Ether
- August 15, 2024
- Mad Sailors Games
Get on SteamOverviewEmbark on a challenging 2D platforming adventure with Ether, a skilled space mercenary, in a quest to retrieve vital data from an abandoned ship. Navigate through various hazards using your Jump, Wall Jump, Dash, and even a Jetpack!Key Features Hardcore Platforming Action: Brace yourself for a tough platforming experience. Precision and timing are crucial and a little error will cost you …
Reviews
- Challenging and satisfying platforming experience with well-controlled difficulty and diverse levels.
- Excellent controls and mechanics that encourage players to find creative solutions to obstacles.
- Clean graphics and a good soundtrack enhance the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Lacks additional features or unlocks, making the gameplay feel less rewarding over time.
- Some jumps are frustratingly difficult, which can detract from the overall experience.
- The story is minimal and doesn't add much to the gameplay, with cutscenes interrupting the flow.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, featuring evolving stage mechanics and a challenging yet fair platforming experience, though it leans towards a conventional style. Critics note a lack of additional features or narrative depth, suggesting that integrating story elements more organically and providing unlockable content could enhance the overall experience. While the level design is praised, the absence of compelling extras leaves the gameplay feeling somewhat isolated.
“Overall, the game does a good job evolving the stage mechanics and it does not get too repetitive, although the platforming is mostly vanilla.”
“(+) Hard but fair challenge, good stage progression in terms of mechanics.”
“Not to say that a game like this needs a story, not always, but if you're going to do it, I think it's better to insert it through random characters in the area without stopping the gameplay, and not mandatory cutscenes.”
“The story didn't do anything for me; maybe instead of just doing cutscenes, I would recommend telling more narrative by finding things in the game, like running into a character that gives you some lore. Try to do it without stopping the gameplay for the next project.”
“The soundtrack and graphics are fine, but what's really important for this kind of game are the gameplay and level design, and it delivers.”
- story4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The story in the game is perceived as underwhelming and largely irrelevant to the overall experience, with many players feeling it detracts from gameplay rather than enhances it. Critics suggest that integrating narrative elements through environmental interactions or character encounters would create a more engaging experience, rather than relying on mandatory cutscenes. Overall, there is a consensus that the storytelling could benefit from a more organic approach that complements the gameplay.
“I would consider that gameplay alone isn't the most compelling feature by itself; there should be something else to reward that gameplay, maybe some unlocks, maybe some extra modes, maybe a better way of telling a story more organically.”
“Not to say that a game like this needs a story, not always, but if you're going to do it, I think it's better to insert it through random characters in the area without stopping the gameplay, and not mandatory cutscenes.”
“Maybe instead of just doing cutscenes, I would recommend telling more narrative by finding things in the game, maybe running into a character that gives you some lore, and trying to do it without stopping the gameplay for the next project.”
“There is a story, but I don't think it adds much to the experience. It's just kind of there, and I didn't pay attention to it. The sprites and levels look fine, but I didn't care for the art style in the cutscenes.”
“Not to say that a game like this needs a story, but if you're going to include one, I think it's better to insert it through random characters in the area without interrupting gameplay, rather than using mandatory cutscenes.”
“The story didn't do anything for me. Instead of just cutscenes, I would recommend conveying more narrative through exploration, like finding items or encountering characters that provide lore, and doing it without interrupting gameplay.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally clean and well-executed, with fine sprites and levels, though the art style in the cutscenes received mixed feelings. While the visuals are appreciated, the story seems to be less engaging for some players. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the experience, but opinions on the cutscene art vary.
“The graphics are clean and the music is excellent.”
“The sprites and levels look fine, showcasing a decent level of detail.”
“The sprites and levels look fine, but I didn't care for the art style in the cutscenes.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“The character models are poorly designed and lack detail, making it hard to connect with the game.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with users noting it as excellent and a strong complement to the overall experience. While the soundtrack is appreciated, players emphasize that gameplay and level design are ultimately more critical to the game's success.
“The graphics are clean and the music is excellent.”
“The soundtrack and graphics are fine, but what's really important for this kind of game are the gameplay and level design, and it delivers.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find humor in the unexpected moments of gameplay, particularly when they can cleverly circumvent the developer's intended paths, adding a layer of satisfaction and amusement, especially in speedrunning scenarios.
“It's also satisfying to sometimes bypass the route the developer expected you to take; this should be funny to speedrun.”
“The humor in the game is cleverly woven into the dialogue, making every interaction a delight.”
“I found myself laughing out loud at the unexpected twists and quirky characters throughout the game.”
