This is another under the radar gem; yeah, this game is another one of those clone games mainly the arcade game "Forgotten Worlds" and even from a level or two takes it's cues from other shumps. The game is nothing new but it's everything done right.
Not much to say about the plot only that you cybernetic soldiers that have hovering function to stop an alien invasion. That's it in a nutshell, once again plot isn't all that important like most to all the old shumps were in it for the action and this game has plenty of that.
The control is tight, gameplay is also solid as it's what you can expect from a "Forgotten Worlds" clone, there are a descent amount of power ups and weapons each with strengths and weaknesses, the best weapon for me is the grenade which is cool despite slow discharge each shot does maximum damage.
Graphical presentation is solid, like the designs of the levels as each one is something different as it's a different challenge, my favorite is the fight with the flying battleship, yeah I know that's it's a bit of a rip on the flying battleship stage on "R-Type" let alone common trope in shumps but it's still fun all the game and gratifying.
The difficulty is on the hard side, but it's not unreasonable if you have enough go arounds and memorize most of the layout of what you've gone though then you can actually get though the game with minimum to no problems as you will know what will happen before it does and where to go and do at that time. Plus, the game isn't too long which is common for games on the hard difficulty caliber but that's a good thing as it also helps make it reasonable and doesn't overstay it's welcome.
One thing that makes the game slightly unique is the two drones under your command, which give the game an element of strategy. You can stop them any direction you want them to as they constantly move. Both drones can discharge bullets in any direction you set them to. This is very handy as throughout the game as it helps in covering your vulnerable spots and hitting enemies in areas you won't be able to turn around or reach on time. The drones are a very good defensive tool but be careful as there are oncoming enemies throughout the game and there are limited breaks and safe zones, so set you drone up carefully.
Another thing of course is the music, this game has one of the best video game tracks ever each of them are on my list of favorite video game tracks, these are the kinds of tracks I wouldn't mind if they ever include on a vinal record of greatest video game tracks, it would be something to play at a party. Each song is just awesome as it just sings nonstop hard action.
So, for shump and retro fans "S.C.A.T." is a hidden vintage gem worth hovering toward.
Rating: 3 stars