Ampersand

30%
Game Brain Score Based on 252 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • stability
Ampersand Game Cover
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Ampersand is a furiously fast paced racing game, with futuristic vehicles and environments. Select from multiple crafts, with varying stats and abilities, collect power-ups and drive with skill and precision to come out on top!

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

30%
Audience ScoreBased on 252 reviews
humor2 positive mentions
graphics15 negative mentions
  • The game is very cheap, making it accessible for those looking for a low-cost option.
  • Some players found the visuals to be mildly stylish, reminiscent of classic racing games.
  • It can serve as a source for Steam trading cards, providing a small profit for those who buy it on sale.
  • The controls are terrible and unintuitive, making it difficult to play effectively.
  • There is no options menu or tutorial, leaving players to figure out the controls on their own.
  • The game is plagued with bugs and glitches, leading to a frustrating experience overall.
  • graphics35 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many reviewers describing them as outdated, glitchy, and reminiscent of low-quality titles from the late 1990s. While some users noted a few stylish elements or a fitting art style, the overall consensus is that the visuals are poor and lack any significant configuration options. Many players found the graphics to detract from the overall experience, often citing them as a major flaw alongside the game's controls and user interface.

    • “Overall the controls are well explained and well mapped, the graphics made me think I was actually there, and finally the story was so well written it was the first game to ever make me cry.”
    • “The controls are flawless, the graphics are stunning.”
    • “The initial artwork makes you think this would be a decent title.”
    • “Graphics are severely outdated -- I'd say, a bad version of a 1998 cheap racing game.”
    • “These graphics look trash made from Blender or Unity; you could probably improve them a bit!”
    • “Graphics are subpar and not even tweakable at all, for there isn't an options menu.”
  • gameplay11 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some praising its engaging pacing and fun tutorial, while others criticize it for being clunky, boring, and plagued by glitches. Many players find the learning curve steep and the overall experience lacking in enjoyment, leading to a consensus that the gameplay detracts significantly from the game's appeal.

    • “The gameplay is perfectly paced and it makes me constantly engaged.”
    • “It starts off with a clear tutorial that is loads of fun, and then launches into arcade gameplay that sets the bar for every game like it.”
    • “So the game starts off with Samuel D. Jenson, a long-time mechanic who has always wanted to race.”
    • “This game is a chore to learn how to play, and even once you do, there is no fun waiting to be had in the mastery of the mechanics.”
    • “No settings in the game to adjust keybindings or any other settings, clunky gameplay, and many glitches.”
    • “To sum up the gameplay of this game in one word, it is boring.”
  • stability10 mentions

    The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent glitches, crashes, and poor controls, making it largely unplayable and frustrating for users. Many reviewers express that the lack of options and the overall buggy experience detract from any potential enjoyment, rendering it not worth the investment, even at a low price point.

    • “Seriously, don't even consider this game. No options, full of glitches, and totally frustrating controls.”
    • “Glitches are everywhere.”
    • “Between the awful controls and annoying glitches, this game definitely isn't worth the money, even for how cheap it is.”
  • music10 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it relaxing and enjoyable, while others describe it as bland and even "god awful." Many users express frustration over the lack of an options menu to adjust the music or volume, leading to a negative impact on their overall experience. Overall, while the music may appeal to some, it fails to elevate the gameplay for many players.

    • “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
    • “Would pay a euro for the game, it's nice to relax with the music.”
    • “I like the art style and music, but that's purely personal preference.”
    • “There is absolutely no options menu so you cannot check controls, or change display settings or turn off the god awful music.”
    • “The worst part though in this generic knockoff tragedy, worse than the lack of instructions, the poor controls, the bland music and the boring race tracks.... is that even once you take the time to really master the game it isn't fun or satisfying.”
    • “While I can excuse the mediocre graphics and the bland music, the gameplay kills any enjoyment you can have with this game.”
  • story5 mentions

    The story aspect of the game received mixed reviews; one player praised it for its emotional depth and well-written narrative that resonated personally, while another criticized it for lacking a coherent plot and overall engagement, likening the experience to outdated gaming mechanics.

    • “Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
    • “Overall, the controls are well explained and well mapped, the graphics made me think I was actually there, and finally, the story was so well written it was the first game to ever make me cry.”
    • “It's honestly the worst game I've ever had to play; it works like it's on an N64 and seems to have no plot or instructions.”
    • “There is no story.”
  • grinding5 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is largely viewed as tedious and poorly executed, with players often struggling with controls that lead to frustrating experiences. However, some users find value in the game for its card farming potential, suggesting that it serves better as a trading card simulator than a traditional game.

    • “The controls are poor; I found myself mostly grinding up against the edges of the track whenever I came across a bend.”
    • “Trading card farming simulator 2016.”
    • “Still, I was able to profit from card farming, which is really the only reason I bought it in the first place.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game is widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, leading to a negative perception among users.

    • “Alright, it's a broken cash grab!”
    • “Yes, that is what ampersand is - a broken cash grab.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as delightfully absurd, with some players finding it so bad that it becomes funny. Overall, it is considered hilarious and well worth the low price, making it a recommended purchase for those seeking a good laugh.

    • “I mean... it has to be at least so bad it's funny?”
    • “Ampersand is the first game I bought during the 2016 sale. The game is hilarious and is worth every penny I spent, just 0.14 euros! I suggest everyone buy this game!”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a poignant moment during the spacetona 500, where the driver receives the devastating news of his grandmother's passing over the ship's comms, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the racing experience.

    • “In the middle of the Spacetona 500, sponsored by Sprint and Can-Am, the driver experiences a heartbreaking tragedy as his grandmother passes away and is announced over the comms inside the ship.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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