Genome Guardian
- May 7, 2024
- Alpherior
- 17h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Genome Guardian" is a free-to-play prologue of a complex shooter game set in a bioluminescent alien world. Players must research upgrades, navigate 8 game modes, and pair DNA nucleotides to create hybrid bioweapons. The game features 49 unique turrets, 96 perks, 72 turret & weapon mods, and 32 mutations to alter gameplay, providing a high level of customization and replayability.
PC
Windows
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game offers a staggering amount of build diversity with numerous turrets, perks, and weapon combinations, making each run feel unique.
- Frequent updates from the developer show a commitment to improving the game and responding to community feedback, enhancing the overall experience.
- The gameplay is addictive and engaging, with a fun mix of strategy and action that keeps players coming back for more.
- Progression can feel slow and grindy, especially in the early stages, which may deter some players from fully enjoying the game.
- Certain runs can be heavily reliant on RNG, leading to frustrating experiences if the right items or upgrades are not available.
- The lack of a speed-up option during restarts can make the early game feel tedious and slow-paced.
- gameplay85 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a blend of simplicity and depth, offering an engaging experience with a variety of builds and mechanics that encourage experimentation. While many players appreciate the interactive nature and the balance of strategy and skill, some criticize the initial gameplay loop as slow and repetitive, particularly due to the heat mechanic that can disrupt flow. Overall, the game provides a rich array of customization options and alternate modes, making it appealing for those who enjoy extensive gameplay and exploration.
“Overall, the game presents a simplistic style and gameplay to draw you in, but keeps you around for the depth within the systems.”
“The gameplay feels great, with so many ways to tailor your own build; the game feels endless in things to do and try.”
“The giant customization variety of weapons and enemies, the large amount of perks and turrets that can completely change gameplay, and the amazing soundtrack are what make this game perfect.”
“The gameplay at run start is not engaging enough.”
“Even if the advertised content is there - it is an unreal expectation for a player to sit in a brainrot boring gameplay loop for over 7-10 hours to get to what is advertised.”
“The progression and gameplay loop itself is too slow to ramp up and does not respect the player's time.”
- music84 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its energetic and engaging soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. While some tracks are noted for their inconsistency, the majority are described as "bangers" that fit the game's vibe perfectly, contributing to a fun and immersive atmosphere. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the standout features, with players expressing a desire for its release as a standalone album.
“The music is wonderful, even if you turn off the ambient effects which sync with the music -- the multiple levels of research and customization are intense... I thought Brotato had a variety of play-styles represented until I played Genome Guardian.”
“Super fun game and the music is amazing.”
“The music and atmosphere make the game feel very chill/relaxed.”
“Also, the game for some reason opens with a disclaimer on the main menu for creators to mute the music so they're not copyright stricken, and then the game hits you with the most mediocre EDM ever made.”
“I think the sound effects could be a little chunkier; the music is inconsistent with some tracks just being mixed horribly, while other tracks fit the mood well enough.”
“I probably wouldn't ever listen to this music by choice, but it works so well in this game!”
- replayability56 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, with a vast array of weapons, perks, and unlocks that encourage experimentation and varied gameplay. Players appreciate the continuous updates and diverse game modes that keep the experience fresh, although some note that replay value may diminish after extensive play. Overall, it is regarded as one of the most replayable titles in the indie roguelike genre.
“This game has the most replayability I've ever seen with many unlocks that will have you playing over and over again.”
“There's a genuinely hilarious amount of unlocks that add a lot of replay value; I've only gotten a little over 60% myself at the time of writing this!”
“Replayability is very darn near infinite, difficulty ranges all the way from easy peasy to swear at RNG.”
“The most unique thing about this game is that it seems custom-built to combat the all-too-common problems of the genre: no replay value, no long-term goals, and finding and sticking with one single build.”
“I do feel like even with this mechanic, the replay value could drop off a bit once you've sunk enough hours in to see all/most combinations of weapons though.”
“There is a turret, for example, which cannot aim and instead spins endlessly around, firing shots in all directions. Stuff like this creates so much replayability and doesn't feel like you play the same type of game all the time.”
- graphics17 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a nostalgic arcade style that is both simple and creative, featuring clean and vibrant visuals that are pleasing to the eye. While the game prioritizes gameplay mechanics over high-end graphics, it still delivers charming and distinct visuals complemented by an engaging soundtrack. Overall, the art style is fun and enhances the overall experience without aiming for over-the-top visuals.
“The visuals are clean, vibrant, and nice to look at.”
“Amazing music, fantastic poppy and distinct visuals.”
“The DNA theme is so cool to me too, and the art style, although simple, is really fun and creative.”
“If you're looking for over-the-top visuals, don't.”
“It's a game that eschews graphics for a deep and complex weapon system that I can honestly say is super unique.”
“It takes you back to the good old days of arcade machines with its graphic style and gameplay.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highly praised, with players noting the comedic value of various unlockable weapons and mods that enhance gameplay. Many recommend playing with friends to fully enjoy the funny moments, contributing to the game's replayability. Overall, the humor is described as fantastic and a significant highlight.
“There's a genuinely hilarious amount of unlocks that add a lot of replay value; I've only gotten a little over 60% myself at the time of writing this!”
“Some weapons are just funny to watch in action with certain mods.”
“I'd recommend bringing a friend along for some funny moments.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is described as intriguing, with enough hints to engage players as they progress to higher difficulties. While some users feel the narrative is minimal, the variety of game modes and customization options keeps the experience enjoyable despite the lack of a strong storyline.
“There's just enough hints at a story to tease you along into the higher difficulties, but even without that, the fact there's three very distinct game modes -- five current total game modes -- and so many different turret/weapon/perk combinations...”
“No story.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The game features a significant amount of grinding, particularly in the early stages, but it becomes more rewarding as players unlock shop upgrades that reduce costs. While the grind can be extensive, completionists find satisfaction in the process of unlocking everything. Overall, the experience is described as both challenging and gratifying for those willing to invest the time.
“The game is very grindy to unlock everything, but it is quite satisfying to do so if you are a completionist.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Just lots of farming unlockables.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its chill and relaxed vibe, largely enhanced by the soothing music.
“The music and atmosphere make the game feel very chill and relaxed.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while there are optimized builds available for various challenges and modes, they often depend excessively on specific upgrades, weapon choices, favorable enemy generation, or the appearance of certain mutations, which can limit overall gameplay diversity.
“While there are certainly optimized builds for the challenges and modes, some of them rely too heavily on a particular set of upgrades and weapons, depending on luck with enemy generation or banking on a certain mutation to appear.”
“While there are certainly optimized builds for the challenges and modes, some of them rely too heavily on a particular set of upgrades and weapons, lucking out with enemy generation, or banking on a certain mutation to appear.”
“The optimization in this game feels unbalanced, as certain strategies dominate while others are left completely ineffective.”
“It's frustrating that the game encourages specific builds for success, making it feel less like a test of skill and more like a lottery.”
