Super Crate Box

Super Crate Box

Developer(s) Vlambeer
Platform(s) Windows, Mac, iOS, Ouya, PlayStation Vita, Commodore 64
Release date(s)
  • WW May 11, 2010
Genre(s) Action
Mode(s) Single player, multiplayer
Distribution Download, cartridge (C64)

Super Crate Box is a action indie game released by Vlambeer on May 11, 2010.[1] It is an arcade action game. It is available on Steam,[2] on the website for download, iOS,[1] with multiplayer as Super Crate Box Versus on the Winnitron [3] and as Super Bread Box on the Commodore 64.[4]

Gameplay

Gameplay in Super Crate Box from the level "Construction Yard".
General gameplay in Super Crate Box. The red enemies have fallen into the pit previously, and thus are now angry and run faster.

Super Crate Box‍ '​s core gameplay revolves around a 2D map. Enemies continually spawn from the top of the map, and come in three varieties: small, large and flying. A crate is always available in a random location on the map, and picking up a crate gives you one of 14 weapons, selected at random.[5] At all times, there is a fire pit at the bottom of the map. If an enemy reaches the bottom of the map and falls into the pit, it will respawn at the top of the map with the same health but moving considerably faster. Contact with an enemy results in immediate death.

The goal of the game is to survive as long as possible by using the different weapons obtained from crates to kill enemies. The number of crates that the player picks up before dying constitutes as the score. By attaining certain numbers of crates in the game the player can unlock new weapons, game modes and cosmetic character skins.[6]

There is a leaderboard available on the official website that tracks high scores for the various different modes.[1] The game supports joypad controls.

Development

iOS version

The iOS version was released on December 19, 2012.[7] It is not free, unlike the PC version. It has a multitude of Game Center achievements.[6]

Commodore 64 version

In 2012, Super Crate Box was ported to the Commodore 64 home computer by Paul Koller. This official conversion became available as a cartridge in October 2013 under the title "Super Bread Box". This version features three new and exclusive C64-themed levels (in addition to the original three) as well as online highscore tables, but lacks the SFMT and Ambush modes due to limitations of the hardware.

Reception

The game was widely praised by critics. Pushsquare said that "it's a twitch platformer-cum-shooter that preys on compulsion" and added that "If you dare to open the box on a lazy day, don't expect to close it again for an hour."[8] Edge mentioned that "The challenge is fierce; as your tally climbs above its previous best, the accompanying exclamation mark is a virtual eyebrow raised in surprise at your achievement."[9] TouchArcade said that "The hooks are in its constituent parts, which seamlessly blend into a cacophony of arcade action surrounding this pure purpose of play."[10]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Super Crate Box". Vlambeer. 2011-01-19. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  2. ↑ Single-player (2012-08-29). "Super Crate Box on Steam". Store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  3. ↑ "Super Crate Box Versus On the Winnitron". IndieGames.com. 2011-01-28. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
  4. ↑ "Super Bread Box On the Commodore 64". rgcd.co.uk. 2013-10-22. Retrieved 2013-08-22.
  5. ↑ "Super Crate Box (PC) Weapon FAQ". GameFAQs.com. 2011-04-01. Retrieved 2013-06-08. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Super Crate Box Achievements | Achievement List". Tap Gamers. 2012-10-22. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  7. ↑ "Super Crate Box for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad on the iTunes App Store". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-12-19. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  8. ↑ "Super Crate Box (PlayStation Mobile) Review". Push Square. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  9. ↑ "Super Crate Box review". Edge Online. 2012-01-11. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  10. ↑ "Super Crate Box Review". Touch Arcade. 2012-01-11. Retrieved 2013-06-24.