TxK by Llamasoft (PSV)

One of my favorite aspects to Tempest 3000 was how everything had a soft and warm glow. Minter said that he sought to have the game look like it has no pixels, and I think he achieved that there.

I wish he chose to try to retain and improve on that design for this game.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jeff Minter

TxK Beginner's Guide
====================

TxK is an arcade-style shooting game. The basic idea is simple: shoot all the enemies that arrive on each playing surface. When the surface is clear or all enemies arrive at the top, the surface explodes and you transition to the next level.

Use the left analog stick or the d-pad to move the player entity left and right (or clockwise and anticlockwise on connected surfaces).

Hold down the x button to shoot.

Tap the screen to smart bomb. You get one smart bomb per level.

When enabled, press the R shoulder button to jump.

Collect Powerups to gain score bonuses and capability upgrades.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

I'd recommend starting at level 1 while learning the basics. Starting at this level enables labels on many game elements for the first few levels.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

Enemies move quite slowly on early levels. Hold down x and move your ship to shoot them.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

Collect Powerups by just moving your ship to intercept them as they move up the surface.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

It'll be obvious when you successfully collect one!

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

If enemies arrive at the top don't panic. Your shots come out of the "leg" of your ship that's in the direction of its motion.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

Often if you "walk" slowly towards enemies they'll flip right onto your shots and be destroyed. Use the analog stick gently to move precisely.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

Collecting Powerups will enable Jump. Then, by pressing the R shoulder button, you can jump up above the edge of the surface and rain shots down on enemies below.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

Sometimes it's good to use your Smart Bomb while jumping. Tap the screen to set it off.

Inline image 9 (Broken in email)

The Smart Bomb destroys any enemies on the surface. You score 2x for all enemies that are killed in this way.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

The Smart Bomb moves down the surface, destroying newly arrived enemies too.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611733

Sometimes enemies at the edge of the surface will catch you.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611767

Tap the screen! Use your Smart Bomb before they drag you away to who knows what foul fate!

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611767

Collect the special 1UP powerup to gain an extra life.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611767

Keep collecting powerups to gain the AI Droid, an indestructible ally who fights alongside you until the end of the current level.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611767

Some powerups yield a Warp Triangle. Collect 4 of these to go into a Bonus Round.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611767

Between levels, tilt the Vita gently and try to keep the soul-spark in the middle of the warp tunnel.

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/att...1&d=1391611767

Divide the defensive work between you and your AI Droid.

Those are the basics! As you progress through the game's 100 levels you will meet many different enemies with many different behaviours. I hope you enjoy getting to know them and blasting them into a million glowing particles!

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yeah
Yeah
YEAH
YEEEEAAH
YEEEAAAAAAAAAH

So is this still coming for PC? I don't have a Vita and don't want one just for this game.

Yes. Based on his Twitter feed, Minter is disenchanted with iOS, so I would anticipate more PC stuff from him going forward.

YES! YES! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

I hope OXM Dan -- if he's still employed -- gets a crack at reviewing this.

Excellent. If TxK comes to PC, I'll buy it again.

That beginner's guide seems aimed specifically at people like OXM Dan. I can't recall a more thorough and tedious introduction to a game. Minter is really covering all of his bases this time.

This is really good. I haven't had any trouble thus far seeing what was going on, despite the small screen. Interestingly enough, I prefer the analog control to the d-pad. It seems much more smooth.

"Space is everywhere"

"Supertapper Recharge"