[PlayStation 5] Review of S. Prysm Destroyer

In the rapidly evolving genre of action-packed shooters, S. Prysm Destroyer from eastasiasoft and the creatively named Maids With Guns delivers a blast from the past. Drawing heavily on the essence of classic run ‘n’ gun titles and energizing it with the flair of mecha anime, this 2.5D shooter carves its place in the gaming scene.

Set against a backdrop of a future marred by menacing mechanized entities called the Primordial, the game places you in the driver’s seat of a critical mission. Here you embody Amor, a character tasked with the pivotal role of Earth’s savior. Armed with a mech painstakingly designed by a now-departed loved one, your mission is clear: obliterate the Primordial and safeguard humanity’s future.

True to its retro influences, S. Prysm Destroyer offers a refreshingly straightforward control scheme. Navigating with either the left stick or D-Pad, you take leaps of faith with the X button and unleash destructive firepower with the Square button. The R1 button introduces a tactical element, allowing you to stand your ground while targeting foes. Along your adventure, you’ll stumble upon handy power-ups hidden within destructible crates. Whether it’s a temporary shield, a fire rate-boosting machine gun, or a triple-bullet spread shot, each power-up brings a strategic edge, though their effects are fleeting.

For trophy hunters, the game sweetens the deal with a full set of trophies, including that coveted Platinum. As a Cross-Buy title, your PlayStation 5 ownership grants you access to both PS4 and PS5 versions—each harboring unique trophy lists. Challenges await, such as racing through levels, racking up points, achieving combos, and dispatching enemies in rapid succession.

However, as much as S. Prysm Destroyer attempts to channel nostalgia, it’s not without flaws. Notably, the absence of invincibility frames makes for frustratingly frequent deaths, compounded by relentless enemy onslaughts. Adding to the experience are unexpected performance slowdowns—an unwelcome surprise for a game at this caliber. Nonetheless, priced at $4.99 for a dual-console experience, it offers value for those willing to dive into its frenetic action.

Though its intentions are admirable, S. Prysm Destroyer seems to struggle in living up to its full potential, yet it presents an intriguing option for fans of old-school shooters looking to indulge in a bit of mech-fueled chaos.

This review of S. Prysm Destroyer is based on a PlayStation 5 copy furnished by eastasiasoft.