HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed

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!

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Play Modes

Reviews

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,310 reviews

gameplay214 positive mentions

grinding27 negative mentions

The game captures the nostalgia of childhood, allowing players to relive imaginative battles with action figures.
Customization options for characters and weapons are extensive, providing a fun and engaging experience.
The graphics and level design are impressive, creating a vibrant and immersive toy-themed world.

The game suffers from a lack of active players, making it difficult to find multiplayer matches.
Gameplay can become repetitive after a while, with limited variety in objectives and enemy types.
Some technical issues, such as crashes and AI behavior, detract from the overall experience.

gameplay
503 mentions
43 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Hypercharge: Unboxed* is characterized by a blend of smooth first-person shooting and tower defense mechanics, offering a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic toy-themed games. While many players appreciate the fluid controls, vibrant graphics, and the absence of microtransactions, some criticize the gameplay for being repetitive and lacking depth, particularly in level variety and enemy types. Overall, the game is seen as fun and engaging, especially in cooperative play, but it could benefit from additional content and refinement in its mechanics.
- “Interestingly, the story mode cleverly doubles as a tower defense game, blending it seamlessly with first-person shooter mechanics.”
- “The gameplay mechanics are fun, the details in each level really add to the experience, and there are secrets to discover in each to encourage exploration.”
- “The gameplay is immensely fun and challenging, the unlockables and customization are deeply woven into the gameplay, all through challenging unlock conditions (no lootboxes!).”
- “The gameplay can feel repetitive due to limited level variety and enemy types, making longer play sessions feel a bit monotonous.”
- “Beautiful graphics and scenery, very stale and boring gameplay unfortunately.”
- “The gameplay is a bit stale, the overall movement of the player and the enemies a bit too slow and the pace of the matches just too backloaded which essentially puts you in residentsleeper mode until the last wave of survival.”
story
381 mentions
15 % positive mentions
82 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The game's story is a nostalgic blend of the toy soldier theme, reminiscent of "Toy Story" and "Small Soldiers," where players embody customizable action figures battling against enemy toys in various household settings. While the campaign offers enjoyable gameplay and a lighthearted tone, many reviewers express a desire for a more developed narrative and deeper character arcs, as the current missions can feel repetitive and lack a cohesive storyline. Overall, the game successfully captures the whimsical essence of childhood play but leaves room for improvement in storytelling depth.
- “Playing through the story was a joy—it fully embraces the toy soldier theme with a lighthearted tone.”
- “Interestingly, the story mode cleverly doubles as a tower defense game, blending it seamlessly with first-person shooter mechanics.”
- “You can tell a lot of love went into the graphics, storylines, and overall greatness of this game!”
- “The only downside I see is the huge amount of cool stuff you might want to unlock that unlocks randomly or through missions you might want to be just unlocked at the start... that aside it offers tons anyway and the unlocks are not that hard to get.”
- “However, the game is repetitive as hell; every mission is about shooting waves of enemies, mini bosses, bosses, and placing towers (mix of TPS & TD), there isn't anything else other than that.”
- “I can't really go on about some big arching storyline or character development because there isn't one.”
graphics
375 mentions
62 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and nostalgic toy-inspired aesthetic, reminiscent of 80s and 90s childhood favorites. Players appreciate the attention to detail, vibrant colors, and smooth performance, often comparing the quality to that of AAA titles despite being developed by a small indie team. However, some reviews note that while the graphics are impressive, the gameplay may not always match the same level of engagement.
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “The graphics are really impressive, much better than I could ever expect from a low-price title.”
- “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.”
- “But a game can't rely on its visuals alone, especially one like this.”
music
125 mentions
51 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its upbeat and energetic soundtrack, which perfectly complements the fast-paced gameplay and evokes a strong sense of 80s and 90s nostalgia. Players appreciate the variety of tracks, with many describing them as catchy and memorable, enhancing the overall experience. While some noted occasional repetitiveness, the majority agree that the soundtrack significantly contributes to the game's charm and atmosphere.
- “The soundtrack is upbeat and energetic, aligning well with the fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay.”
- “The music is superb; each track is a certified banger.”
- “The environments are stunning, particularly all the easter eggs; the music is fantastic.”
- “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.”
- “The aesthetic is slick, the music varies from fantastic to repetitive and the maps are arguably the best thing about the title.”
humor
80 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-2 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its creativity and nostalgic references, with players enjoying the funny action figures, clever easter eggs, and humorous text scattered throughout the levels. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter through its charming design, engaging mechanics, and witty name generators, making it a delightful experience, especially in multiplayer settings. Overall, the developers' sense of humor shines through, contributing to a fun and entertaining gameplay experience.
- “The humor that is sprinkled around is a good touch as well.”
- “So many fake products that have such incredible meta humor and silliness had us catching our breath for minutes at a time, do yourself a favor and simply walk up to any old box or household object and read the labels.”
- “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 humor falls flat and feels forced.”
- “I expected more laughs, but it just wasn't funny.”
- “The jokes are stale and lack creativity.”
replayability
65 mentions
35 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its high replay value due to numerous collectibles, unlockables, and various game modes, particularly in multiplayer settings. However, some reviews highlight a lack of content and repetitiveness in the campaign, suggesting that while the game can be enjoyable for a time, it may not sustain long-term engagement without additional updates or modes. The potential for increased replayability is noted, especially if developers introduce new content and challenges.
- “With the amount of stuff you can unlock in story mode, alongside optional multiplayer, the replay value of this game is insane!”
- “The different difficulties make it replayable, and the different maps to choose from make it so much more interesting.”
- “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'm hoping that future content will add to replayability.”
- “In its current state, an early pre-alpha, it doesn't offer a lot in terms of content or replayability but what it has in copious amounts is potential.”
optimization
40 mentions
65 % positive mentions
28 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many users reporting smooth performance and high frame rates even on lower-end systems. While some mention minor issues with controller support and server optimization, the majority highlight the game's impressive graphics and efficient resource management, making it one of the best-optimized titles available. Players appreciate the balance between visual fidelity and performance, ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience.
- “Super fun, and one of the most smooth and optimized PC games I've played in a long time.”
- “The game itself is very well optimized and runs very smoothly.”
- “The game runs very well and has a great range of settings to ensure that you get good performance out of any system.”
- “In dire need of server optimization.”
- “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.”
grinding
35 mentions
6 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
77 % negative mentions
Reviews on the aspect of "grinding" are mixed, with many players finding the grind tedious and time-consuming, often requiring significant effort to unlock items or progress. Some appreciate the absence of predatory microtransactions and note that the game can be enjoyable with friends, while others feel that the grind detracts from the overall experience, making it feel uneven and repetitive. Overall, the consensus suggests that while there are enjoyable elements, the grinding aspect can be a significant hurdle for players.
- “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.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Unlocks are rewarded through tedious hunts for hidden shinies in each stage.”
- “The building phase is too long and gathering credits and secrets feels kind of tedious/shoehorned in.”
monetization
32 mentions
19 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for its monetization model, with players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and the ability to unlock all cosmetics through gameplay. This approach fosters a sense of achievement and nostalgia, contrasting sharply with the prevalent "pay-to-win" models in many modern games. However, there are some criticisms regarding the developers' handling of negative feedback and accusations of introducing microtransactions in the form of DLC skins, which has led to frustration among certain players.
- “Zero microtransactions; all cosmetics are unlocked through gameplay and are purely cosmetic.”
- “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 that encourages you to play to unlock new characters and armor pieces rather than relying on microtransactions.”
- “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.”
- “One of the devs even admitted on Discord that they had flagged my review because it referred to his skin bundles as microtransactions.”
- “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...”
atmosphere
25 mentions
64 % positive mentions
24 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its nostalgic charm, beautifully crafted visuals, and immersive environments that evoke memories of 80's and 90's toys. Players appreciate the attention to detail in the design of levels, which include relatable settings like bedrooms and attics, contributing to a whimsical and engaging experience. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as vibrant, fun, and a significant highlight, enhancing the enjoyment of its gameplay.
- “The movement is fluid and feels responsive, the whole gameplay loop of 'do platformer-esque hunts for goodies and secrets during your co-op horde mode shooting' is fun, and the atmosphere of the game was obviously and lovingly crafted by folks with a real appreciation for the era of 80's/90's toys.”
- “Hypercharge: Unboxed is a unique combination of childhood nostalgia + horde shooters that has a beautifully bright atmosphere to set it apart from games like L4D2.”
- “The entire atmosphere is perfectly realized, with impressive details and references throughout every aspect of the game.”
- “If you're willing to overlook the rough gameplay edges for pure 90's toy kino atmosphere, then you'll likely have a great time.”
- “The appearance is charming and brings back childhood memories and sparks the imagination in a very toy soldier-like atmosphere.”
- “The maps are areas like a bedroom, attic, bathroom, etc., really giving it atmosphere and a large scale feel.”
stability
21 mentions
33 % positive mentions
5 % neutral mentions
62 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant bugs, crashes, and matchmaking issues, while others report smooth performance and minimal glitches, particularly on platforms like Steam Deck. Despite the presence of minor bugs and connectivity problems, many users appreciate the developers' responsiveness and commitment to addressing issues. Overall, while some players enjoy a stable experience, others face frustrating technical difficulties that hinder 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.”
- “Game is buggy, can't matchmake with online players and now I can't refund the game because exactly 3 hours later my files can't load in and I can't play.”
- “Seems like you have a 50/50 chance of even being able to play the game due to crashes, freezes, or general connectivity issues.”
emotional
11 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with players describing it as wholesome, heartwarming, and nostalgic. Many express a deep connection to the game's community and developers, highlighting their kindness and dedication, which enhances the overall experience. The game evokes strong feelings of joy and excitement, reminiscent of childhood play, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking genuine fun and emotional engagement.
- “I cried when I was playing the demo; I was having so much fun.”
- “If you enjoy nostalgia and good, honest, wholesome fun, buy this game.”
- “By the way, the developers are absolutely breathtaking; I've never seen such heartwarming treatment from them.”
character development
8 mentions
38 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
While the game features enjoyable and unique character designs that resonate well with players, there is a notable lack of significant character development or overarching storylines. The focus is primarily on fun gameplay and visually appealing art design rather than deep narrative progression.
- “There is so much to love from character designs to level designs, sounds, and out-of-the-box action figures; unreal!”
- “The level and character design is top notch.”
- “Enjoyable gameplay and fun, unique character design (like Toy Story) and environment.”
- “I can't really go on about some big arching storyline or character development because there isn't one.”