Exception
- August 11, 2019
- Traxmaster Software
A fast-paced and brightly designed game reminiscent of Tron.
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Exception" is a single-player Science Fiction Platformer game, where you must lead the resistance to battle against a totalitarian virus that has hijacked a computer system. Levels transform in real-time, revealing new challenges and opportunities, and the Synthwave soundtrack enhances the retro-futuristic aesthetic. Compete for the best time on leaderboards with diverse play-styles.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features a vibrant and unique Tron-like aesthetic, complemented by an amazing synthwave soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- Gameplay is fast-paced and engaging, with numerous inventive level designs that encourage speedrunning and replayability.
- The controls are easy to learn, and the game offers a variety of upgrades and collectibles that add depth to the platforming experience.
- The platforming mechanics can feel slippery and imprecise, making it difficult to judge jumps and land accurately, which can be frustrating.
- Combat is underwhelming, with limited enemy variety and simplistic mechanics that detract from the overall gameplay experience.
- Some visual effects can be intrusive, leading to confusion during gameplay, and the levels may start to feel repetitive over time.
- story13 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story, while not essential to gameplay, is presented in a charming comic book style and adds a whimsical layer to the experience. Players navigate a retro-style platformer set inside a grandmother's computer, where the narrative revolves around her inadvertently installing a virus. Although some find the story nonsensical and the comic scenes skippable, many appreciate the optional narrative elements and the overall fun it brings to the game.
“It has an excellent story (and ending) presented in comic book style panels (which are optional if you want), boss battles, upgrades, leaderboards, and a cool soundtrack.”
“The story is an unexpected bonus -- it is small and non-invasive, but it is there and it is cute, presented via comics between episodes.”
“There's nice cut scenes and a story in between finishing every world and the game looks very nice too.”
“The game is short, and the story makes no sense; it's just about some old lady installing a computer virus, and all the story is told in stupid slow comic strip scenes which you most likely will just skip.”
“You play as a thread in a computer (that's the story, don't ask), and play a Meat Boy-esque game where time is of importance but you have way more abilities; you can also attack enemies... and during the game you'll be able to upgrade your character.”
“Exception is a retro-style platformer which takes place inside the computer of a grandmother who - in a story sadly familiar to us all - simply could not resist clicking on a suspicious banner ad.”
- music12 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its engaging and atmospheric qualities, often likened to a futuristic action movie soundtrack. Players appreciate the solid and appropriate sound design, with many highlighting the pulse-pounding synthwave tracks that enhance the overall experience. While some reviewers may not be overly enthusiastic, the consensus is that the soundtrack significantly contributes to the game's appeal.
“Good platform game with an attractive soundtrack, which will make you have a good time.”
“Amazing soundtrack as if you were listening to a futuristic action movie.”
“Pulse-pounding synthwave soundtrack.”
“If you like the visuals and soundtrack, then pick this one up on a sale.”
“I'm not raving about the soundtrack as others no doubt will, but it certainly didn't detract from the process.”
“Sound and music are appropriate and solid.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are highly praised for their originality and striking neon aesthetic, reminiscent of Tron, creating a visually stunning experience. Players appreciate the combination of vibrant visuals and an engaging electronic soundtrack, making it a standout title for fans of platformers and 80s-inspired design.
“Love the graphics and originality; my mind literally blew up from what I experienced playing this.”
“Awesome tron-like aesthetic that is unlike any game I've ever seen before visually.”
“Cool neon aesthetic with a solid electronic soundtrack.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay features underwhelming platforming mechanics and slick controls, which may detract from the overall experience. However, there is notable variety in gameplay, with each level offering different categories that provide unique experiences, although the core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged throughout.
“Gameplay variety: each level can be played in a few categories that often provide quite different experiences.”
“Not to mention how cool the gameplay is.”
“I played the game for 30 minutes to get a feel for the basic gameplay loop.”
“The platforming mechanics and controls are underwhelming; everything feels a bit slick.”
“I played the game for 30 minutes to get a feel for the basic gameplay loop, but it didn't impress me.”
“After the first big boss that literally destroys the stage around you, I jumped to a playthrough video online to see if anything really develops to change that basic gameplay over the course of the game.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is praised for its fluid mechanics, combining elements of momentum and route optimization reminiscent of titles like "n" and "Strider." Players experience a seamless blend of running, jumping, and slashing, emphasizing continuous movement and efficient pathfinding throughout the gameplay.
“The feel resembles momentum and route optimization, similar to Strider with its aggro and flashy elements.”
“This game features running, jumping, occasional slashing, and constant path optimization throughout the entire experience.”
“The feel resembles momentum and float mechanics, along with route optimization similar to Strider's aggro and flashy gameplay.”
“This game involves running, jumping, occasional slashing, and constant path optimization throughout the entire experience.”
Critic Reviews
Exception review
Exception almost wound up being exceptional, but unfortunately is broken enough to warrant steering clear of until things are fixed
50%Exception (Switch) Review
A fast-paced and brightly designed game reminiscent of Tron.
80%Exception Review
Exception is, by and large, a great game that introduces a unique and compelling twist to the platforming genre with its transforming levels. There's plenty of incentive to play for the long haul with a good focus on speedrunning and simply stunning visuals, but those looking for a good story driven experience may be disappointed. There's room for improvement, though, specifically with its sometimes cumbersome jumping and relatively poor boss fights. Its short overall length might put some people off, too, but if you're after a slick-looking action platformer, this is a virus you'll want to catch.
70%
