All the game's controls can be changed and assigned to keys of choice, which makes things easier for righty/lefty gamers. The default scheme is good, and the mouse can be used in addition to the keyboard. Being able to collect and trigger special attacks is a lifesaver when the screen gets crowded, and there are over 16 unique enemy types you'll face that require different strategies. Especially if your Fluffies are scattered, protecting them is a nightmare. Firing your gun is easy enough, but getting your ship at the right angle so you can hit a Bubble or other enemy without toasting a Fluffy takes some precision.
Alien Flux comes across as a neat diversion, and a very challenging game for something built on such a simple premise. There are 100 levels, including four bosses to fight, so if you respond to the control scheme and the game style you'll have a lot to love. I found Alien Flux too niche, and the control scheme layout packed in too many variables. Having to think about moving via point-and-click, shooting, picking up powerups, and protecting Fluffies, was too much input. Three of the four would have made Alien Flux a fine title, but anyone who likes offbeat games and especially retro gaming should give this a whirl. And luckily, thanks to the philosophy at PuppyGames that supports trial versions, you can test out the game for free after downloading. The commitment to Open Source also means the game plays on any platform that supports java or OpenGL.
