Freya Hilton
In 2020, the studio Casey Donnellan Games, in collaboration with the publisher tinyBuild, released an exciting game called Kill It With Fire. This game is all about exterminating spiders using a wide range of weapons. In 2024, game developers launched a highly anticipated sequel in early access, allowing players to once again battle against the arachnids. This time, however, the game takes it up a notch by granting access to the entire multiverse. We discuss the game in a concise preview.
- Developer: Casey Donnellan Games
- Publisher: tinyBuild
- Platforms: PC
- Release date: April 16, 2024
With the expertise of a seasoned professional, Kill It With Fire took place on Earth. However, the sequel takes things to the next level by starting with a thrilling introduction reminiscent of Prey (2017). The player is then transported to a space base, where they have the incredible opportunity to explore the multiverse, leaping between various locations and eras.
In each of the areas, numerous spiders lie in wait for the aspiring exterminator, and this time they have developed the ability to imitate objects in their surroundings. As an expert, the player will effortlessly reach for a laser pistol that happens to be in a prominent spot. However, instead of grabbing the intended item, they will unexpectedly snatch an arachnid, causing it to scurry frantically around the room. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly interact with all objects within reach using your tablet, where the mission goals are entered.
Even better, use an improvised flamethrower and skillfully eliminate every room the gamer enters. There will be no penalties for any property damage, but the fire will efficiently uncover any concealed spiders and effectively decrease their numbers within the building. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that this tool has its limitations. Each weapon comes with a finite amount of ammunition, so you’ll have to switch between a flamethrower, pistol, laser gun, or even the tablet if you happen to run out of ammo.
Kill It With Fire 2 offers a wide range of content beyond just mimic spiders. There are expert-level challenges in the form of giant spiders, statue spiders that only move when you avert your gaze, and pesky spiders that pounce on the character and dart around, causing frustration with their quick movements. Very few of them actually pose a significant threat, so your main focus is on completing quests rather than engaging in combat with the arachnids.
The game features a wide array of challenging tasks crafted by the developers to ensure a gameplay experience that goes beyond the typical “entertain yourself” sandbox style. The objectives vary greatly: eliminating a specific number of adversaries, locating various items, concocting a potion using different ingredients, conquering brief challenges, and more. With this, the player will effortlessly unlock new areas, acquire powerful weapons, and expertly progress through the campaign. By the way, it’s still quite short.
Thankfully, apart from the story component, the title provides multiplayer options, both cooperative and competitive. In asymmetric PvP, players on one team take on the role of spiders and must expertly conceal themselves, using deception and confusion to outsmart their opponents and remain undetected. This mode is enjoyable to play, but it lacks proper balance: a stealthy spider can remain still and become bored, while its opponents face the risk of failure if they cannot reach their enemy.
Similar to many Early Access games, Kill It With Fire 2 is plagued with bugs and gives off a sense of incompleteness. However, the existing content here is already captivating, with a title that creates numerous humorous scenarios and excels at providing entertainment. All that’s left is to patiently await the developers’ implementation of their planned features and the release of the final product. It’s expected to be completed by the end of this year.