Subdivision Infinity DX (PS5) Review
Release Date: 9/21/2021
Publisher/Developer: Mistfly Games/Blowfish Studios Pty Ltd
Platform: PlayStation 5 (Reviewed), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: $14.99
After a distress call is received from a distant space station, you are the only one available to research. Upon arrival, you find yourself ambushed by mysterious spacecraft. The station is floating alone in space, with no way to communicate with the outside, and you find yourself with no choice but to defend yourself from the incoming marauders.
Luckily, you come across AV-2, an AI robot that can help you upgrade your ships and armaments to better take on the enemy. AV-2 is just as lost as you are as to why you are in your current situation, but he’s more than happy to help. This is one of those game marketplaces I question: if these ships and upgrade abilities are sitting right there in the abandoned station, why do we have to pay for them? Regardless, the gameplay loop is created: Upgrade ship and weapons to go kick more butt and earn more credits to upgrade more. In between, story progress is done via still photos and text boxes.
I understood the gameplay style better when I learned the origin of the game, as the non-DX edition of this game can be found in my iTunes store from about four years ago. The PS4 one has been out for a couple years as well, it appears that this release is for the new coat of paint on the official PS5 edition. While it doesn’t appear that it ever relied on DLC boosted content, I can see how levels getting more difficult result in you going back to previous levels to play and acquiring more materials, or the overall small-chunk gameplay style. The game appears to be significantly upgraded for it’s DX mode, but does still show it’s roots.
On the PlayStation 5, I see many improvements to the graphical engine, with ray tracing coming off of nearby stars and streaming lines showing the trail of my enemies in order to better find them. Of course, a controller is always going to trump the comfort of an on-screen phone touchpad, and this higher-end phone game deserved it’s chance on a full console.
The dogfights involved in Subdivision Infinity DX are the meat and potatoes of the game, and the tight controls and customization options make it worth the price of entry. Combat feels smooth and fun. Unfortunately, a lot of it does boil down to “find this thing”, “blow up this big thing” or “blow up a bunch of small things.” Sure, this is fun, but it does get repetitive, especially when you come across a huge boss or difficult level that forces you to go back and mine for more resources in levels you are now overpowered for. I feel like the game could stand to be balanced a bit more. It’s a simple, fifteen dollar title, I really don’t feel like I want to grind in the full-fat AAA sense just to progress. Wonderful system, excellent gameplay, just gets lost sometimes in that mobile routine.
A quick, fun $15 title in the vein of oldschool Starfox levels with great graphics and controls is definitely an exciting proposition. If you are a fan of space shooters, you are definitely in for a treat with Subdivision Infinity DX. So long as you are in it for the long haul, it is an easy recommendation.
Pros:
-Excellent control and dogfighting
-Beautiful graphical upgrade to a mobile game
-Good value for the price
Cons:
-Levels outside of bosses can feel a little samey
-The progression system is a little broken requiring several runs of levels to get materials at times
Special thanks to Mistfly Games/Blowfish Studios Pty Ltd for providing a code for review!