Videos
Reviews:
-
A mix of there being a lack of overall variety and a constant need to recalibrate the JoyCon aiming detracts from the fun
Given that there aren’t many classic arcade light gun styled shooters on the Switch it’s always exciting to see a new one show up. However, the first thing I look into is whether or not it insists on the mistake of using the JoyCon motion controls for aiming… because at a fundamental hardware level it kind of stinks. Unfortunately, that’s the case for Spooky Spirit, and it doesn’t take too much playing to hit that wall. If you play using the JoyCon you’ll be spending an inordinate amount of time either dealing with your aim continually getting less accurate or stopping to recalibrate. I won’t even blame this on the developer as a problem as it is something that every “pointer” game I’ve played on Switch has struggled with, so I consider it to be a core hardware issue. What is irksome though is that if you play in handheld mode you’re able to use the analog sticks but if you’re docked you’re unable to use the Pro Controller. That’s a critical missed opportunity and the gameplay actively suffers for it. Really, even if you remove the control issues the gameplay still feels more novel than engaging, with multiple ammo types, a need to spend currency to replenish your ammo which is cumbersome and a bit baffling, and simply not enough variety to make the troubles worth enduring. There’s really nothing quite like it on the eShop, it is mostly family friendly (outside of terrible controls), and you can enjoy it with friends, but it struggles as an experience.
Justin Nation, Score:Bad [5.8]