A.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX
- October 3, 2014
- Extend Studio
- 9h median play time
Get on SteamA.R.E.S. Extinction Agenda EX is a side-scrolling action game with Robotriot-themed protagonists and enemies. Players control A.R.E.S., a combat robot on a mission to save humanity from mechanical monstrosities. The game features fast-paced combat, upgradeable abilities, and challenging boss battles, set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a great soundtrack that enhances the overall experience and keeps players engaged.
- The character designs and animations are well-executed, adding a visually appealing aspect to the game.
- The gameplay mechanics, including the upgrade system and the ability to play as two different characters, provide a decent level of replayability.
- The controls can be unresponsive and clunky, leading to frustrating moments during platforming sections.
- Level design often feels generic and uninspired, lacking the creativity found in classic platformers like Mega Man.
- The game suffers from issues with hit detection and enemy behavior, making combat feel less satisfying and more tedious.
- music51 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its quality, with many reviewers highlighting its catchy and energetic rock soundtrack that complements the gameplay well. However, some players noted issues with sound balance and repetitiveness, suggesting that while the music enhances the experience, it can also become overwhelming at times. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, often elevating the game's appeal despite some criticisms regarding its fit with the game's aesthetic.
“The soundtrack is delightful, though sometimes the riffs remind way too much of the Machinae Supremacy metal band.”
“The music is excellent and the sprite work is fairly appealing.”
“The music is great if you're into electric guitars (think Guilty Gear), the level designs are good, and there's a decent amount of replayability.”
“The music is repetitive and loud.”
“The game technically and visually is good, however the soundtrack doesn't fit and is really boring.”
“The soundtrack for this is so much better than the actual game that it's actually kind of gross.”
- gameplay38 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some praising its faster pace and improved mechanics compared to the original, while others criticize the clunky controls and unresponsive jumping, which detracts from the overall experience. Although the game features enjoyable side-scrolling shooting mechanics and a clean interface, many players find the gameplay frustrating due to poorly introduced mechanics and inconsistent enemy placements. Overall, while there are notable improvements, significant gameplay flaws remain that hinder its recommendation.
“The gameplay is great and every weapon and ability you get feels varied and useful.”
“The gameplay is still as crisp and looks similar if not better than the original.”
“Fun sidescrolling shooting mechanics.”
“The controls are very clunky and unpolished; you know that feeling when you play one of those 'first attempt at 3D' type of games that had platforming in its gameplay but was horribly ill-equipped to put that into practice?”
“It's disappointing; while there are steps in several areas in terms of graphics and storytelling/cutscenes, some weird decisions were made regarding gameplay changes and enemy placement that don't make sense. Mechanics were reworked for not a lot of good reason, and on top of that, one of the biggest mistakes a platformer can make is unresponsive controls at times, particularly with the jump button.”
“The gameplay is realy clunky.”
- story37 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally perceived as simplistic and uninspired, often described as generic and cliched, with some players finding it a mere backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling narrative. However, the introduction of a new playable character, Tarus, adds a layer of intrigue, as his unique storyline and moveset provide a fresh perspective, prompting some players to engage more deeply with the narrative. Overall, while the story may not be the main draw, it offers enough interest to keep players invested through the gameplay experience.
“I wasn't sure about Tarus at first, but one third through Ares' story, I grew fond of Tarus after observing how mysterious and stoic he can be.”
“For me, the story is more of a bonus here, the context for which Ares and Tarus have the motivation to go through each stage.”
“Ares retains the story of the first game, with some additions; as for Tarus, he has his own story, although you'll find yourself playing the same levels as with Ares, including several of the cutscenes.”
“I often felt I was playing a watered down and worse experience of games made in the 90s and 2000s... the character design, story, and dialogue felt uninspired.”
“Extremely linear, the story is simplistic and characters are empty; bosses are easy in my opinion, and to unlock everything you just need some farming and patience, since nothing is really hidden.”
“The story in general is generic, although it has a few cool twists.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the high-quality visuals and character designs, while others find the overall aesthetic bland and reminiscent of past side-scrollers. Some players appreciate the polished look that distinguishes it from mobile games, but note issues with hitboxes and control responsiveness that detract from the experience. Overall, the art style is seen as nice but somewhat forgettable, with specific criticisms regarding character redesigns.
“The graphics are very high-quality.”
“The visuals and music also add to this experience.”
“The game's graphics are really top-quality in the genre, and the music is ok although becomes repetitive, just like the gameplay.”
“The game plays like a flash game with upgraded graphics, nothing more.”
“It's disappointing; while there are steps in several areas in terms of graphics and storytelling/cutscenes, some weird decisions were made regarding gameplay changes and enemy placement that don't make sense.”
“Graphics: I don't like what they did with the supporting cast; the characters and bosses look just as great, but what did they do to the women? It's like they changed how they wanted them to look and they look awful.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding in the game to be excessive and often frustrating, as it is necessary to unlock upgrades and manage resources like healing, which can feel overly punishing. The need to restart levels after dying to accumulate enough currency adds to the tedium, making the experience feel needlessly grindy, especially for those aiming for completion. Overall, while some grinding is expected, it detracts from the enjoyment due to its repetitive and tedious nature.
“Abilities like healing, which has a rather steep cost, only make this game feel needlessly grindy. It's baffling why the game makes you feel you need to grind, especially when dying in a fight does not reset the currency, forcing you to restart the level just to have enough saved up to possibly make it to the end of a fight (or hoping the healing is even up).”
“Upgrades only make it feel worse, as they are just useless enough to encourage grinding to make them slightly more useful. Healing helps close the RNG gap and cool down, but not the cost; mega attacks hit more targets with a little more damage, yet there's no way to force them to attack through bosses, leading to often annoying no-damage super attacks.”
“In terms of difficulty, the game is tedious 90% of the time, and that feels generous.”
- character development3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highlighted by well-crafted character designs and animated cutscenes, which some players appreciate. However, the overall story, dialogue, and gameplay are criticized for lacking depth and inspiration, leading to a feeling of playing a lesser version of older titles. While the character designs are praised, they are not enough to elevate the game's narrative experience.
“I love their character designs; I want to draw fan art of them someday.”
“The character designs are nicely made, and the music is really good. I commend the developers for going with decently animated cutscenes for their game.”
“I often felt I was playing a watered down and worse experience of games made in the 90s and 2000s. The character design, story, and dialogue felt uninspired.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game's simple upgrade system effectively encourages replayability, complemented by tight controls and engaging level designs. The overall experience, enhanced by a strong soundtrack, contributes to a decent level of replay value.
“The upgrade system is simple and clearly designed to foster replayability, and it's done right, I'd say.”
“The controls are tight, the music is great if you're into electric guitars (think Guilty Gear), the level designs are good, and there's a decent amount of replayability.”
“The upgrade system is simple and clearly meant to foster replayability, but it feels too basic to keep me coming back.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to replay it, as the story doesn't change significantly.”
“The lack of meaningful choices and consequences makes replaying the game feel redundant.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the game's emotional impact, highlighting moments of unfair difficulty that lead to feelings of helplessness and anger. The design choices, such as insta-death mechanics, contribute to a sense of emotional distress, particularly during high-stakes scenarios.
- humor1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The humor in the game has been widely criticized, with many users finding it lacking and not funny.
“Not funny.”
“The jokes fell flat and felt forced.”
“I expected more clever humor, but it was mostly cringeworthy.”
