Horizon Shift
- May 29, 2015
- Flump Studios
Get on SteamHorizon Shift is an explosive wave based, single screen shooter, with a ton of new ideas and platformer elements. Do what it takes to protect your horizon from the ever encroaching enemy attack! Use the unique risk reward multiplier system to maximise power-ups, build your bomb and destroy EVERYTHING!
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Horizon Shift offers a unique gameplay experience by combining elements of bullet hell shooters and platforming mechanics, requiring players to defend a central horizon line from enemies coming from both above and below.
- The game features a vibrant retro aesthetic with neon graphics and an engaging soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- Players appreciate the variety of game modes and the challenge presented, making it addictive and rewarding as they strive to improve their scores.
- Many players find the game to be frustratingly difficult, especially in later levels where the combination of enemies and obstacles can feel overwhelming.
- There are reports of performance issues and optimization problems, which can detract from the gameplay experience.
- Some players feel that the game lacks depth in its mechanics and variety in power-ups, leading to repetitive gameplay after extended play sessions.
- gameplay56 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mix of traditional arcade shooter mechanics with innovative elements like the horizon mechanic, which adds depth and strategic defense to the experience. While some players find the core loop engaging and the controls precise, others feel it lacks polish and originality compared to genre classics. Overall, the game offers a variety of modes and customization options, appealing to hardcore fans of the genre, but may not stand out enough to justify its full price.
“The gameplay is not terrible (contrary to what the score might convey); rather, it lacks the polish that makes it stand out from others in the genre.”
“The horizon mechanic, which compels you to defend both the top and bottom halves of the playing field, is very well done.”
“The added mechanics add a bit of depth to the gameplay that I haven't seen in the genre, and it introduces elements of platforming that make strategic defense of your horizon rather important.”
“Gameplay is quite weak; it feels like an arcade shooter that lacks depth.”
“At full price, I wouldn't recommend it; there are many flash games on the internet that provide similar gameplay.”
“Aside from the horizon mechanic, the game feels like a pretty typical space shooter.”
- music54 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its engaging and diverse soundtrack, blending elements of electronica, house, and retro synths that enhance the gameplay experience. Many players find the tracks addictive and perfectly suited to the game's fast-paced action, contributing to an immersive atmosphere. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, making it highly recommended for fans of the genre.
“The music and sound effects totally fit the game, and the options on how you can make the game look are plenty.”
“The music is awesomely psychedelic, which is to say it will serve to pump you up and make you drown in its varied synth-like tune.”
“The game offers a fair challenge while at the same time delivering a kickass soundtrack to blast into your ears!”
“The music is generic.”
“Music, and never ending frustration.”
“The music also supports the frantic pace that develops as the game progresses, without going ballistic in tempo or having overwhelmingly loud/rapid-fire notes.”
- graphics47 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the retro neon art style and clean vector graphics, while others criticize the simplistic and uninspired visuals. Many noted that the graphics effectively complement the gameplay, evoking nostalgia for classic arcade games, but some found them lacking in detail and creativity. Overall, the visuals are described as basic yet stylish, with options for customization that enhance the experience.
“The game has a great retro feel to it with a neon-on-black art style.”
“A beautiful shooter with a retro arcade feel and super cool neon vector graphics.”
“The art style looks nice and clean, and the game also allows you to play with different visual styles (for example CRT style or pixel style).”
“Between that and the uninspired retro art style, I really didn't enjoy this one like I thought I would.”
“Resolution scaling is done badly; the appearance is awful (retro neon graphics, ugh).”
“On the negative side, the visuals are nothing special.”
- optimization5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting significant performance issues and bugs that hinder gameplay, while others note that the controls are responsive and the game runs smoothly overall.
“The controls work great, the game runs smoothly, and as far as I can tell, the optimization is solid.”
“A platformer mixed with a bullet hell game that has a lot of problems and performance issues.”
“How does something so basic have optimization issues?!”
“There are significant performance issues.”
“Some bugs and performance issues also make it harder to finish the game.”
- story4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story of "Horizon Shift" emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, encouraging players to persevere despite challenges. Unlike traditional linear narratives, it offers a dynamic experience where gameplay mechanics intertwine with the storyline, focusing on defending against various alien threats.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“However, unlike a linear story game that comes to an end, Horizon Shift is a give and take experience.”
“It was either about game mechanics, game storyline, or both.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its strong replayability, with many users highlighting its engaging design and variety of options that encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some feel that the abundance of ideas may hinder its overall accessibility and enjoyment, slightly detracting from its replay value.
“Not only is this game highly recommended by me, but I highly encourage every gamer today to check this little diamond out if you appreciate a quality game that oozes passion for fun and replay value in every pixel put into the game!”
“There's plenty of options for replayability.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and overwhelming, leading to a stressful experience. Additionally, there are no grindy achievements to motivate players.
“It feels tedious and quite overwhelming, making the experience kind of stressful.”
“Grindy achievements: no.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its humor, with players finding it both very funny and challenging, enhancing the overall experience.
“Very funny game.”
“Very funny and challenging.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game has a profound emotional impact, with players reporting that it evokes strong feelings, including tears. This suggests a deep connection to the narrative and characters, highlighting its ability to resonate on a personal level.
“Personal verdict: this game made me cry.”
“The emotional depth of the characters left a lasting impact on me.”
“I felt a profound connection to the story that resonated with my own experiences.”
