Dispersio
- December 1, 2016
- Achpile
"Dispersio is a single-player retro-styled action platformer with precise mechanics and challenging maps, where players use and combine special abilities to search for a powerful ancient crystal. The game includes 7 abilities, lots of secrets, and a hard mode for experienced players, all set to a great unique soundtrack. Can you beat each level without dying?"
Reviews
- The game features a variety of gameplay mechanics and challenges across different levels, reminiscent of classic platformers like Mega Man and Super Meat Boy.
- It has a low price point and offers a decent length of gameplay with good checkpointing, making it accessible and enjoyable for fans of precision platformers.
- The soundtrack is excellent, and the retro pixel art style is well-executed, capturing the nostalgic feel of 8-bit games.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including a lack of resolution options and low visual quality, which may deter modern gamers.
- The difficulty level can be excessively punishing, leading to frustration, especially with the final boss and certain level designs.
- There is a general lack of player interest, as reflected in low player counts and negative reception, which may impact the game's community and support.
- music18 mentions
- 89 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise for its fantastic quality, blending real instrumentals with chiptune elements, creating a nostalgic and engaging experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature that enhances the gameplay, which is described as challenging yet rewarding. Overall, the music significantly contributes to the game's charm and appeal, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the genre.
“A delightful soundtrack, ludicrously low price tag and addictive and rewarding (if occasionally slightly maddening) gameplay make this an absolute steal for any fans of the more challenging end of the platforming spectrum.”
“It's a really cool balance between real instrumentals and chiptune music.”
“Overall, and especially given the EGA/DOS nostalgic charm of this game, great soundtrack and responsive controls - combined with the overall inexpensive cost of the game; I rate this game a 9.5/10.”
- gameplay16 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as a precision platformer featuring diverse mechanics for each stage, allowing players to choose their level order reminiscent of Mega Man. With a mix of influences from games like Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV, it offers challenging yet rewarding experiences, enhanced by a delightful soundtrack and a low price point. Players appreciate the game's addictive nature, decent length, and the variety of mechanics that prevent repetition.
“It's a neat precision platformer with a different gameplay gimmick per stage, and you can pick the level order you want like in Mega Man before heading to the final level.”
“A nice relaxing soundtrack, with a gameplay mashup of mechanics from Super Meat Boy, VVVVVV, Dustforce, and a few others.”
“A delightful soundtrack, ludicrously low price tag and addictive and rewarding (if occasionally slightly maddening) gameplay make this an absolute steal for any fans of the more challenging end of the platforming spectrum.”
“A dollar for a rather decent length of gameplay and the abilities keeps the game from being repetitive.”
“7 different mechanics.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing the use of outdated pixel art that lacks authenticity and customization options, leading to a perception of low quality. However, others appreciate the game's ambiance and art style, noting that while the retro graphics may not be exceptional, they complement the gameplay effectively. Overall, the graphics evoke a nostalgic feel but may not satisfy those seeking modern visual fidelity.
“Also, I really love the ambiance and art style of the game; it's spot on.”
“Graphics are pretty good; gameplay is cool.”
“The retro graphics aren't anything special, but they work well enough and the soundtrack is fantastic.”
“A choice was made to use obsolete, decades old retro pixel 'art' as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“There's no options to change the resolution for the game or customize the graphics settings.”
“There's no way for gamers to try to improve the low quality graphics.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is characterized by simple design and controls, which contribute to a challenging and entertaining experience. Players often find themselves emotionally invested, expressing frustration and joy as they progress through the game.
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players find the game highly replayable due to its challenging nature, especially when engaging in hard mode, which adds an extra layer of difficulty and encourages multiple playthroughs.
“The game is quite challenging, which increases even further when attempting hard mode, enhancing its replayability.”
“The replayability factor is significant, as each playthrough offers new challenges and experiences.”
“Quite challenging, which increases even further when attempting hard mode (replayability).”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's story is well-integrated with its title, enhancing the overall experience, which is particularly impressive for a platformer. Players appreciate the depth and creativity of the narrative, highlighting its significance in the genre.
“The title of the game really makes sense with the story, and to have a pretty cool story in a platformer is incredible in and of itself.”