TERROR SQUID (Nintendo Switch) Review

Terror Squid may seem simple, but do not be deceived. Beyond movement, other available actions include a short dash that grants temporary invincibility, and a charged 'detonation' that destroys chains of nearby bullets. The true secret to extending survival time is chaining together large swaths of bullets to detonate all at once. This extravagant ritual isn't just for show, as it changes the behavior of the subsequent projectiles as well. Some bullet patterns are harder to avoid than others, and as a round continues, these differing patterns will combine into an ever-growing light show of pure terror.

These aforementioned mechanics come together for an interesting risk-versus-reward dynamic that encourages experimentation to achieve that sweet, sweet high score. The entrancing Polybius-esque visuals only complement this gameplay loop, causing one to lose themselves in the iridescent stream of danger. The overall 'terror' theme is ingrained into every part of the experience's DNA, cementing it as a shoot 'em up unlike any other.

The easy-to-understand, difficult-to-master gameplay is both a boon and bane. While the Lovecraftian horror vibe is stellar, the singular music track and visual aesthetic lose their lustre fairly quickly. Likewise, longevity is exclusively tied to one's drive to reach a high score. Beyond trying new strategies to extend runs and climb the online leaderboards, there's very little to keep players coming back. For fans of arcade-like experiences this won't be an issue, but for those who prefer progression and structure, there isn't much to do.