Horizon Shift

About

Horizon Shift is a single player action game. It was developed by Flump Studios and was released on May 29, 2015. It received positive reviews from players.

Horizon 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!

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 160 reviews

gameplay15 positive mentions

optimization3 negative mentions

Horizon Shift offers a unique gameplay experience by combining classic shoot'em up mechanics with a horizontal line mechanic that requires players to defend both above and below.
The game features crisp controls, a vibrant retro aesthetic, and a high-energy soundtrack that enhances the fast-paced action.
With multiple game modes, scoring challenges, and a steep but fair difficulty curve, Horizon Shift provides a rewarding experience for both casual and hardcore players.

The game can become overwhelmingly chaotic, especially in later waves, leading to frustration for some players due to its steep difficulty curve.
There are performance issues reported, including long loading times and occasional optimization problems that can hinder gameplay.
Some players feel that the game lacks depth in terms of narrative and progression systems, making it feel repetitive over time.

gameplay
62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
71%
5%
The gameplay is characterized by a compelling risk-reward mechanic that encourages players to balance aggression and caution, making it engaging over time. While it incorporates a mix of classic arcade elements and innovative mechanics like the horizon and platforming features, some players feel it lacks polish and originality compared to genre standards. Overall, the game offers a variety of modes and customization options, providing a solid experience for fans of the arcade shooter genre, despite some criticisms regarding depth and execution.
- “One of the game’s defining mechanics is its emphasis on risk and reward.”
- “Mastery comes from learning when to take those risks and when to pull back, and this balance keeps the gameplay loop engaging even after many sessions.”
- “The perfect mix of familiar mechanics and brand new, completely original ideas.”
- “Taking a swing at an uncommon mechanic for shoot'em'up doesn't quite click into place but is commendable for the attempt.”
- “Gameplay is quite weak arcade shooterism; this is on Steam, for PC games, like Counter-Strike and Skyrim.”
- “At full price, I wouldn't recommend it; there are a lot of flash games on the internet that provide similar gameplay.”
music
57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
41%
5%
The music in the game is widely praised for its high-energy electronic soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, driving momentum and maintaining adrenaline. Reviewers appreciate the diverse mix of styles, including elements of techno, house, and retro synths, which create an engaging atmosphere that complements the game's intensity. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, with many recommending it as essential for fans of the genre.
- “The music drives momentum, making each run feel intense and focused, and it plays a significant role in maintaining the adrenaline that defines the experience.”
- “You'll hear synths that sound like they could've come from an NES or a Genesis system, distorted rock/metal guitars, distinctly 80s synths, beats that touch upon house and trance, and it's all mashed together to create an electronica soundtrack that's enjoyable to listen to as you play.”
- “To finish off this gem is the beautiful music, both engaging and intense, the gameplay goes hand in hand with each style and, in a sense, leads you through the levels.”
- “The music is generic.”
- “Music, and never ending frustration.”
- “The music used in this production is not my type, though it is not bad, I think.”
graphics
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
76%
6%
The game's graphics feature a bright, arcade-inspired aesthetic with a focus on simplicity and clarity, often utilizing neon colors against monochromatic backgrounds. While some players appreciate the retro feel and customization options, others criticize the visuals as bland or uninspired, noting issues with resolution scaling and overall appeal. Overall, the graphics are described as clean and effective, though opinions vary on their attractiveness and execution.
- “Visually, the game adopts a bright, arcade-inspired aesthetic that emphasizes clarity and motion over detail.”
- “The graphics and art style is that of an arcade game, and a style that I very much enjoy. You can also add different effects to the visual aspect, such as an inverse effect to give your game a different feel.”
- “A beautiful shooter with a retro arcade feel and super cool neon vector graphics.”
- “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).”
- “The graphics are simple outlines for the most part, some empty and some with gradients, so nothing particularly attractive.”
optimization
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, 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, optimization is on point.”
- “A platformer mixed with a bullet hell game that has a lot of problems and performance issues.”
- “Also, how does something so basic have optimization issues?!”
- “Some bugs and performance issues also make it harder to finish the game.”
- “A platformer mixed with a bullet hell game with a lot of problems and performance issues.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Horizon Shift offers strong replayability through its refined gameplay and engaging design, making it a recommended choice for gamers who value fun and replay value. However, some reviewers feel that the abundance of ideas may hinder its overall accessibility and enjoyment, slightly impacting its replayability potential.
- “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!”
- “Horizon Shift knows its identity and commits fully to it, focusing on refinement and replayability rather than unnecessary complexity.”
- “There's plenty of options for replayability.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
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.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players have reported that the game evokes strong emotional responses, with some stating it brought them to tears, highlighting its impactful storytelling and character development.
- “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.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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 further.
- “It feels tedious and quite overwhelming, making the experience kind of stressful.”
- “Grindy achievement(s): no.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, users report a high level of stability, noting that controls functioned properly and gameplay was smooth, free from lag, bugs, or glitches.