Shape Shifter: Formations is an action twin-stick shooter with rogue-lite elements, where you must destroy hordes of geometric enemies alone or with a friend. Select your ship and combine a large variety of weapons, abilities and infinitely stacking upgrades to craft your own unique build.
The gameplay loop captivates players with its satisfying blend of challenge and reward. Reviewers consistently praise the game's tight, responsive controls, which enable precise dodging of enemy projectiles during intense horde survival scenarios and boss battles. Players describe the experience as "pure joy," highlighting the seamless integration of these two core gameplay elements.
The game's deep progression system empowers players to craft unique builds tailored to their preferred playstyles. Reviewers highlight the ability to select from a diverse array of 15 ships, each with distinctive active and passive abilities, and outfit them with a wide variety of 15 different weapons. As players progress through runs, they can unlock over 150 infinitely stacking upgrades, leading to a constant sense of growth and discovery. Reviewers note that these upgrades often synergize in unexpected and satisfying ways, encouraging experimentation and rewarding creative build-crafting.
Players repeatedly commend the game's challenging yet fair difficulty curve. While the encounters, especially the formidable boss battles, can be punishing, reviewers appreciate that the difficulty feels surmountable with skill and the right build. The game's balance is praised, with players noting that a variety of strategies and builds remain viable, rather than a single optimal approach.
Technically, the game shines, with reviewers highlighting its smooth performance and visually striking retro-inspired, neon-drenched aesthetic. The clarity of the visuals, even during the most chaotic bullet-hell sequences, allows players to maintain situational awareness and react accordingly.