Laika:
Aged Through Blood

Laika: Aged Through Blood (2023) is a fast-paced shooting and traversal game where you ride a bike through a post-apocalyptic world on a path of vengeance. Viewed side-on, you race along the ground and jump through the air, exploring the labyrinthine world and uncovering secrets while dealing with other riders. It's a combination of platforming exploration with fast-paced driving and twin-stick shooting - the classic Excite Bike Nintendo game meets Hades.

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Inspired by classic Western stories, you play a Coyote warrior whose native tribe is oppressed and ruled by tyrannical invaders. A devastating loss sets you on a grief- and anger-fueled quest for revenge against those who took everything from you.

You traverse the vast, ruined, Mad-Max-style landscapes on your bike, interacting with the locals you meet. As you do there's the chance to explore secret passageways and areas for hidden items. As you drive, you deal with enemies with your guns - one gamepad stick controls the shooting and the other your motion. To reload your weapons, you perform flips in the air from huge ramps that also let you slow time if you shoot while air bourne. Your bike can also act as a shield against incoming fire in the air if you position it correctly.

The result is a game about the melding of man and machine. A way of getting around. A means of escape and even, at times, your shield. The fluid motion and nuanced twin-stick controls make this a unique challenge that feels particularly good to master.

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Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Laika: Aged Through Blood 9 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 3 months ago.