Captain Wayne – Vacation Desperation emerges as a vibrant and unconventional shooter crafted using the iconic Doom engine, a project that has piqued my interest since I first experienced its demo over two and a half years ago. The game has officially launched, bringing with it an unexpected delight: the complete package, featuring a campaign and an endless horde mode, is now available on Steam for a mere .
Gameplay and Aesthetic
The game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a whimsical blend of Spongebob and Wario Ware, infused with the audacious spirit of Duke Nukem. Captain Wayne captures the essence of a ’90s cartoon aesthetic, seamlessly translating it into dynamic gameplay that evokes memories of Pizza Tower.
Players will find the arsenal in Captain Wayne to be particularly engaging. A standout feature is the machine gun, which requires a spin-up like a mini-gun, shaking the screen as it unleashes a torrent of bullets that can deplete your ammo reserves in seconds. The shotgun, too, stands out with its satisfying sound and feedback, delivering a delightful pow pow chk chk rhythm that resonates with players.
In lieu of a traditional rocket launcher, players can utilize a classic ship’s cannon that launches projectiles in a graceful arc, reminiscent of the Demoman’s grenade launcher from Team Fortress 2. The enemies are equally quirky, drawing inspiration from the peculiar background fish in Spongebob Squarepants, with designs that include a boxing glove-wearing pugilist who can block most ranged attacks, encouraging players to engage in close combat.
Endless Horde Mode
One of the most pleasant surprises, aside from the remarkably low price, is Captain Wayne’s infinite horde mode. This mode is meticulously designed, featuring expansive maps and a unique rhythm that sets it apart from typical indie boomer shooter wave modes. The horde maps are generously stocked with respawning ammo, health, and armor pickups, which quickly become essential as the gameplay intensifies.
Captain Wayne offers an enjoyable experience and a refreshing escape, making it a noteworthy title amidst the bustling autumn gaming season. For those who might hesitate at the price point, the game is currently on sale for just until December 9, presenting an even more enticing opportunity for gamers seeking a fun adventure.
