Caster
- March 19, 2009
- Elecorn
- 4h median play time
"Caster" is a single-player Fantasy Shooter game with spectacular gameplay and an outstanding soundtrack. Players dash across scenic locations, destroying bug-like creatures using 6 unique attacks, including massive terrain deformation and high-speed energy blasts. The game features strategic combat, skill upgrades, and pulse-pounding music, with 3 levels of play and 2 playable characters. Bring trees back to life, collect energy for upgrades, and jump hundreds of feet into the air in this intense 3rd person action shooter experience.
Reviews
- Fun and fast-paced gameplay that allows for high-speed movement and jumping.
- Unique mechanics like terrain deformation add an interesting twist to combat.
- Great value for the price, especially when on sale.
- Graphics are outdated and reminiscent of early PS1/N64 games.
- The game feels unfinished, with a lack of story and only a few levels.
- Enemy AI is simplistic and the gameplay can become repetitive quickly.
- graphics275 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely described as outdated, often likened to those of the PlayStation 1 or Nintendo 64 era, with many reviewers noting a retro charm despite their simplicity and lack of polish. While some players appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic, others find the visuals crude and unappealing, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not meet modern standards, they do not significantly hinder the enjoyment of the gameplay.
“The graphics may not be the best, but the special effects are awesome and the gameplay is great.”
“This game is a fast-paced 3rd person shooter with N64/PS1 graphics and an amazing soundtrack.”
“Despite the dated graphics, this game can be great fun in short bursts.”
“The graphics are mediocre at best, and the music is acceptable for such a game, but the gameplay is where this game shines.”
“The graphics are lazily done and amateur, the game feel varies from frustrating to play and incredibly boring, and the story is clearly lackluster.”
“The graphics are very outdated and the textures/models can be glitchy as they clip a good amount, but even if they don't, they're still not pleasant to look at.”
- gameplay249 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players enjoying the fun mechanics and fast-paced action reminiscent of classic titles like Mega Man and Sonic. However, criticisms include repetitive gameplay, simplistic design, and a lack of polish, leading to a feeling that the game is unfinished or lacking depth. Overall, while the gameplay can be engaging and enjoyable, it often feels hindered by dated graphics and limited content.
“The gameplay is where this title shines.”
“The gameplay is surprisingly really fun.”
“The controls are intuitive, and the gameplay is simple yet engaging.”
“I'm on the fence about whether or not I recommend this game. The few hours I spent on it, I completed everything there is to do. It was a somewhat fun experience, yet the game felt like just a shell; the mechanics and everything were there, but it felt like the game needed a lot more polishing in order for it to become something I'd recommend.”
“The gameplay was boring and horrible; I immediately wanted to stop playing.”
“The graphics are pretty lacking, and the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. There is no story, and it's basically just shoot things and collect orbs.”
- story243 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story in this game is largely criticized for being minimal, vague, and poorly executed, with many players noting that it feels more like an afterthought than a central element. While some reviewers found the basic premise engaging, the lack of depth and clarity left many feeling uninvested, leading to a repetitive experience across missions that often lack meaningful objectives. Overall, the consensus is that while the gameplay may provide some enjoyment, the story is weak and fails to enhance the overall experience.
“The story of this game got me hooked faster than Game of Thrones.”
“Compelling storyline, beautiful soundtrack, and incredibly addictive gameplay.”
“The story's pretty simple, as you're a completely new caster trying to go up against an alien race known as Flanx.”
“It's a baffling game with an unclear setting and impenetrable story.”
“The story is nearly non-existent.”
“The storyline lacks writing.”
- music138 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its upbeat, techno, and electronic vibes that enhance the gameplay experience. While some describe it as catchy and addictive, others note that it can be repetitive and lacks variety. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the game's standout features, contributing significantly to its charm and enjoyment.
“Great soundtrack!”
“The music is one of the best features of this game.”
“Caster is an intense 3rd person action shooter experience with pulse-pounding music that will keep you wanting more!”
“The combat, music, aesthetics, graphics, and general polish are all sorely lacking.”
“The soundtrack is bad.”
“If you want to sit for hours staring at a black screen with some groovy music playing... this is the game for you.”
- humor23 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- -9 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with many players finding it amusing and entertaining, particularly in its absurdities and unbalanced gameplay. While some describe it as a short-lived laugh, others appreciate its nostalgic, retro graphics and quirky mechanics that contribute to its comedic charm. Overall, the game is characterized as a lighthearted experience that can provide genuine laughs, especially for those who enjoy a more casual, humorous gaming experience.
“Really funny to play!”
“The powers are amazing, shaping the land with these powers is both awesome, and hilarious at times.”
“I didn't expect that this game should be so funny.”
“I tried playing this game, but it just isn't funny and nothing connects me to it.”
“The humor falls flat and feels forced, making it hard to enjoy the game.”
“I expected some laughs, but the jokes are stale and unoriginal.”
- replayability17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is limited, with many players noting its short length and lack of depth as significant drawbacks. While some features like multiple difficulty settings and character progression offer a degree of replay value, most reviews indicate that once the missions are completed, there is little incentive to return. Players seeking extensive replayability may find the experience lacking, despite some enjoyment during initial playthroughs.
“While it's quite short, it still holds a bit of replayability, and I genuinely wish we could get a sequel or expansions of this little gem.”
“Beyond that, the multiple difficulty settings, unique abilities, custom character progression, and having some choice in level progression all help to create a surprising amount of replayability.”
“The game consists of approximately 40 levels with some that can be added in with mods and while not complex, it provides enough entertainment and replay value while giving a summary of what was missed in the level collectibles such as orbs and enemies.”
“Completed all the missions in about 5 hours, and I would have to say the 'replayability factor' is very limited.”
“It's good clean fun while it lasts, but don't expect much in the way of replay value or depth.”
“It doesn't hold any real replay value, and the game itself is very short, but it just doesn't care about itself enough to be anything but silly fun.”
- stability12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent freezes and crashes, particularly on Windows 10, leading to system restarts. While some players note that the game is not entirely broken and runs smoothly at times, the overall experience is marred by bugs and performance issues, making it frustrating to play.
“The game is not buggy; I'll give it that, but a game is not good just because it's cheap and isn't completely broken.”
“No glitches.”
“Also, no glitches, and it runs very, very smoothly.”
“The biggest problem with the game is that it freezes my PC randomly.”
“I couldn't play it; after I start a new game, still in the menu, it freezes and my PC restarts.”
“A distracting, buggy, unfinished mess.”
- grinding11 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is generally viewed as tedious and repetitive, particularly in the late stages where enemy health is simply increased, leading to a lack of engagement. While some players find enjoyment in the mechanics and spells after investing time into farming, many agree that the gameplay becomes monotonous and unoriginal, making it less appealing for extended play sessions. Overall, it may serve as a casual introduction to grinding mechanics for younger players, but it quickly loses its charm for others.
“I fully enjoyed this game though it became very grindy near the end and any enemy is easily taken care of with a few strikes from the same attack.”
“There have been moments where it gets a bit boring and tedious.”
“It's repetitive as hell, not worth grinding for the trading cards.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game is highly optimized for low-performance PCs, running smoothly even on older systems like Windows 95, and it effectively caps at 144 fps on modern monitors. While it may lack in graphic performance and storyline depth, it offers a unique, fast-paced gameplay experience without significant performance issues. However, some users noted that the optimization process for different operating systems could have been better executed.
“I recommend this game to those who like to kill their time in games with low-performance PCs (like mine).”
“It runs smoothly.”
“Performance-wise, I haven't run into any issues. This game, despite being made in 2010, knows I have a 144Hz monitor and caps at 144 fps.”
“Extremely optimized for Windows 95.”
“In the optimization process from Linux to Windows and Mac, a large amount of issues were left in.”
- character development3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a lack of character development in the game, with limited design choices and poor overall character aesthetics. Players express disappointment in the absence of depth or variety in character customization, feeling that it detracts from the overall experience.
“Well, the game looks like something out of 2002, except with terrible mouse acceleration and even worse character design.”
“I also wish there were more character design choices; you only get a white skin and dark skin choice for a Mega Man-looking character.”
“There is no character development whatsoever.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its handcrafted quality and engaging graphics, creating an immersive experience that stands out from typical offerings. Users appreciate the fun and unique ambiance, which enhances the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.
“The integrity displayed overwhelmed me with three main points: the divinely handcrafted atmosphere most games lack, the unassailable and limitless ways to share your victories with others, and the enticing graphics that draw you straight into the action.”
“8/10 new experience, fun atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth and immersion that I expected.”
“Despite the game's potential, the atmosphere is dull and fails to engage the player.”
“The world feels lifeless, and the lack of ambient sounds and dynamic elements makes it hard to stay immersed.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game evokes strong emotional responses, with players noting its beauty and ability to elicit tears, making it a wholesome choice for younger audiences.
“This game is so beautiful I cried when it started.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its value, standing out as a well-crafted experience amidst many rushed cash grabs in the indie market, offering fun gameplay at a reasonable price.