Antigraviator
- May 29, 2018
- Cybernetic Walrus
If you can handle speed then Antigraviator really delivers. A fast and fun racer.
"Antigraviator" is a Science Fiction Arcade game that offers various gameplay modes, including local multi-player for up to 2 players, single-player, and PvP. The game features dynamic tracks, impressive visuals, and customizable Gravs. With a good soundtrack, split-screen multiplayer, and numerous sabotage options, the race for the championship becomes a chaotic and thrilling experience.
Reviews
- Stunning graphics and a strong sense of speed that enhances the racing experience.
- Fun and engaging gameplay with a unique trap mechanic that adds a layer of strategy.
- Good for newcomers to the genre, with a simple control scheme and enjoyable track designs.
- Handling feels unresponsive and lacks the finesse expected from antigravity racers, making it difficult to navigate tight corners.
- The AI can be frustratingly difficult, often feeling unfair and leading to a grindy progression system.
- Limited content with only a few ships and tracks, leading to a repetitive experience over time.
- graphics47 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting the stunning visuals, vibrant environments, and detailed track designs that elevate the overall experience. Players appreciate the game's aesthetic appeal, comparing it favorably to other titles in the genre, and noting that it delivers impressive performance despite being developed by a small team. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's enjoyment and immersion.
“The graphics are surprisingly clean and vibrant, and considerably better than competitors such as BallisticNG.”
“The stunning visuals and futuristic vehicles are excellent on their own, but the sense of speed this game provides is what really sets it apart from other games in this genre.”
“Antigraviator is a graphically jaw-dropping title and well up there with the other two heavy-hitting Wipeout clones: Distance and Redout: Enhanced Edition.”
“This game is graphically nowhere and controls like a drunken-cow simulator.”
“But we have moved past the wonder of the concept in 16-bit graphics.”
“Overall bad taste in every art aspect (graphic design, music, concept art, level design...)”
- gameplay43 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Antigraviator is a mixed bag, featuring a strong sense of speed and impressive visuals, but marred by flawed mechanics and a lack of clarity in its unique features, such as the trap system. While it attempts to innovate with mechanics inspired by other racing games, many players find these elements poorly executed and lacking in feedback, leading to a somewhat standard and occasionally frustrating experience. Overall, while the game has potential, it struggles to compete with more polished titles in the antigravity racing genre.
“The gameplay, graphics, maps, and customization are top-notch, especially from a small team of developers.”
“It doesn't have the beefy single-player campaign of Redout nor the Wipeout pedigree of Pacer/Formula Fusion, but it does have a great sense of speed and an interesting split/second-esque mechanic that allows you to trigger track hazards to take out other racers.”
“This game throws me back to my all-time favorite racing game, F-Zero GX. I have had so much fun playing Antigraviator; they really have nailed it with the soundtrack, gameplay, vehicles, graphics, and the tracks are absolutely superb!”
“The track designs and music are fine, but the actual gameplay is flawed on nearly every level, and I just can't recommend this game when you have competition from big studios in the genre like 34bt and Shin'en putting out much better products.”
“It's clear that Antigraviator takes more inspiration from Fast RMX with its wide open tracks and very stuck-to-the-floor driving physics, but it tries to act like it has the air control mechanics from Wipeout when it just simply doesn't.”
“Overall, it feels like an awful lot of effort went into visual appeal and stuff like vehicle parts and tuning, with meanwhile underdeveloped quality of life options or weird gameplay choices...”
- music30 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the thumping soundtrack that fits the racing theme, while others find it repetitive and lacking standout tracks. Although the score is deemed sufficient for gameplay, many reviewers express a desire for more diverse and engaging music options, suggesting that the current soundtrack does not elevate the overall experience. Overall, while the music complements the game, it fails to leave a lasting impression on most players.
“A thumping soundtrack accompanies the types of track you have to traverse perfectly.”
“As a bonus, you get pretty good electronic music, really fitting the setting.”
“This game throws me back to my all-time favorite racing game F-Zero GX; I have had so much fun playing Antigraviator. They really have nailed it with the soundtrack, gameplay, vehicles, graphics, and the tracks are absolutely superb!”
“The soundtrack fits the game, but it isn't exactly filled with outstanding tracks.”
“As a musician, I find the music a bit repetitive.”
“The musical score is sufficient, although I don't think I'll be searching for any of the OST on YouTube anytime soon.”
- grinding9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessive, with many feeling that the effort required to unlock upgrades is not worth the minimal rewards. Additionally, issues with wall grinding and stiff steering mechanics contribute to a frustrating experience, making it difficult to enjoy the gameplay fully. Overall, the grinding system is seen as a barrier to extended playtime rather than an engaging challenge.
“There are some unlocks and enhancements to add to the ships, but the effort required to unlock them requires quite some grinding and, unless you are enamored with what you have seen thus far, are unlikely to tempt folks into extended playtimes.”
“The problem is, these are gated behind grinding the campaign.”
“[does little to subvert genre conventions, traps are a novelty that rarely pay off, single currency requires lots of grinding]”
- optimization8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with users noting impressive graphics and smooth performance, earning an 8/10 rating. However, some players have experienced performance issues, particularly with AI and controls, suggesting that further improvements may be needed, especially for lower-end systems.
“You're not going to get much better graphics and performance for the dollar anywhere else.”
“Let's get the good out of the way first - the game looks (mostly) great & runs smoothly.”
“And yet it's relatively well optimized and never stressed or heated my system.”
“The performance is just not there, not to mention the AI and control.”
“Hopefully by then the performance issues are either ironed out or your monitor is 1080p.”
- stability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while it runs well on Linux via Steam Play/Proton, users report issues such as buggy sound, control rebinding problems, and unresponsive menus. Additionally, sound glitches occasionally occur, particularly at the start of races.
“Runs great on Linux via Steam Play/Proton!”
“The game maintains a steady frame rate, even during intense action sequences.”
“I haven't experienced any crashes or bugs, which makes for a smooth gaming experience.”
“It has some junk: buggy sound, clipping, rebinding controls, and a clunky, unresponsive menu.”
“While not a big problem, the sound glitches out at times, usually at the beginning of the race.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game features minimal storytelling, with users noting a lack of backstory or narrative depth; the focus is primarily on the racing experience rather than a developed plot.
“Nothing beats how good this game looks; however, it is very simple, with no real story or anything.”
“There is not much backstory to the game, not that you need any - you just compete in races.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The games offer significant replayability due to their distinct strengths and challenging gameplay, which encourages players to improve through practice. Additionally, the inclusion of multiplayer modes enhances the replay value, making each playthrough feel fresh and rewarding.
“These three games have their own different strengths and play styles. They are punishingly difficult, but if you concentrate on each title, it will reward you with repeated practice, making it more playable and slightly easier, allowing you to progress.”
“Thus, in my opinion, these three games have their own different strengths and play styles, and they are punishingly difficult. However, if you are prepared to concentrate on each title, it will reward you with repeated practice, making it more playable and slightly easier, meaning that you will be able to progress.”
“I can already see the replay value, especially with multiplayer.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users have noted that the monetization strategy, particularly through advertising, has exceeded their expectations, suggesting it may be more effective or engaging than initially anticipated.
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is mixed, as some players appreciate the customizable controls that cater to personal preferences, while others feel that the default settings detract from the overall experience.
Critic Reviews
Antigraviator Review
Antigraviator is a Wipeout clone that unfortunately falls short in most areas
60%Antigraviator Console Review
While it does have its issues, Antigraviator is a fun and eye-wateringly fast sci-fi racer.
65%Antigraviator
Antigraviator keeps the flow of antigravity racing games alive on PC, bringing with it an easy to get to grips handling system that let’s players get on with racing around these futuristic tracks. It probably won’t be a game that will remain memorable for long, as it inherits a lot of the standard features we expect of antigravity racers, and when it does try to bring innovation it doesn’t quite work well for itself – but you might think differently, as people I’ve spoken to either dislike or don’t mind the trap feature (add a point on if you enjoy the trap mechanic after playing the demo). For the here and now, Antigraviator has decent track design, a good sense of speed and is fun without throwing unwanted distractions into the gameplay that I feel fans of the genre will certainly find some joy to be had trying to best their fastest boost chain, even if its content isn’t stacked as other available options on PC.
60%