I’m a sucker for anything with “experimental” in the name. I like experimental music, experimental cinema, and, of course, experimental games. That said, browser game Experimental Shooter drew me in with its title and kept me playing with an infectious soundtrack and playing style. Only let-down? There’s nothing really experimental about it.
Levels starts the same way: with a rotating cannon that you control with your mouse and targets scattered about the minimalist playing field. After that, the rules change with every completed task. Before the end you’ll mash button, do mental math, shoot a quick round of pool, and, in the case of the final level, groan in frustration numerous times.
What really makes this game great is the coordination of playing style and music. Both have a jauntiness that enhance one another. The music is a modern take on lounge music courtesy of Martinibomb. I would think nothing of this song if not for the accompanying fun of the Vitalii Zlotskii’s game. It’s like that U2 song in Transformers 3: I don’t want to hear it unless I can watch supersoldiers skydiving like flying squirrels at the same time.
Give Experimental Shooter a play and tell me if you can get that song out of your head.
This article appears in August 5 • 2011.
