12
32-
Video games are no strangers to weird concepts. From beloved Plants vs. Zombies to godawful Stalin vs. Martians, it seems like we've seen everything.
Well, the newest addition to the VS series that I just made up pushes boundaries even further, only this time the mashup makes sense in a weird sort of way.
This is Tesla vs Lovecraft.
The Worlds Collide
Nikola Tesla and H.P. Lovecraft don't need to be introduced. However, what needs an introduction is the way their worlds collide.
Lovecraft is basically a mad man that wants to stop Tesla from furthering his experiments with electricity. Armed with an infamous Necronomicon book, Lovecraft summons all sorts of creatures from Cthulhu Mythos, the nightmare-inducing monsters that constantly inspire game developers, with the most recent example being Man of Medan.
It is up to Tesla to stop him, using all sorts of electricity based gadgets and old school weapons.
It sounds silly but the game takes the premise very seriously and it works beautifully.
Putting Lovecraft in the role of a bad guy might not sit well with the fans of his work, but keep in mind it is all in good fun ;)
There are just too many, captain!
As you already assumed from the plot synopsis, you play as Tesla against the seemingly endless horde of Lovecraftian creatures. What those creatures lack in diversity they compensate in numbers.
The constant dread of being stomped by the horde of enemies is one of the defining features of the game. It truly feels impossible half of the time, but luckily the science is on your side.
The weapons, while fun to use, simply can't hold off the creatures for long, so you are in the constant search for mech parts.
Once you find all six parts you will gain access to a gun-totting mech for a short period of time that will mow down enemies and give you some room to breathe and let me tell you, the feeling is very comparable to Pac-Man getting the super pellet.
Perks of being Tesla
It is not only the mech suit that can help you. Actually, there are tons of perks and upgrades to unlock.
With each kill, a bar that indicates your level will fill up, and once it fills completely you will go one level up which will allow you to gain one of three perks available.
The perks can be as simple as giving you more walking speed or as awesome as making every bullet bounce off the walls, which makes for a chaotically satisfying experience.
You can also upgrade your teleporter, a tool which you will get from the beginning and which will be invaluable in your quest. It serves as a dodge mechanic and it plays well with the stage design. Speaking of...
Can you feel the Lovecraft in the air?
Visually, Tesla vs Lovecraft can feel a bit repetitive. However, the way the stages are designed is pitch-perfect. There are fences and holes in the ground scattered around the stage and they are strategically placed so that you can, with smart use of a teleporter, escape from the monster's clutches. It won't win you a battle, but it will buy you some time.
The atmosphere is, again, pitch-perfect. The game oozes the style of the Victorian Era, and while it dabbles a bit with steampunk, it creates a unique identity.
Labor of love
Sometimes the best games are the ones we never knew we wanted. Tesla vs Lovecraft definitely fits in that category.
The whole concept could have fall flat, but the developers at 10tons took that concept and made the most of it.
For fans of Tesla, Lovecraft, and top-down shooters, this is the one not to be missed.
Are you getting Tesla vs Lovecraft? Do these types of crossovers tickle your fancy? Which characters would you pit one against the other?
Let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear your thoughts on games and gaming.
Get in the Game ! 
