It's an addicting, fast-paced auto-shooting game.
AutoHero is a nostalgic trip back to the classic era of arcade platformers, reimagined with a modern twist through blockchain technology. Set in a dynamic side-scrolling bullet-hell environment, it brings some of the best experiences in retro gaming to Web3 while utilizing Tezos to enhance the player experience. AutoHero is a perfect blend of classic gameplay powered by Tezos in a gaming world increasingly embracing Web3.
Gameplay Overview
AutoHero pays homage to the classic side-scrolling platformers, evoking a sense of nostalgia while introducing new, exciting twists. Players can play one of twelve upgradeable heroes, each with unique perks and abilities, battling through endless streams of bullets, rockets, bombs, and enemies. The game's bullet-hell environment keeps players constantly on the move, focusing on dodging while the heroes automatically aim and shoot.
A roguelike progression system means each run is unique, with players collecting upgrades, power-ups, and new weapons. The auto-shooting mechanic keeps the action flowing while platforming sections and cleverly designed challenges add complexity. Players can change their gameplay experience by switching between different types of weapons, armor, and accessories, creating unique playstyles to suit their approach.
The game features rich, vibrant graphics with several themes that pay homage to memorable platformers like Super Mario Brothers, featuring green pipes and fireball-shooting plants. The world map currently consists of a campaign with nine different levels and the "Endless Tower." Story Mode levels range from twelve to thirty rooms, with random safe rooms appearing periodically between the action where players can encounter friendly NPCs. These NPCs include an angel who bestows blessings, a television to watch ads for bonuses, a merchant offering items for gold or gems, and hidden surprises for extra rewards.
The rooms with enemies consist of multiple types of platforms, some of which players can jump and shoot through, while others block movement and projectiles. Players progress from left to right, clearing each room of enemies to access the exit door on the far right. Players start with a basic loadout: a weapon, armor, and two accessories. They earn experience and level up as they progress, gaining bonus abilities that improve stats and provide new tactical options. After completing a level, since these upgrades only last for the run, players will return to their base stats. If you’ve ever played Metal Slug before, this game will feel familiar.
Players will earn various items, including weapons, armor, accessories, and materials needed to upgrade their heroes and gear. Items come in multiple rarities: Common (grey), Uncommon (green), Rare (blue), Epic (purple), Legendary (gold), Mythical (red), and Exalted (black). Players can fuse three of the same type and rarity of an item to produce one of a higher rarity. For example, three uncommon sniper vests will combine to create one rare sniper vest. The fused item retains the highest level of the three components; if a player fuses a level fifteen item with two more items that are leveled up but not higher than fifteen, the resulting item will still only be level fifteen. This fusion system, along with the variety of rarities, creates a significant level of depth and encourages grinding for better gear.
Currently, the game features two types of in-game currency. The first type is "Gold." Players will use gold throughout the game to purchase upgrades for items and heroes. As players progress, they will gain experience separate from their heroes. Each level the player earns will allow you to buy talents with gold to strengthen all your heroes permanently. The other currency is "Rubies." Players can use this premium currency to purchase gold, chests containing shards or items, or even reroll on abilities while fighting in-game, or purchase items from the merchant you could randomly meet.
Hero Abilities and Progression
The heroes in AutoHero each have their specific personalities and special abilities. The starting hero, Hank, does not come with any extra skills, but as players unlock more heroes, they gain access to their unique powers. Examples of these abilities include:
Gambler's Seal: A chance to obtain a random item with every shot.
Frozen Shots: Shots that freeze enemies, providing crowd control.
Anchor: Drops a mighty anchor on enemies at random intervals, dealing heavy damage.
Level up your heroes using different types of crystals, metals, and gold, increasing their base attack and health stats. Heroes also have a star level that players can upgrade with corresponding hero shards. Upgrading a hero's star level will significantly boost attack and health, while leveling them up grants permanent incremental bonuses every ten levels. The variety of heroes and unique abilities add replay-ability, as players can experiment with combinations to suit their preferred playstyle.
Tezos Integration
Leveraging Tezos, in-game items such as weapons, armor, and accessories will be minted as NFTs, giving players ownership and control of their digital assets. Ownership means players can trade, buy, or sell their items in an in-game economy, bringing real-world value to their achievements.
AutoHero's closed alpha marketplace is an excellent example of its proposed blockchain features. These features allow players to connect wallets, mint NFTs, and manage profiles through an integrated marketplace. Players can currently participate in community activities to earn the game's token, $AHT, which they will eventually use to mint and trade NFTs.
Why AutoHero is Worth Your Time
AutoHero offers a unique blend of retro side-scrolling shooter gameplay powered by Tezos, making it a fun and addictive experience in the mobile gaming world. The nostalgic visuals and bullet-hell mechanics appeal to classic gaming fans, while the Tezos integration provides value to in-game accomplishments.
The game's simplicity and familiarity make it easy for newcomers, and its challenging and addictive grind to experienced gamers ensures it caters to a broad audience. Whether drawn by the retro visuals and tight gameplay or intrigued by the opportunity to own and trade your in-game items as NFTs, AutoHero offers something for everyone. NFT integration's value goes beyond aesthetics, allowing players to create genuine value from their time in-game. With upgradeable heroes, varied levels, and NFT integration, players get more than just entertainment; they can truly own their progress. Dive into the vibrant, chaotic world of AutoHero and experience a new era of gaming where your skills and items are yours.
AutoHero: A 2d Web3 Mobile Roguelike Platformer was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
