Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime: A Cooperative Space Shooter for the Whole Crew

In Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, players assume control over the crew of a pixelated spaceship tasked with navigating dangerous 2D space. Released originally in September 2015 by Asteroid Base, this indie title blends shooter, action, and simulation elements into a unique experience that emphasizes teamwork over individual prowess. The game is available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and macOS, making it accessible to a wide audience of couch co-op enthusiasts and solo adventurers alike.

Gameplay Mechanics: Juggling Power and Position

The core gameplay of Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime revolves around managing a spaceship from a top-down perspective. The ship is anchored to the center of the screen, allowing players to view the interior cross-section and the surrounding space simultaneously. Unlike traditional space shooters where one player controls all systems, this game requires distinct roles. The spaceship contains several critical devices, including thrusters, laser cannons, and deflector shields.

A key mechanic is that one character can only control one device at a time. To keep the ship running and safe, protagonists must constantly move around the ship’s interior to activate specific devices. For instance, one player might need to man the helm to navigate, while another positions the shield to block incoming fire, and others operate the turrets. This creates a dynamic juggling act that becomes more manageable with four players, as roles can be specialized. One player can focus entirely on driving, another on shielding, and the remaining two on firing, though strategic flexibility is often required when enemies approach from multiple sides.

Story and Setting: Love vs. Anti-Love

The narrative of Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is whimsical and straightforward. The story begins in a galaxy where the power of Love has been harnessed into a machine, uniting people in harmony. However, due to a miscalculation, an evil force known as ‘Anti-Love’ infiltrates the galaxy, destroying the Love Machine and causing chaos. Summoned by the Love genius Dr. Hopsy-Flopsy, the crew must battle the forces of Anti-Love to restore peace and repair the machine.

While the plot is not the primary focus, it provides a charming backdrop for the action. The visuals highlight this theme through pink-colored surfaces, gigantic hearts that need to be unchained, and a "super-kawaii" art style. The game’s colorful, vibrant aesthetics contrast nicely with the void of space, creating a tone that is both polished and adorable.

Notable Features and Replayability

Although Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime can be played alone, it is strongly oriented towards cooperative multiplayer, supporting up to four players. In single-player mode, a second protagonist, presumably the player's lover, is controlled by AI to assist with orders. The game offers significant depth through its upgrade system. Players can explore levels to find 'space bunnies' held in prisons and collect gift boxes containing various gems.

  • Upgrades: Metal gems can change a turret into a mace-like flail weapon, while other gems upgrade firing potential and shields.
  • Strategy: Players can tinker with combinations of upgrades, such as placing multiple metal gems on the same weapon placement to create unique effects.
  • Difficulty Scaling: The number and difficulty of enemies scale with the number of players, ensuring the game remains challenging regardless of team size.

Who Is This Game For?

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime appeals to fans of classic arcade shooters like Asteroids who enjoy a modern twist requiring cooperation. It is an ideal choice for friends and families looking for couch co-op experiences, as well as players who appreciate colorful, stylized indie games. While it may not take long to complete the main adventure, the strategic depth of crew management and the variety of upgrade combinations provide ample replayability. With a Metacritic score of 80.00, it stands as a highly regarded title in the cooperative shooter genre.