Developed by Pixelteriyaki
Published by Ratalaika Games
Released for Xbox One (4/10/2019)
Also on Mac/PC/Switch/PS4/Vita
Super Weekend Mode is a title from developer Pixelteriyaki and brought to the Xbox One thanks to publisher Ratalaika Games. Just by the name of the game alone you can tell this is gonna be a strange one. Super Weekend Mode features pixelated graphics and an overall short but challenging game.
The actual gameplay in Super Weekend Mode is a bit strange, featuring two little paddle-looking things at the bottom of the screen. Each paddle is mapped to a bumper by default, but this can be customized in the options menu (personally I like mapping these to the triggers). The paddles have 2 positions, left or right, and pressing the bumper will alternate the bumper to its other position. Hearts will come dropping from the top of the screen and you'll need to line up your paddles to catch them before they touch the bottom of the screen. Missing a heart will cause the screen to shrink a bit and if you miss too many hearts then you'll lose a life. As you progress, you'll encounter hearts that fall different, making it harder to predict where you need to be.
In addition to hearts, there are other objects that will fall from the top of the screen. The bunnies (at least I think that's what they are) that come down can't be collected like the hearts, instead requiring you to bash it with the paddle by switching over right as it passes by. This requires some precise timing and is definitely one of the more difficult aspects of the game. If you accidentally collect a bunny, this will shrink the screen the same way it does when you miss hearts and if you let one pass this will cost you a life. There are also skulls that rain down and these will cause instant death if collected. The challenge ramps up quick and by the time you reach the 3rd stage you'll need some pretty fast reflexes to make it through. There's a combo chain meter that builds up as you collect hearts and bash bunnies. Filling the combo chain after taking a hit can restore the screen. It's an interesting mechanic and feels unique, though some will struggle more than others when it comes to controlling the 2 paddles.
Collecting the hearts, bashing the bunnies and avoiding the skulls isn't the only objective in Super Weekend Mode. At the upper part of the screen, you'll see that level's boss. When either paddle is in the center position, it will be lined up to hit the boss. Your paddle will auto-fire by default, but if you want more buttons to push during the game this can be disabled in the options menu. Ideally, you want to keep both paddles in the center position to take the boss down as fast as possible, but due to the falling objects you won't be able to continuously fire at them. The boss characters themselves are simple single-color sprites with only a few frames of animation, though while playing you'll hardly have time to notice due to everything going on at the same time. Once you get the boss close to defeat, they'll enter into a second state, complete with some new pixel-art to make them look a bit more threatening than their first form.
Super Weekend Mode contains 9 levels, which is a bit on the short side but the difficulty will ensure that you don't just blast right through the game. There are 3 difficulty levels and you can also select between a variety of princess characters, some of which will make the game more challenging and others that will make it a bit easier. The options menu allows you to customize the controls and toggle autofire.
Super Weekend Mode can be a fun game, particularly for those who enjoy those Guitar Hero-style rhythm games and folks who just like old-arcade style games. Those looking for easy achievements or gamerscore will like this one due to its incredibly short completion time. Publisher Ratalaika Games has developed a reputation for putting out games with super easy achievements and Super Weekend Mode is no exception. All of the game's achievements can be unlocked within 20 minutes, only requiring the player to get as far as stage 3.
In regards to the strange title of the game, the developer commented on a YouTube review (link below) stating the title of the game was a mis-translation of "caravan mode" from shmup games. Then the developer states something about the Star For Super Weekend Competition cartridge, so it's all a bit confusing but boils down to some type of mis-translation that the developer decided to just roll with.
Final Verdict: Super Weekend Mode will appeal to fans of rhythm games or those looking for easy achievements.
Related Links:
Buy Super Weekend Mode - Microsoft Store
Ratalaika Games - Xbox Overview
Pixelteriyaki - Official Site
Ratalaika Games - Official Site
Cornshaq Reviews Super Weekend Mode - YouTube
Super Weekend Mode - Metacritic
Super Weekend Mode - GameFAQs
Super Weekend Mode - True Achievements
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