Antecrypt
- August 3, 2023
- PUNKCAKE Délicieux
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Get on itch.io Store"Antecrypt⚡" is a challenging arcade-style shooter where you must fend off corrupting monsters to protect mankind's last hard-drive, using a rechargeable laser-beam and bombs. The game features 40 levels, two difficulty modes, and over 30 unlockable upgrades to help you progress. With tight top-down shooting action, a timer for time-attack/speedrunning, and support for keyboard and controller input, "Antecrypt⚡" offers a tough-but-fair retro-styled experience.
Mac OS
PC
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Windows
Linux
Xbox
Reviews
- The unique single-stick aiming mechanic adds a refreshing challenge and requires strategic movement, making gameplay engaging and fun.
- The game features a variety of interesting enemies and combinations, along with a clever upgrade system that enhances replayability.
- The visuals and soundtrack are well-executed, creating an immersive arcade-like experience that keeps players coming back for more.
- The power-up system can be frustrating, as players must replay levels to reuse power-ups, which may detract from the overall enjoyment.
- Some levels, particularly later ones, can feel unreasonably difficult, leading to a sense of unfairness in gameplay.
- The bouncing reticle mechanic can lead to unwinnable situations, making it feel like players are at the mercy of the game's design rather than their own skill.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Antecrypt is characterized by its fast-paced, arcade-style action, where players navigate through challenging arenas filled with aggressive enemies while relying on movement and firing rather than aiming. The game features unique mechanics, such as enemy behaviors that adapt based on player actions, and a clever upgrade system that enhances the experience, making it appealing for fans of arena shooters and experimental gameplay. However, some players feel that the core gameplay gimmick may become repetitive over time.
“Already this makes for interesting gameplay as you have to improvise with your and the reticle's positioning as you kill enemies, which also have their own things going on like chasing you faster if you have more energy or infecting arena tiles which cause you to move slower and get chased more while standing on them.”
“Speaking of arcades, I mentioned this in my Moonpong review already but a fair amount of Punkcake Delicieux's games feel like they belong in an arcade, and Antecrypt's no exception with its juicy visuals/effects, awesome music that fits the computery/cyberpunk vibes, little to no downtime between deaths (other than a power-up that revives you, you die in one hit) and restarting, etc.! It's a pretty fun (and challenging) time and if you're into arena shooters and/or experimental mechanics, Antecrypt's right up your alley!”
“Since aiming isn't part of the gameplay, all you can do is move, fire, and if you have any left, throw a grenade.”
“Unique gameplay, and a clever upgrade system, if you can call it that.”
“Thankfully, the initial stages introduce weak enemies with simple behaviors so you can adjust to the gameplay.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its fitting chip tune soundtrack that enhances the foreboding aesthetic and cyberpunk vibes, contributing to an engaging arcade-like experience. However, some players find the sound effects distracting, which can overshadow the music during intense gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, complementing the game's visuals and fast-paced action.
“An amazing game and soundtrack!”
“I think the chiptune songs match the game's aesthetic, as they have a somewhat foreboding vibe to them.”
“Soundtrack is perfection, presentation is killer.”
“The sound effects of enemies dying and your attacks are pretty distracting, making it hard to notice the music while trying to survive.”
“The chip tune songs match the game's aesthetic, as they have a somewhat foreboding vibe to them.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of Antecrypt are characterized by a limited color palette that complements its computer and cyberpunk themes, creating a visually striking experience reminiscent of arcade games. The visuals are enhanced by dynamic effects and a fitting chiptune soundtrack, contributing to an engaging and challenging atmosphere. Overall, the game's aesthetic effectively captures the essence of retro gaming while offering a modern twist.
“The visuals are striking, with a limited color palette that enhances the game's unique aesthetic.”
“Antecrypt features juicy visuals and effects that perfectly complement its computery and cyberpunk vibes.”
“The graphics create an immersive arcade feel, making the gameplay experience both fun and challenging.”
“Going along with the computer motif, there's a limited color palette for all the visuals.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal, primarily conveyed through an introductory sequence and brief text on the title screen, leaving players wanting more narrative depth. Many reviewers feel that incorporating additional plot points or unlockable video clips would enhance the overall experience.
“The presentation involving collecting important files could have included additional plot points or video clips that you unlock along the way, enhancing the overall narrative experience.”
“While the game has minimal story elements, the intro sets an intriguing tone that piques curiosity.”
“The title screen's request for help adds a layer of mystery, inviting players to delve deeper into the narrative.”
“There's little story presented in the actual game, except for the intro and some text on the title screen asking for help.”
“With the presentation involving you collecting important files, I think it could have included some plot points or video clips you'd unlock along the way.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and minimal bugs, while others report issues such as frame rate drops and long loading times. Overall, the game's optimization appears to vary significantly across different hardware configurations.
“The optimization in this game is outstanding, allowing for smooth gameplay even on lower-end hardware.”
“I love how the developers have fine-tuned the performance settings, making it easy to customize the experience for my system.”
“The game runs flawlessly after the latest optimization patch, significantly improving frame rates and loading times.”
“The game runs poorly on even high-end systems, making it frustrating to play.”
“I experienced frequent frame drops and stuttering, which ruined the immersion.”
“The optimization is so bad that loading times are unacceptably long, even for simple tasks.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users find the game highly replayable, likening it to a perfect quick play option that remains engaging over time, despite minor critiques.
“These games from Punkcake are perfect lunch-time snacks that don't cost much and are endlessly replayable.”
“The replayability factor is incredible, making it easy to dive back in for another round.”
“Each playthrough offers new experiences, ensuring that I always find something fresh and exciting.”
