HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed

77%
Game Brain Score Based on 5,765 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed Game Cover
With deep character customization, excellent tower defense gameplay, and customization that allows you to play how you want, HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed is the FPS game that relives your childhood fantasy of toys coming to life.
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"HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed" is a team-based tower defense game where players protect a toy store from waves of enemy robots. Players can unbox and deploy a variety of toy weapons, traps, and defenses to hold off the enemy. Cooperative play with friends is encouraged, as communication and teamwork are key to success. Fight to keep your toy store from being overrun!

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,765 reviews
gameplay371 positive mentions
monetization14 negative mentions
  • gameplay831 mentions

    The gameplay of "Hypercharge: Unboxed" is characterized by a blend of first and third-person shooter mechanics, offering a fun and fast-paced experience with a nostalgic toy theme. While many players appreciate the smooth controls, engaging tower defense elements, and cooperative multiplayer features, some critiques highlight a lack of depth and variety in gameplay, leading to repetitive experiences over time. Overall, the game is praised for its charming visuals and solid mechanics, though it could benefit from additional content and gameplay refinements.

    • “Gameplay is fun and fast-paced; I especially love the great verticality the maps have.”
    • “From its captivating visuals to its engaging gameplay mechanics, this game truly stands out in the crowded FPS genre and delivers some wonderful tower defense elements.”
    • “The gameplay is smooth, and I enjoy the level design a lot.”
    • “Beautiful graphics and scenery, very stale and boring gameplay unfortunately.”
    • “The repetitive gameplay and lack of a proper campaign are not enough to justify the purchase for full price.”
    • “Awesome visuals but the gameplay is very stale and boring.”
  • graphics649 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and nostalgic toy-inspired aesthetic, reminiscent of classic 90s games. Players appreciate the attention to detail, vibrant colors, and smooth performance, which enhance the immersive experience. However, some reviews note that while the graphics are impressive, the gameplay can feel repetitive or lacking in variety.

    • “The nostalgia is thick and heavy for early 90's kids here, the graphics are gorgeous and the option to freely explore the detailed levels was a masterstroke.”
    • “Graphically, Hypercharge Unboxed is a masterpiece.”
    • “The graphics are stunning and amazing; if an indie developer with a team of five people can make a game like this, it shows the true potential of indie games for the future.”
    • “Brilliant concept, semi-decent graphics, but unfortunately badly implemented.”
    • “I think the game developer focused too much on the aesthetic and not on the gameplay.”
    • “It's not bad, it seems well made and I adore the art style, but it's lacking serious content and the gameplay just feels incredibly meh.”
  • story626 mentions

    The game's story is often described as a nostalgic blend of "Toy Story" and "Small Soldiers," featuring customizable toy characters engaged in chaotic battles across familiar childhood settings. While many players appreciate the fun and immersive gameplay, some express a desire for a more developed narrative and deeper story elements, suggesting that the current campaign feels simplistic or lacking in depth. Overall, the game successfully evokes a sense of nostalgia while providing engaging action, though there are calls for enhancements to the storytelling aspect.

    • “The story at the beginning is fantastic, options to build brilliant and the amount of PvP modes are great.”
    • “Surprising has its own campaign single-player story mode!”
    • “The plot feels like it was crafted by the mind of a kid and the rules almost feel like they were agreed upon by a group of kids based off of what makes the most sense in kid logic.”
    • “The pvp is horrible but I haven't played the story.”
    • “If I had one complaint, I wish there was a story mode but for the price that's fair not to have.”
    • “About the only nit picky complaint I have is I wish this almost had some sort of story even an intro to give us some back story.”
  • music218 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its nostalgic 80s and 90s vibes, with many players praising the catchy and fitting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers noted the attention to detail in sound design, with every sound contributing to the immersive environment, and many expressed a desire to purchase the soundtrack separately. Overall, the music is described as a standout feature that complements the game's aesthetic and gameplay, making it a memorable aspect for players.

    • “The music is superb, each track is a certified banger.”
    • “The care and commitment they put into the sounds and the soundtrack is also impressive.”
    • “I absolutely recommend this game to pretty much anybody: the price point is incredible, the attention to detail in-game is stunning, the references are endless and universally heartwarming, the soundtrack is bangin, and the game is just good clean fun.”
    • “It just feels like nothing is happening and like there's no intensity at all - not in the music, not in the difficulty.”
    • “In that time I've only heard the song from the tutorial (highway to heaven, an AC/DC ripoff that sounds awesome) once, the rest haven't been anything to write home about, and no music plays while you are in build mode, which can be around half the level.”
    • “- music: some tracks get repetitive on a loop, and some are pure gold (I'm looking at you, 'highway to heaven' by DCC).”
  • humor132 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever references, nostalgic elements, and playful design, making it a delightful experience for players. Reviewers highlight the abundance of funny easter eggs, quirky character names, and amusing in-game details that enhance the overall enjoyment. The game's lighthearted tone and comedic mechanics, particularly in multiplayer settings, contribute to its charm and replayability.

    • “Hilarious, exciting, heartwarming fun!”
    • “Every inch of this game is bursting with humor and detail, everything has a hilarious personality (even the nutrition facts on an in-game can of soda!).”
    • “The developers have done something really difficult here in managing to capture a true childhood-like experience of just playing with our toys and upscaling it into a grand battle that is both beautiful and funny.”
    • “It is not funny to play now.”
  • replayability116 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising the abundance of collectibles, unlockables, and various game modes that enhance replay value, especially in multiplayer settings. However, some reviewers express concerns about repetitiveness and a lack of content, suggesting that while the game can be enjoyable, it may not sustain long-term interest without additional updates or modes. Overall, the potential for replayability is recognized, but it currently varies significantly among players.

    • “With the amount of stuff you can unlock in story mode, alongside optional multiplayer, the replay value of this game is insane!”
    • “The maps are wonderfully designed and have a good replay value, with collectibles to find, beats to listen to, difficulties to beat, and toys to slaughter!”
    • “Hypercharge: Unboxed is an absolute blast to play and easily one of the most fun, charismatic, and replayable shooters I've ever experienced.”
    • “The only downfall of this game in my eyes is its lack of replayability, which may have been solved with the addition of the campaign.”
    • “I don't plan on refunding the game but in its current state for me, there isn't much replayability to it; there's nothing making me want to grind out progress or overcome a difficult challenge.”
    • “It's dull, no replayability.”
  • optimization71 mentions

    The game is widely praised for its exceptional optimization, delivering smooth performance across various hardware configurations, including older systems. Players report consistently high frame rates, minimal crashes, and a well-designed range of graphic settings that enhance gameplay without sacrificing visual quality. However, some users noted that controller support could be improved, indicating that while the game excels in many areas, there is still room for refinement.

    • “The game itself is very well optimized and runs very smoothly.”
    • “With optimized graphic settings, I can sustain 120 fps+, even during heavy combat.”
    • “The game runs very well and has a great range of settings to ensure that you get good performance out of any system.”
    • “Fun casual FPS game, but not optimized well for controllers, and still has a long way to go.”
    • “My wife and I have 150+ hours on the Switch version, and we both wanted all the extra stuff that the PC version has and the better performance.”
    • “There's not much to critique on my end except for some cheats having a bit better performance.”
  • monetization60 mentions

    Overall, players appreciate the game's lack of microtransactions, highlighting it as a refreshing change that allows for meaningful progression and customization through gameplay rather than purchases. Many reviews emphasize the enjoyment derived from unlocking content by playing, contrasting it with the prevalent "pay-to-win" models in other games. However, there are some criticisms regarding the developers' handling of feedback and accusations of censorship related to discussions about microtransactions.

    • “Good progression system and the addition of no microtransactions makes the game feel more fun and achievable.”
    • “It's incredibly refreshing to see a game in this day and age which gets you to play the game to unlock new characters and armor pieces rather than relying on microtransactions.”
    • “The customization is deep and actually encourages gameplay rather than microtransactions, which I respect a lot.”
    • “This game has never been any fun to play (as you can infer from the fact that I gave up on trying to find a way to enjoy it after only 3 hours) and I don't think it ever will be because rather than listen to player feedback on how to improve the game (namely by adding worthwhile content rather than microtransactions) the devs instead seem to focus on the worst possible form of PR management by attempting to censor negative user reviews for their microtransactions and banning people who write them.”
    • “So to summarize, these devs literally believe that they are entitled to decide what the word 'microtransactions' means and then flag reviews that use the term in the same way as major gaming publications.”
    • “Literally minutes after telling me that they flagged my review and would flag any other reviews that mentioned their microtransactions, they banned me from the Steam forum literally without even listing a reason, citing an old post that literally read:”
  • grinding52 mentions

    Reviews on grinding in the game are mixed; while some players find the grind tedious and time-consuming, particularly regarding collectibles and unlocks, others appreciate the straightforward, goal-based progression that avoids pay-to-win mechanics. Many agree that while certain aspects can feel grindy, the overall experience is enjoyable, especially when playing with friends, and the absence of microtransactions is a positive note.

    • “In-game progression is straightforward and not grindy (it's goal-based rather than xp-based) and there's not a predatory microtransaction in sight even though, given the core rewards loop of unlocking new customization parts for your action figures and profile, there most certainly could have been.”
    • “No grinding, unlocks are fast.”
    • “In-game progression is straightforward and not grindy (it's goal-based rather than xp-based) and there's not a predatory microtransaction in sight even though, given the core rewards loop of unlocking new customization parts for your action figures and profile, there most certainly could have been.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Unlocks are rewarded through tedious hunts for hidden shinies in each stage.”
    • “Customization items are too hard and/or grindy to unlock, as well.”
  • stability40 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with some players experiencing significant bugs, crashes, and matchmaking issues, while others report smooth performance and minimal glitches, particularly on Steam Deck. The development team is noted for being responsive and actively addressing feedback, which may help improve stability over time. Overall, players have a 50/50 chance of encountering issues, but many appreciate the game's optimization and engaging gameplay.

    • “The base game looks and runs great, is a unique twist on the genre.”
    • “I had no glitches playing the game thus far and the optimization is great.”
    • “Looks good, runs great.”
    • “Game is buggy in settings, and cannot go into full screen on my computer.”
    • “Seems like you have a 50/50 chance of even being able to play the game due to crashes, freezes, or general connectivity issues.”
    • “There was a fair bit of upgrade glitches.”
  • atmosphere36 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its beauty, nostalgia, and immersive design, evoking childhood memories through charming visuals and detailed environments like bedrooms and attics. Players appreciate the combination of great graphics, spot-on voice acting, and a comedic yet intense ambiance that enhances the overall experience, making it a fun and engaging multiplayer title. Despite some critiques on gameplay excitement, the atmosphere remains a standout feature that captivates and entertains.

    • “Great visuals, amazing atmosphere, really spot-on voice acting and the best part, it is freaking fun.”
    • “The entire atmosphere is perfectly realized, with impressive details and references throughout every aspect of the game.”
    • “Absolutely amazing game with a ton of content and great atmosphere brought to life by the beautiful and cute visual design!”
    • “The maps are areas like a bedroom, attic, bathroom, etc., really giving it atmosphere and a large scale feel.”
    • “The atmosphere of detailed levels and character design was great.”
    • “The appearance is charming and brings back childhood memories, sparking the imagination in a very toy soldier-like atmosphere.”
  • emotional18 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its wholesome and heartwarming nature, with players praising the developers for their genuine and caring approach. The community is described as welcoming and supportive, contributing to an overall feeling of nostalgia and joy reminiscent of childhood play. The game is celebrated for its fun, humor, and attention to detail, making it a delightful experience for players of all ages.

    • “Hilarious, exciting, heartwarming fun!”
    • “I don’t usually write about the community in games, but this one is really wholesome and one of the most welcoming communities.”
    • “By the way, the developers are absolutely breathtaking; I've never seen such heartwarming treatment like they do to us.”
  • character development12 mentions

    Reviewers praise the character development for its exceptional art and design, highlighting the unique and enjoyable character concepts that enhance gameplay. The variety in character designs and enemy types reflects significant effort, contributing to an engaging and immersive experience, particularly for younger players. Overall, the character development is seen as a standout feature that complements the game's fun and creative environment.

    • “The variety in enemy types, weapon pickups, and character designs took a lot of evident effort.”
    • “Enjoyable gameplay and fun, unique character design (like Toy Story) and environment.”
    • “The level and character design is top notch.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired, which detracted from the overall experience.”
    • “Despite the appealing character designs, the lack of meaningful growth or change in the characters is disappointing.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

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Play time

9hMedian play time
33hAverage play time
5-30hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 36 analyzed playthroughs

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