets repetitive too quickly, regardless of how much of a fan you are.