Can Style Carry Substance?
Imagine the stylistic speed of Superhot merged with the “flow state” gameplay Ultrakill implements. It would certainly be a distinct and memorable product, but would it be effective? Case in point, Tamashika.
The most accurate way to describe Tamashika’s core gameplay loop is an auto-runner where the player has control over the running. I know this sound counter intuitive (after all, wouldn’t an auto-runner where the player has control just be… every other game?) yet it still makes perfect sense. The general characteristics and mechanics of the sub-genre: linear, fast paced action, enemies at every turn, and rapid, reflex-based obstacles blocking the path forwards, are all found here in abundance. Throw in the engulfing void which halts backwards movements and its easy to see how Tamashika falls into this category.
A Stylish Twist On The Formula
With this being such an oversaturated corner of gaming, a new title must be something special to set itself apart, bringing a distinct style or innovative mechanics. Tamashika proudly represents the former. For every criticism one may have of the varying gameplay loops or stage design, Tamashika has an evergreen response – at least everything looks cool. This approach, whilst of course easy on the eyes with the vibrant visuals expertly brushed across each environment in Tamashika, can leave the overall experience feeling like a style over substance affair at worst, and an interesting concept not reaching its full potential at best.
To achieve this aforementioned “flow state” experience, Tamashika employs a number of effective design choices. A typical run will go as follows: the player will encounter strings of foes they must shoot to progress, balloons and other elements must be destroyed to unlock alternate pathways, all the while escaping the constantly moving void. These are the absolute foundations of Tamashika, and their expert design keeps the foundations steady with plenty of room for expansion further down the line. As a core gameplay loop, it succeeds simply for achieving the most pivotal outcome… evoking emotions. Simply put, Tamashika makes you feel cool.
Chasing The Perfect Flow
The aforementioned expansion will come to fruition as you navigate the cosmic hub Tamashika utilises as a stage select. It all fits with the psychedelic aesthetic occupying the title, as players will discover upon loading into the rainbow coloured levels. The first new mechanic players will encounter is the parry, although much like all the other curious aspects of the title, it functions with a distinct twist. Foes which opt to use parry-able attacks will have that signature rainbow spectrum engulf them through a textbox, as this disappears and the attack is fired, only then can the player parry to land an attack. It sounds relatively simple upon explanation, yet in the heat of the moment, and with the lack of handholding Tamashika implements, it can take many tries to get to grips with the system.
The small mechanic leaves a drastic impact, replacing the droning and repetitive chains of foes you can mindlessly eliminate, and requiring you to be intentional with each shot. All of this as one system works rather well for the most part, yet I couldn’t help but feel something was missing from the gameplay, and as I neared the end of my run, I was left wanting more from Tamashika.
Great Presentation, Familiar Stages
A large factor to this unfulfilled feeling likely comes from the design of each stage, and the lack of distinction between them. Levels certainly expand from the linear design Tamashika opens with as you progress, and introducing enemies with distinct counter abilities requires that intentionality I mentioned, yet from the first stage to the last, an overwhelming focus on tight corridors with rainbow visuals keeps them feeling akin to one long journey. The furthest they go to differentiate themselves is introducing balloons and platforming segments which require shots to progress, yet if this is the peak throughout several tens of stages, innovation is certainly absent.
All this criticism of gameplay and fundamental design choices still can’t detract from the visual heights Tamashika achieves during its runtime, and that feeling of simply being stylish. Much in the way Ultrakill can be fantastic to play for the adrenaline pumping experience of slaying foes in stylish ways, Tamashika one-ups that title through its use of gorgeous cosmic visuals and environments alongside the style over substance gameplay. Many thanks can also be given to the presentation and soundtrack never feeling out of place, rather always instilling a feeling of wonder, curiosity, and an exciting prospect of greatness to be achieved.
A Stylish Shooter That Leaves You Wanting More
Tamashika may not always be the most polished or objectively excelling title, yet it’s happy not to be. It excels in delivering feelings players will experience during and after a session through zany worlds, gorgeous gunplay, and prioritises style over substance through such a method that Tamashika still has foundations to stand on.
Important Links
Tamashika Is A Neon Rush Of Focus, Flow And Fast-Paced Survival – https://www.thexboxhub.com/tamashika-is-a-neon-rush-of-focus-flow-and-fast-paced-survival/
Download from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/tamashika/9P43RGDPJ62T/0010
