Developed/Published by Team2Bit
Released for Xbox One (2/24/2016)
Also on Ouya/PC
Reagan Gorbachev is brought to us by Team2Bit, developers of XBLIG titles Washington's Wig and Fist Puncher, which were both solid efforts when compared to the average XBLIG title. Reagan Gorbachev originally released in October 2014 for the Ouya (remember that thing?!) and would later release for PC and Xbox One in February 2016. As the title suggests, the game stars both Reagan and Gorbachev, who must team up after being captured by militant extremists.
Reagan Gorbachev features both characters on-screen simultaneously, allowing for either solo or local-coop play (no online play included). When playing solo, you'll just have to either manually switch between characters or use the LB to command the other to follow you. It's manageable but the game is definitely best enjoyed when playing with someone. Reagan Gorbachev plays similar to the Hotline Miami games, where the action is viewed from a top-down perspective with an aiming control scheme of a twin-stick shooter. While you can manually aim your weapon using the right stick, there's also a target lock-on system in place. Pressing the Y button will highlight a nearby enemy, pressing Y again will de-select the target or the right stick can be used to toggle between available targets. The lock-on target system is a bit clunky, particularly when trying to quickly switch targets, but it's one you'll need to use in order to survive the tougher stages. The targeting system works, but it's certainly not optimized. The funky lock-on aim isn't a game-breaker and, outside of that issue, the controls work well.
On the first level you'll obtain the default weapons for both characters: a katana for Reagan and poison darts for Gorbachev. Other weapons can be picked up, which include the usual suspects such as revolvers, silenced handguns, shotguns, assault rifles, grenade/rocket launchers and even a minigun. There are a total of 32 levels to play through in Reagan Gorbachev. Stealth is the best approach on most levels, though you can just run in with all guns blazing if you wish. The enemies are fierce and will close in the second they detect you. Being caught in their line of sight often results in instant death. Speaking of death, you will die a lot playing Reagan Gorbachev, but it's all part of the learning process. In addition to the armed extremists, you'll also have to contend with dogs and turrets which both pose a lethal threat. The turrets can only be destroyed with explosives, so on levels with no rocket or grenade launchers you'll have to extra careful to stay out of their line of sight. There are a few stages with boss battles as well for some needed variety. Overall, the enemies aren't particularly interesting from a design aspect, but they all pose a serious threat and will keep you on your toes.
A level can be completed by simply finding the exit, which represented by a vent duct on the ground. and after using the exit you'll lose all weapons but the default sword/darts. Each level is followed by a trivia question, with the answer being either Reagan or Gorbachev. Other than some achievements tied to them and some random trivia there's no real reward for getting these correct, so don't sweat it if you get them wrong.
Reagan Gorbachev features throwback pixel graphics and while they are quite simple, there's still enough detail you can always tell what you're looking at. The character sprites smoothly rotate around as you adjust your character with the sticks and it all looks decent enough. The cut-scenes between stages look very nice, while lacking in animation the pixel art is impressive. The sound effects are appropriately retro and go right along with the visuals, though this means they are also a bit limited and you'll hear the same dozen or so sounds throughout the whole game. Luckily, none of the sounds are too irritating so it's not that big of a deal. The music sticks with the retro theme and, like the sound effects, is a bit limited with only a few tracks that you'll hear throughout the game. What's here as far as music is good though and sounds like something that would have come out of a Sound Blaster card on your computer back in the day. Overall, Regan Gorbachev boasts a solid retro presentation in all departments. Your mileage may vary of course and if you aren't into games rocking old-school pixel graphics this one isn't going to convert you.
While there are some issues with the lock-on aiming, Reagan Gorbachev is still an enjoyable game, especially if you have a local buddy to play coop with. The game is still playable and a good time in single player, but is much more enjoyable with a second player. It's a bit on the short side and can easily be completed in around 5-8 hours, which felt just about right for this type game. There's some nice retro charm in the pixel graphics, so if enjoy twin-stick shooters and you're looking for a fun throwback Retro Gorbachev might be for you.
There's something strange in regards to the achievement list in Reagan Gorbachev. There are 10 achievements each worth 100 points each, so you have your typical 1000 gamerscore available. Where it gets weird is that there are a total of 21 achievements to unlock, meaning that there are 11 achievements that are worth absolutely nothing as far as gamerscore is concerned. The only time I recall ever seeing achievements with no gamerscore was Quake 2 on the Xbox 360. It doesn't hurt the game in any way, just thought I'd give it a mention as it's not something you typically see.
Final Verdict: Reagan Gorbachev plays similar to Hotline Miami, featuring a retro presentation with an overhead view and a twin-stick control layout. There's local coop support and despite some control issues the game is quite fun.
Related Links:
Buy Reagan Gorbachev - Microsoft Store
Team2Bit - Official Site
Regan Gorbachev Official Trailer - YouTube
Reagan Gorbachev - Metacritic
Reagan Gorbachev - GameFAQs
Reagan Gorbachev - True Achievements
Reagan Gorbachev Achievement Guide - Xbox Achievements
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