CounterAttack: Uprising

CounterAttack: Uprising is a sci-fi themed, horizontally scrolling shoot ’em up set in a futuristic world where humanity faces a robotic uprising. After a catastrophic malfunction at an automated mining outpost, an army of robots led by the Automaton Central A.I. declares humanity a threat and launches a genocidal invasion. Players pilot a customizable spaceship equipped with insane weapons and gadgets, battling through hordes of robotic enemies in intense side-scrolling action. The game features both single-player campaigns and chaotic co-op multiplayer for up to 8 players, delivering over-the-top combat across multiple platforms.

CounterAttack: Uprising: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of modern indie games, CounterAttack: Uprising stands out as a bold, retro-inspired homage to classic shoot ’em ups, infused with contemporary multiplayer mechanics and deep customization. Developed by Relative Games, this horizontally scrolling space shooter blends the nostalgia of arcade classics with the social and strategic depth of modern gaming. This review will dissect CounterAttack: Uprising across its narrative, gameplay, technical execution, and cultural impact, arguing that it is a standout title in the shoot ’em up genre, offering unparalleled replayability and cooperative fun.

Development History & Context

CounterAttack: Uprising was born from the passion of its creators, Tyler and Rei Boyes, who sought to fill a void in the market for a deeply customizable, multiplayer-focused shoot ’em up. Inspired by classics like Gradius and Raiden, the game began as a weekend project in 2016, evolving into a full-fledged title through community feedback and iterative development. The game’s development was marked by a commitment to preserving the essence of retro shooters while introducing modern elements like cross-platform multiplayer and a robust attachment system.

The technological constraints of the era influenced the game’s design, particularly in balancing performance across multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch). The Unity engine provided a flexible foundation, allowing for the game’s extensive customization and multiplayer features. At the time of its release in 2019, CounterAttack: Uprising stood out in a gaming landscape dominated by battle royales and open-world titles, offering a refreshing, arcade-style experience.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

CounterAttack: Uprising presents a dystopian sci-fi narrative where humanity faces extinction at the hands of the Automaton Uprising, a rebellion of sentient drones powered by the rare substance Quantium. The story unfolds through in-game text and cutscenes, exploring themes of technological hubris, survival, and the moral ambiguity of war.

The eight playable pilots—Marcus, Ayumi, Sloane, Biff, Joe, Sarah, Carl, and Jinx—each bring unique perspectives and abilities to the conflict. Marcus, a former institutionalized genius, represents the rogue element, while Ayumi embodies the scientific brilliance that led to the crisis. The narrative’s strength lies in its simplicity and focus on the immediate stakes of survival, avoiding overcomplication while grounding the player in the urgency of the mission.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

CounterAttack: Uprising is a horizontally scrolling shooter where players control one of eight uniquely equipped space fighters, battling waves of automatons across a branching campaign. The core gameplay loop involves navigating levels, collecting power-ups, and customizing weapons and attachments between missions.

Combat & Progression

Combat is fast-paced and punishing, with a heat management system that slows weapon firing if overheated. Players can collect “quantium” to activate special abilities, adding a strategic layer to engagements. The game’s progression is tied to an extensive attachment system, with over 600 unlockable modules and weapons that drastically alter playstyles.

Character Progression

Each pilot starts with unique stats and abilities, encouraging players to experiment with different characters. The attachment system allows for near-infinite customization, with weapons ranging from plasma cannons to singularity guns. Players can also unlock new slots for attachments as they progress, further enhancing their ship’s capabilities.

UI & Accessibility

The user interface is clean and functional, with clear indicators for heat, quantium, and power-ups. The game supports multiple control schemes, including keyboard, mouse, and gamepad, catering to a wide range of players. However, the lack of rebindable controls is a notable oversight.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Visual Direction

CounterAttack: Uprising features a retro-inspired 2D art style with vibrant, pixel-art visuals that evoke classic shoot ’em ups. The game’s levels are diverse, ranging from space battles to submarine and tank levels, each with distinct enemy designs and environmental hazards. The art direction successfully balances nostalgia with modern aesthetics, creating a visually engaging experience.

Sound Design

The soundtrack is a mix of electronic and orchestral tracks that complement the game’s sci-fi setting. The sound effects are crisp and satisfying, with distinct audio cues for weapon fire, explosions, and power-ups. The voice acting for character dialogues is minimal but effective, adding personality to the pilots.

Reception & Legacy

Critical & Commercial Reception

At launch, CounterAttack: Uprising received mixed reviews, with critics praising its customization and multiplayer features but criticizing its visuals and occasional performance issues. Over time, the game’s reputation has grown, particularly among shoot ’em up enthusiasts. Its Steam rating of 91% as of 2025 reflects its enduring appeal.

Influence & Impact

CounterAttack: Uprising has influenced subsequent indie shoot ’em ups, particularly in its emphasis on multiplayer and customization. Its success has demonstrated the viability of retro-inspired games in the modern market, inspiring other developers to explore similar themes and mechanics.

Conclusion

CounterAttack: Uprising is a triumph of indie game development, successfully blending classic shoot ’em up gameplay with modern multiplayer and customization features. Its narrative, while simple, effectively sets the stage for an engaging and replayable experience. The game’s visuals and sound design create a cohesive, immersive world, while its extensive attachment system offers near-limitless build variety.

Despite some minor flaws, such as the lack of rebindable controls and occasional performance issues, CounterAttack: Uprising stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the shoot ’em up genre. It is a must-play for fans of retro gaming and a worthy addition to any gaming library. In the annals of video game history, CounterAttack: Uprising will be remembered as a pivotal title that bridged the gap between classic and contemporary gaming, offering a unique and enduring experience.