Desecrators
- March 26, 2021
- Woodhound
Get on Steam"Desecrators" is a Science Fiction Shooter game set in 4096, where players embark on a daring journey to plunder technology and riches across colonized star systems. Experience 6DOF piloting while combating rival desecrators and relentless enemy attacks using an arsenal of 25+ weapons. This thrilling single-player or multiplayer/co-op adventure boasts a captivating soundtrack to enhance your gameplay experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features well-designed procedurally generated levels that keep gameplay fresh and engaging.
- Combat is fast-paced, satisfying, and requires tactical thinking, especially at higher difficulty levels.
- The game successfully captures the essence of classic 6DOF shooters like Descent and Forsaken, with smooth controls and a variety of weapons.
- Some players find the last level to be unbalanced and frustratingly difficult.
- Navigation can be confusing due to similar-looking environments and indistinguishable doors, making it hard to progress.
- The game may induce motion sickness for some players due to its 3D rotation and visual effects.
- graphics19 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Desecrators" evoke a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of late 90s and early 2000s titles like "Forsaken" and "Descent," featuring a low-poly, low-resolution aesthetic that enhances its eerie exploration theme. While the environments and textures may appear primitive, recent updates have improved visual fidelity, and the overall style appeals particularly to fans of retro gaming. The combination of simple yet effective visuals, engaging gameplay, and a fitting atmosphere creates a unique experience that stands out among modern shooters.
“There's a charming weirdness to its super low-poly and low-resolution aesthetic and the inherent nonsensical nature of its randomized level design.”
“The weapons and game feel are great, and the visuals authentically capture that N64 and early hardware-accelerated PC look.”
“The visuals are probably going to be more appealing to players who grew up with games from the late 90s to early 2000s; environments and textures are still primitive and retro-style but still considerably higher fidelity than something from the original Descent trilogy.”
“Visually, I'd say the game reminds me of Forsaken most of all, complete with the late 90s blown-up, interpolated, muddy texture and low poly environment aesthetic; lighting and shading, however, feels modern.”
“Gave immediate Descent vibes; environment graphics might disappoint, but gameplay and weapon effects make up for it.”
“Feels like a cross between the drab, brown aesthetics of Forsaken and the combat loop of Descent 3.”
- music19 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received praise for its dynamic and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience with seamless transitions between exploration and battle themes. While the soundtrack is generally well-received, some players feel it could benefit from less atmospheric elements. Overall, the sound design and music contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere, making it stand out in the six-dimensions-of-freedom shooter genre.
“Composer Ben Micallef has done a fantastic job creating a hauntingly good soundscape for this glorious six-dimensions-of-freedom (6DOF) retro shooter from Woodhound Studio, and the way it changes from exploration music to battle music is most of the time seamless and almost unnoticeable, making it as fluid as the gameplay itself.”
“The gunplay is tight, the physics feel accurate, the sound design does its job perfectly, and the soundtrack is the perfect complement.”
“The music has been amped up to remind you to not stop moving, even when you think you have defeated the last mob in the encounter.”
“Could do with some less atmospheric music.”
“Keep in mind the soundtrack was completely absent before an update eventually brought them in, but the sounds alone already sold it to me.”
- story13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimalistic, focusing primarily on mission-based objectives rather than a deep narrative. Players engage in a series of nine missions with clear goals and a variety of enemy encounters, emphasizing gameplay over storytelling. While the progression system and mission variety enhance the experience, the overall narrative depth is lacking, making it more about action and quick sessions than a compelling storyline.
“How they work and what they do, what awaits you on mission 9/9, and what happens after, is up to you to find out.”
“Every mission, you can choose between two different locations.”
“Mission objectives are varied, from classic pick-up missions to the mandatory reactor blow-up with fun ones sprinkled in like 'defeat a rival'.”
“There’s nothing in terms of story, strategic depth or anything too demanding; get in your cockpit, shoot the baddies, accomplish your mission objective - done.”
“There’s nothing in terms of story, strategic depth or anything too demanding; get in your cockpit, shoot the baddies, accomplish your mission objective - done.”
“Is around an hour, split up into 9 missions.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its engaging 6DOF mechanics, responsive controls, and a blend of retro charm with modern features like procedural generation and rogue-like elements, resulting in a fun and addictive experience. Players appreciate the variety of enemies, satisfying weapon mechanics, and clear objectives, which contribute to a dynamic and replayable gameplay loop. Overall, the game successfully modernizes classic shooter elements while maintaining a nostalgic feel, leaving players excited for future updates.
“6DOF, responsive controls that every fan of Descent or Forsaken will immediately feel familiar with. Frantic fights, many upgradeable weapons, and a randomly generated, very addicting gameplay loop that is fun and engaging, showing that the developer knows what they're doing.”
“It feels like a perfectly modernized version of that sort of gameplay, while still retaining some of the retro charm that you'd want. I'm very excited to see where the devs take it moving forward.”
“I don't think I've ever had a moment in a video game as badass as effortlessly pulling aileron rolls to duck out of the way of ominous drill-topped boreheads, blowing gunships away with missiles and Vulcan cannon fire, and coming out on top with merely a scratch. The gameplay is sort of like if you took everything good about popular 6DOF shooters, got rid of the drillers and the restrictive level layouts, and then blended that with a roguelite structure that has yet to get stale for me.”
“Nice job, you managed to make the thief bot gameplay worse.”
“Gave immediate decent vibes; environment graphics might disappoint, but gameplay and weapon effects make up for it.”
“Visual/mechanical gameplay stuff.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability due to its fluid controls, a wide array of weapons, and procedurally generated levels that offer varied objectives and modifiers. Players appreciate the inclusion of co-op mode and the game's ability to provide a fresh experience with each playthrough, making it a standout in the 6dof shooter genre. Even in early access, the replayability is considered impressive, enhanced by regular updates and a reasonable price.
“This has all the things you'd come to expect from a classic 6DOF shooter, with the addition of procedurally generated levels with different objectives and modifiers which allow for pretty much infinite replayability.”
“Amazing and fluid controls, wonderfully complex procedural levels, satisfying combat, and plenty of replayability.”
“Among the not-so-many 6DOF shooters floating around, Desecrators certainly managed to stand out, ticking many boxes of a good 6DOF: super high replayability, great variety, a fitting soundtrack, and graphics that are just about right.”
“As a game still in early access, the replayability even at the current state is already quite insane, especially considering its price and regular updates!”
“Once you complete the main storyline, there isn't much incentive to play again. The lack of varied endings really diminishes replayability.”
“The game feels repetitive after a few playthroughs, and the limited content makes it hard to justify returning for more.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its immersive qualities, with effective sound effects and visuals that enhance the experience, particularly in creating a sense of loneliness and tension. However, some users feel that the music could be toned down to better suit the game's mood, while others appreciate the addition of new tracks. Overall, the atmosphere successfully evokes a "Star Wars-style space battle" vibe, complete with minor jump scares.
“Scarier atmosphere (complete with minor jumpscares).”
“Really good atmosphere, good punchy sound effects; they also just added music to the game and it is pretty neat.”
“The loneliness, the atmosphere, everything.”
“The controls are very fluid, and the visuals really lend themselves to the atmosphere of a 'Star Wars-style space battle' that I think the game is aiming for.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the humor in the game, particularly in the absurdity of enemy encounters and rival fights, which often feature exaggerated and comically overpowered loadouts. The humor is enhanced by the game's strong level generation, contributing to a fun and entertaining co-op experience.
“The rival desecrator fights are a riot, with levels often raided by squads of ships that range from decent to hilariously absurd.”
“The humor in the game is spot on, making even the most intense moments feel lighthearted and fun.”
“I love how the game balances serious gameplay with moments of pure comedic relief, keeping the experience entertaining throughout.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players view grinding as a central element of the game, focusing on scoring to improve rankings, with the added pressure of limited lives that can lead to permanent failure if depleted.
“Here it is the core of the experience; you are grinding for score because that's your ranking, and lives are important because if you run out, you're done for good.”
