Distant Space 2
- November 2, 2017
- PixelMouse
- 1h median play time
Distant Space 2 is a pixel-art real-time strategy game that takes place in the depths of space. As a spaceship captain, you must explore, mine resources, and engage in battles with alien races while managing your crew and ship systems. With a variety of ships, weapons, and upgrades, Distant Space 2 offers a vast universe to explore and countless ways to strategize.
Reviews
- Distant Space 2 offers a fun and addictive gameplay experience with a minimalist design and a good soundtrack.
- The game features a variety of weapons and power-ups, along with challenging boss battles that enhance the overall experience.
- It's a great choice for achievement hunters, as it provides numerous achievements that can be unlocked in a relatively short playtime.
- The game suffers from repetitive gameplay and lacks originality, with many levels feeling the same and minimal variation in design.
- Technical issues and poor graphics quality detract from the experience, making it feel outdated and unpolished.
- The difficulty can be frustrating, especially with the lack of checkpoints and the penalty of losing significant progress upon death.
- graphics22 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are largely criticized for being outdated and uninspired, relying on retro pixel art that lacks customization options and resolution settings. While some players appreciate the nostalgic 8-bit style, many find the visuals plain and rough, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the graphics seem to be a significant drawback, with a consensus that they do not enhance the gameplay.
“The music is quite good (2-3 tracks total) and the graphic style is reminiscent of Pony Island and old-school games.”
“I enjoyed the game itself too, simple mechanics, 8-bit graphics, and tons of nostalgia!”
“A choice was made to use obsolete, decades-old retro pixel art as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“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.”
“They pretended to be so much more and the design and graphics are really rough.”
- music14 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its quality and fit for the gameplay, while others note a limited selection of tracks that loop frequently. The soundtrack is described as modern and somewhat humorous, evoking nostalgia for old-school games, though some users have criticized it for being repetitive and lacking variety. Overall, the music enhances the retro aesthetic but may not satisfy those looking for a more diverse auditory experience.
“The music fits the game quite well.”
“I liked the style and the music was somewhat funny.”
“I didn't think I would have so much fun; the music is really good and the gameplay is retro to the old games I used to play growing up!”
“Music is a single modern track that loops over and over, and sound effects are few and far between.”
“The soundtrack feels like it was stolen from another game.”
“The music is repetitive, with only one modern track playing on a loop and minimal sound effects.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as a mix of fun and monotony, with some players enjoying the nostalgic 8-bit graphics and simple mechanics, while others find it routine and less engaging than classic arcade shooters. The game is relatively short, clocking in at about an hour, and features a blend of enjoyable music but also suffers from issues like poor mechanics and difficulty spikes. Overall, it appeals to those seeking a retro experience but may disappoint players looking for depth and challenge.
“Fun gameplay for what it is.”
“I enjoyed the game itself too, simple mechanics, 8-bit graphics, and tons of nostalgia!”
“I didn't think I would have so much fun; the music is really good and the gameplay is retro to the old games I used to play growing up!”
“Insanely monotone gameplay.”
“Very short (~1 hour gameplay).”
“Good game, bad mechanics and too difficult.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for its short length, which significantly limits its replayability, making it less appealing for players seeking extended engagement.
“Obviously the main downside is that it is short with little replayability.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the amusing interactions in the forums, where players request easier gameplay for the sake of achievements. Additionally, the game's style and music contribute to its comedic appeal, enhancing the overall experience.
“It's funny going to the forums seeing people literally asking the developer to make the game easier so they can get their precious achievement numbers up.”
“I liked the style and the music was somewhat funny.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game is noted for lacking a narrative, with multiple users confirming that it does not have a story.
“This game has no story.”
“This game has no story.”
“This game has no story.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that Gamemaker Studio is frequently associated with the creation of low-quality, retro-style games that are perceived as cash grabs, suggesting a negative view of its monetization practices.
“Gamemaker Studio is often used to make retro pixel shovelware and cash grabs.”