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.

86%Game Brain Score

gameplay, story

grinding, monetization

91% User Score Based on 6,620 reviews

Critic Score 76%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

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About

"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!

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 6,620 reviews

gameplay433 positive mentions

grinding54 negative mentions

The game is a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of childhood toys and movies like Toy Story and Small Soldiers.
Excellent customization options for characters and weapons, with unlockables earned through gameplay rather than microtransactions.
The graphics and level design are impressive, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for players.

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

gameplay
1,013 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
53%
4%
The gameplay of *Hypercharge: Unboxed* is a blend of first-person shooting and tower defense mechanics, offering a nostalgic experience with smooth controls and vibrant visuals. While many players appreciate the fun and engaging gameplay loop, some criticize its repetitiveness and limited variety in levels and enemy types, suggesting that the game could benefit from additional content and refinement of mechanics. Overall, it is seen as a charming and enjoyable title, especially when played with friends, despite some clunky elements and a need for more depth in gameplay.
- “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 base defense mechanics are kind of basic and most of the time you're better off just shooting things instead of investing in putting up defenses.”
story
762 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
83%
2%
The game's story is a nostalgic blend of the toy soldier theme, reminiscent of beloved films like "Toy Story" and "Small Soldiers," where players customize action figures to battle against enemy toys in various household settings. While the campaign offers a lighthearted and engaging experience, some players feel it lacks depth and could benefit from a more developed narrative and character progression. Overall, the game successfully captures the whimsical essence of childhood play, though it may become repetitive over time without additional story content.
- “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.”
- “Enemies only screech a little, no lore, no story, no nothing.”
graphics
751 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
37%
1%
The graphics of "Hypercharge: Unboxed" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and nostalgic toy-inspired aesthetic, reminiscent of 80s and 90s childhood memories. Players appreciate the attention to detail, vibrant colors, and smooth performance, with many noting that the graphics rival those of AAA titles despite being developed by a small indie team. However, some reviews mention that while the graphics are impressive, the gameplay may lack depth, which could detract from the overall experience.
- “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.”
- “Brill concept, semi decent graphics, but unfortunately badly implemented.”
- “Overall a very mediocre game, played the first hour loving the art style and small soldiers concept, but once that effect wears off, it's just a re-skinned Halo/Killing Floor 2.”
- “I think the game developer focused too much on the aesthetic and not on the gameplay.”
music
250 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
47%
2%
The music in the game has been widely praised for its upbeat and energetic soundtrack, which 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 fitting for the game's whimsical toy-themed environment. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, enhancing the overall experience and encouraging players to keep the in-game music on rather than switching to their own playlists.
- “The soundtrack is upbeat and energetic, aligning well with the fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay.”
- “Balanced maps, varied weapons, gorgeous visuals, and an equally magnificent soundtrack, Hypercharge: Unboxed is criminally underrated and deserves more love.”
- “The music is awesome, the voice actors for the figures are awesome, the weapons are loads of fun, and you will find different weapons are better at killing different enemies.”
- “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
160 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
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 in-game text. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter through its charming design, engaging mechanics, and the playful nature of its toy-themed environment. Overall, the humor is seen as a significant factor that enhances the fun and replayability, especially in multiplayer settings.
- “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!).”
- “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.”
- “It is not funny to play now.”
- “It is not funny to play now.”
replayability
130 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
56%
9%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its fun mechanics, numerous collectibles, and various game modes that enhance replay value, especially in multiplayer settings. However, some reviews highlight a lack of content and repetitiveness, suggesting that while there is potential for high replayability, it currently falls short for single-player experiences. Overall, the game offers decent replayability, particularly when played with friends, but improvements and additional content could significantly enhance this aspect.
- “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.”
- “Amazing game that is loads of fun to play with friends and has huge replayability.”
- “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.”
optimization
81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
32%
4%
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 a need for server optimization and controller support, the majority find the graphics well-optimized and visually appealing, contributing to an enjoyable gaming experience. The game is noted for its ability to maintain performance during intense gameplay, making it a standout in terms of optimization.
- “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.”
- “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
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
19%
77%
The reviews indicate a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with many players finding it tedious and time-consuming, often requiring significant effort to unlock items and progress. While some appreciate the absence of paywalls and microtransactions, others feel that the grind detracts from the overall enjoyment, especially when it comes to collecting items and completing levels. Overall, the grinding experience varies, with some players enjoying the challenge while others find it frustrating and overly demanding.
- “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.”
- “I do not want to spend my life grinding levels.”
- “As for progression, it is a bit grindy where the unlocks are generally things you can't do passively, but at least there are no paywalls or microtransactions.”
monetization
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
56%
25%
The game is praised for its complete lack of microtransactions, allowing players to unlock all cosmetics through gameplay, which enhances the overall enjoyment and nostalgia. Many reviewers appreciate the focus on gameplay rather than monetization, contrasting it with other titles that rely on microtransactions. However, there are some criticisms regarding the developers' handling of negative feedback related to monetization practices, suggesting a disconnect between player expectations and developer responses.
- “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
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
30%
6%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its nostalgic charm, beautifully crafted visuals, and immersive environments reminiscent of 80s and 90s toys. Players appreciate the attention to detail in level design, which evokes childhood memories and enhances the overall experience, making it a standout feature despite some gameplay shortcomings. The combination of vibrant graphics, engaging sound design, and a whimsical setting contributes to a fun and memorable gaming atmosphere.
- “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.”
- “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!”
- “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 maps are areas like a bedroom, attic, bathroom, etc., really giving it atmosphere and a large scale feel.”
- “The appearance is charming and brings back childhood memories and sparks the imagination in a very toy soldier-like atmosphere.”
stability
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
5%
62%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with some players experiencing significant bugs, matchmaking issues, and crashes, while others report smooth performance and minimal glitches, particularly on Steam Deck. The development team is noted for being responsive and actively addressing player feedback, which may help improve stability over time. Overall, while many enjoy the gameplay and optimization, the inconsistency in stability remains a concern for some users.
- “Runs great on deck.”
- “I had no glitches playing the game thus far and the optimization is great.”
- “Looks good, runs great.”
- “Game is buggy; I can't 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.”
- “Game is buggy; I 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.”
emotional
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with players describing it as wholesome, heartwarming, and nostalgic. Many express joy and excitement, noting the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, including tears of happiness during gameplay. The supportive and welcoming community, along with the developers' heartfelt approach, further enhances the emotional experience, making it a recommended choice for those seeking genuine fun and connection.
- “I cried when I was playing the demo; I was having so much fun.”
- “By the way, the developers are absolutely breathtaking; I've never seen such heartwarming treatment like they do to us.”
- “It made me feel as if I was a kid again playing with action figures in my basement.”
character development
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
56%
6%
Character development in the game is noted to be minimal, with reviewers highlighting a lack of a significant overarching storyline. However, the character and level designs are praised for their creativity and appeal, particularly for younger audiences, making the gameplay enjoyable despite the absence of deep character arcs. Overall, the focus is more on fun and unique character designs rather than substantial character growth.
- “There is so much to love from character designs to level designs, sounds, and out-of-the-box action figures; unreal!”
- “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.”
- “I can't really go on about some big arching story line or character development because there isn't one.”

76%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews

Buy HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed
$24.99
See offer on Steam

9h Median play time

30h Average play time

4-30h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 44 analyzed playthroughs

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Review – HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed