The PixelJunk series has done a fantastic job over the past few years at bringing incredibly deep experiences to the PlayStation Network. With PixelJunk Monsters, the developer delivered a new take on the Tower Defense genre, moving it to a spot that made more sense for consoles. With PixelJunk Shooter, the developer looks to take that idea a step forward, trying to move the two-stick shooter out of an arena and in to a more fitting enviornment.  

After the first trailer was released, it was revealed that the title was nameless. During a contest in which the developers tried to find a new name for their shooter, no suggestion was submitted more frequently than PixelJunk Elements. This moniker would have fit the title fairly well. In the caverns of Shooter, both water and lava are plentiful. While controlling the tiny ship, players must take control of these two substances to navigate the caverns, blending them together to create dams or punch holes through the floor. It can also be used for other reasons, such as cooling down a ship that has taken some damage. This seamless blending of elements is what makes the game work so well. Everything meshes together, meaning it's never a shock when lava is hardened by water and turned to stone. It all just... works.

Just as was the case with Gravity Crash, civilians are scattered throughout the levels of Shooter. Since the game isn't physics based in terms of ship movements, getting close to someone and grabbing them is a much simpler task. On the other hand, it's also much easier to mistakenly kill the stranded, stepping closer and closer to losing the level. This becomes even more difficult as alternate weapons are unlocked, such as one that has the tiny ship spewing unrealistic amounts of lava. One false move, and the poor souls are doused in hot liquid magma, burnt to a crisp before they have a chance to duck and cover.

As is the case with most of the PixelJunk games, cooperative play is available for two players to work together to save everyone. However, there's no word yet as to whether or not it will support online play. Q-Games has a strange habbit of leaving this feature out - something I hope they get over by the time PixelJunk Shooter is released later this fall.