Disc Room

Not unlike the discs we spent so long combating, Disc Room is far more clever than it appears to be at a glance. Like Minit before it, Disc Room is another minimalist concept rooted in classic design and inspiration, except there’s so much more beneath the surface. Just as the ship called out to our scientist like a siren’s song, Disc Room’s cool, addictive appeal does the exact same to me.

Disc Room is a solid addition to the bullet hell genre. Alongside fluid gameplay mechanics, the choice to include puzzles makes the reaction-based thought process required to succeed in the game that much more chaotic and fun.

Disc Room wants to cut you in so many ways. It wants to chew you up, dismantle you, and make you say a swear or 50 creatively woven into the same sentence. It’s bullet hell without the regular therapy of being able to return fire. But for all of those aspects, it's also horribly addicting. The ease of picking up where you left off and trying your darndest to survive just a little bit longer to unlock a room left me putting down my controller, rubbing my head, and then often picking it up to say, “this will be the time I get it. This time.” It’s not a ridiculously long or complex romp. But it a...

One of many great things about the indie game space is that it caters to all kinds of interests. Consider the bullet hell genre. Whilst there are some AAA that dabble in its waters, for the more pure, and more interesting takes, you have to go indie. Maybe these games will never get blockbuster appeal, but they can take pride in a simple premise executed well. So while Disc Room is unlikely to take home massive game of the year awards, it knows what it wants to do and does a damn fine job of ...

Most people could leave a similarly styled game feeling like they’ve experienced its entirety before it’s ever finished. But well after I’ve beaten it, Disc Room still holds at least one secret I’m desperately trying to solve. Like the scientist I was in control of, Disc Room pulled me into its mystery and left me wanting more. It’s a great game, but frustrating and unfair sometimes. Regardless, it’ll feel right at home among Devolver Digital’s brightest.

It's like a bullet hell game, but you can't shoot back.

Being a game that will no doubt test your reflexes and tenacity, Disc Room will make the number of deaths you have in a Dark Souls game look miniscule in comparison.