Release Date: June 4, 2015
The debut title from Shark Punch, an independent studio previously known from creating games for Disney Interactive. The Masterplan spins a crazy conspiracy theory, in which the Nixon administration’s decision to change the fixed exchange rate currency into a free floating one had a more sinister tone. When it comes to mechanics, we are looking at a mix of action game and a real-time strategy.
The Masterplan for PC is the debut project of Shark Punch, an independent development studio established by former members of Finish Rocket Pack, a studio responsible for creating games for Disney Interactive. The game creatively mixes elements of classic, side-scrolling action games, and turn-based team strategy games, with a healthy dose of logic riddles.
The action of the game takes us to 1970s USA, and tells a story of what is supposedly “a biggest con in the history of mankind”. In 1971, the Nixon administration had abolished international convertibility of the United States dollar into gold, changing the fixed exchange rate currency into a freely floating one. The administration had justified the move through fight against unemployment and hyperinflation, as well as safeguarding of American currency and economy. In their debut project, the developers from Shark Punch spin a conspiracy theory, which assumes that the whole process was a smoke screen for a historic, large-scale con, and an attempt to cover the real reasons behind Nixon’s decision.
The Masterplan is another unique title in the indie world, mixing a few different genres. The game was inspired by authors’ favorite titles from 1980s and 1990s, which in contrast with present-day AAA titles, focused on interesting gameplay and a new approach to video game entertainment. The Masterplan is a mix between an action game and a real time strategy. Our goal is to create a team and acquire the necessary equipment, and then proceed with the titular “master plan” that is connected to the controversial move made by the American government.
When it comes to mechanics, the game is a classic side-scrolling action game, which is complemented by logic riddles, and physics manipulation. The player can make use of the active pause to have a clear approach to each obstacle, while the hand-drawn graphics are clearly influenced by the Nixon era, which is further reinforced by the soundtrack, containing various music tracks from the period.
Platforms:
PC Windows
Developer: Shark Punch
Publisher: Shark Punch
Age restrictions: none
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Top downloads for The Masterplan Video Game:
System Requirements for The Masterplan Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 256 MB GeForce 8500 GT or better, 250 MB HDD, Windows Vista/7/8.
Game Ratings for The Masterplan Video Game.
Gaming Nexus: 7 / 10 by Rob Larkin
In the end, while the gameplay and repetition required can be frustrating, The Masterplan is very well put together from an aesthetic standpoint. It's a unique gaming experience at a price point that's low enough to forgive some of it's faults. I like the idea behind the game, I like the character interactions with stickups and traversing the world via various paths. I just don't like having no idea what's around the next corner until you actually peek, and if it's bad news it likely puts your game in a state where you're better off starting the mission all over again. The Masterplan is a good game held back by a necessity for trial and error. Give me the intel on who has the key, let me catch him on his break and leave him out cold in the bathroom stall, while I sneak in though the backdoor and use the security cams to my advantage to direct my partner past the patrolling guards. Now you've created a game deserving of the title The Masterplan. Instead I'm fumbling through the dark, my only illumination coming from past mistakes.
GameGrin: 6.5 / 10 by Alex Hamilton
Even though The Masterplan will appeal to some due to its tight mechanics, cool setting and unique style, I can't help but look at it and think about what could have been with a few tweaks: a truly stand out indie title.
Destructoid: 6 / 10 by Stephen Turner
For the most part, The Masterplan feels incredibly slight. In the last third, where tactics shift from bull rushes to planning longer routes, the need for tactical complexity becomes too apparent. Though not exactly fast-paced, it works best when decisions are made on-the-fly and risks are taken for monetary distractions. Overall, The Masterplan is not a bad game, just one that misses some tricks because of scaled back designs.
Average score from votes.
![[1:15] launch trailer](https://cdn.gracza.pl/galeria/filmy/640x360/92978670.jpg)
