DeadCore

The game's story is minimal and primarily conveyed through collectible logs scattered throughout the levels, which many players find unengaging or difficult to piece together. While some appreciate the atmospheric elements these logs provide, most agree that the gameplay takes precedence, making the story feel like an afterthought. Overall, players recommend the game for its challenging platforming mechanics rather than its narrative depth, which is often described as vague or lacking.

The graphics in the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals and cohesive aesthetic, often described as a blend of cyberpunk and minimalist design reminiscent of titles like "Portal" and "Tron." While many players appreciate the beautiful environments and smooth performance, some note issues with repetitive assets and occasional graphical bugs that can detract from the experience. Overall, the game's visuals are considered a significant highlight, enhancing the immersive gameplay and atmosphere.

The music in the game has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many players praising its atmospheric and immersive qualities that complement the gameplay. The soundtrack features a variety of electronic styles, including ambient, drum and bass, and techno, which enhance the game's sci-fi aesthetic and keep players engaged during challenging platforming sequences. While some found the music to be forgettable or generic, others highlighted its ability to create a captivating atmosphere and drive the gameplay experience.

The game offers a solid level of replayability, primarily through multiple routes, collectibles, and a speedrunning mode that encourages players to revisit levels for improved times and hidden secrets. While some players find the replay value high due to these features, others note that attempting to 100% the game can diminish the enjoyment. Overall, it caters well to speedrunners and collectors, making it a worthwhile experience for those interested in exploring its depths.

The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its engaging and immersive qualities, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack and stunning visuals. Players appreciate the unique blend of mystery and tension, which complements the fast-paced gameplay and challenging platforming elements. Overall, the game's aesthetic and sound design create a surreal and addictive experience that draws players into its futuristic world.

The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant micro-stuttering and performance issues even on high-end systems, leading to a frustrating experience. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on lower-end hardware and praised its graphics, the overall consensus is that optimization remains a major concern, particularly in demanding levels where frame rates drop significantly. Despite its potential for speedrunning, the persistent performance problems detract from the gameplay experience for many.

Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be excessively tedious, often requiring players to repeat sections multiple times, which can lead to frustration. While some players appreciate the challenge and immersion, others find the repetitive nature of certain levels and mechanics to be a significant drawback, making the experience feel artificially prolonged. Overall, the grinding aspect is polarizing, appealing to those who enjoy mastery through repetition but potentially alienating for those seeking a more fluid gameplay experience.

The game's stability is a mixed bag, with users reporting a range of bugs and glitches that can lead to frustrating experiences, particularly with controls and physics. While some players find the glitches add a layer of enjoyment and challenge, others note that poor optimization and unresponsive controls detract from the overall experience. Despite these issues, many agree that the game remains playable and enjoyable, especially when on sale.

The humor in the game is often compared unfavorably to that of Portal, with some players finding it lacking in wit and storytelling. While there are moments of comedic gameplay, such as achievements tied to dying in humorous ways, the overall experience is described as less engaging and funny than expected. Players appreciate the fast-paced nature of the game but feel that it doesn't deliver the same level of humor or character-driven narrative that makes other titles, like Portal, memorable.

Players express a strong emotional response to the game, feeling both exhilarated and frustrated. The experience of attempting speedruns evokes a sense of incompetence, particularly due to the lack of a physical representation in the game, which can lead to disorientation. Additionally, the challenge posed by limited ammo and annoying enemies adds to the emotional intensity, making the gameplay both thrilling and stressful.

Reviewers express frustration with modern monetization practices, highlighting issues such as mandatory microtransactions, always-online requirements, and a lack of modding support. Many long for the past when games were released in a complete state without ongoing developer interference or additional costs.