Ballpoint Universe Infinite’s Shooting Levels Were Inspired By Einhander

I got to play a little bit of Ballpoint Universe Infinite on Wii U and the game’s shooting levels had an Einhander vibe to them. Einhander is horizontal scrolling shooter from Squaresoft that had ships that could snatch weapons from downed enemies.

The ship you pilot in Ballpoint Universe feels inspired by the Astraea FGA Mk. I, one of Einhander’s ships that has two arms and allows you to carry two gunpods. Ballpoint Universe Infinite’s ship has different weapons including a tentacle-like spear which seemed most useful when surrounded by small fry enemies. When I mentioned this one of the developers confirmed Einhander was a source of inspiration for the game. Instead of picking up gunpods, enemies drop money which you can pick up to purchase weapons like homing rockets.

Before you get into your ship, Ballpoint Universe Infinite plays like a 2D platformer where you run and jump through a surreal hub world. The hand drawn scribbl-y artstyle makes Ballpoint Universe Infinite unique, but at times it can be difficult to see bullets which can blend into the background.

Ballpoint Universe Infinite is slated for release on Wii U this spring.