Dispersio
- December 1, 2016
- Achpile
Get on Steam"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 rapid respawns and generous checkpoints, making it accessible despite its high difficulty.
- Each level introduces unique gameplay mechanics, providing variety and keeping the experience fresh.
- The retro graphics and soundtrack effectively capture the nostalgic feel of classic platformers, enhancing the overall experience.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including a lack of resolution options and a fixed 4:3 aspect ratio, which may detract from the experience on modern displays.
- The difficulty can be excessively punishing, leading to frustration, especially during the final boss encounter.
- The game has received low player engagement, indicating a lack of interest and potentially limiting its community and support.
- music9 mentions
- 89 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with reviewers praising its fantastic blend of real instrumentals and chiptune elements. The soundtrack is described as delightful and relaxing, enhancing the overall gameplay experience, which is both challenging and rewarding. Overall, the music significantly contributes to the game's nostalgic charm and value, making it a standout feature.
“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.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % 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. It combines addictive and rewarding challenges with a variety of gameplay elements inspired by titles like Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV, all set to a delightful soundtrack. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience with a good length of play and a compelling final boss encounter.
“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 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 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.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players expressing frustration over the use of outdated pixel art that lacks authenticity and customization options. While the retro style may not impress everyone, others appreciate the ambiance and overall art direction, noting that it complements the gameplay effectively. Overall, the graphics are considered adequate but not groundbreaking.
“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.”
“If you've seen any of my reviews before, you'd know of course there's a lot of disdain for lazy pixel art being used instead of proper graphics, but what really bugs me when pixel art gets used is that it doesn't resemble the gaming machines that produce them, be it because it's mismatched or just plain inauthentic.”
“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.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is characterized by simple design and controls, yet it offers a challenging and entertaining experience that evokes strong emotional reactions, from frustration to joy upon achieving milestones.
“The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to truly connect with their journey and growth throughout the game.”
“I love how the characters evolve based on the choices you make, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.”
“The backstories and interactions between characters add so much depth, making you care about their fates and relationships.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability due to its challenging gameplay, especially when players engage in hard mode, which enhances the overall experience and encourages multiple playthroughs.
“The game is quite challenging, which increases even further when attempting hard mode, enhancing its replayability.”
“Each playthrough offers new choices and outcomes, making it a game you can enjoy multiple times.”
“The variety of character builds and strategies keeps the gameplay fresh, encouraging you to replay it.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replayability feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
“The limited variety in gameplay mechanics really diminishes replayability.”
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's title is well-aligned with its narrative, which is notably impressive for a platformer, showcasing a compelling story that enhances the overall experience.
“The title of the game really makes sense with the story, and having a pretty cool narrative in a platformer is incredible in and of itself.”
“The character development throughout the story is truly engaging, making you feel invested in their journey.”
“The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and the emotional depth of the story added a layer of complexity that I didn't expect.”
