HyperParasite

Videogames. You’re always the good guy, never the alien causing mass panic and destruction on Earth, am I right?

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HyperParasite is a hack and slash game with single-player and local multi-player modes for up to 2 players in a co-op, split-screen format. As an evil alien, you invade a grime-encrusted dystopia, snatching bodies and absorbing abilities to make your way to the top of the food chain and push the Big Red Button. With procedurally generated streets, each playthrough offers a unique challenge as you avoid permadeath and make better use of the "juicy meat-sacks" of humans.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 47 reviews

gameplay10 positive mentions

grinding3 negative mentions

HyperParasite offers a unique body-snatching mechanic that keeps gameplay fresh and engaging, allowing players to experiment with different characters and abilities.
The game is visually appealing with a strong 80s aesthetic, complete with references to pop culture and a catchy synthwave soundtrack.
Despite its challenging nature, the game is well-polished for an Early Access title, providing a rewarding experience that encourages replayability.

The game has been reported to crash frequently, particularly during boss fights, which can lead to frustrating loss of progress.
Some players find the unlock system and character progression to be overly grindy, making it difficult to enjoy new content without significant effort.
There are limited video and controller options, which can detract from the overall experience for players with specific preferences.

gameplay
18 mentions
56 % positive mentions
28 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Hyperparasite is characterized by its engaging and varied mechanics, particularly the unique body-snatching feature that allows players to possess different enemies, enhancing replayability and encouraging diverse play styles. While the core combat and controls are well-designed, some players find the restrictions in later acts frustrating, requiring significant grinding to access fundamental mechanics. Overall, the game offers a fun, addictive experience with a nostalgic 80s vibe, despite some minor complaints about options and balance.
- “From the outset, the combat and gameplay loop is what you should expect from a well-designed twin-stick rogue-lite: tight, fluid controls, procedurally generated level pathways, and randomized upgrades that are never the same during your next playthrough.”
- “The ability to take possession of different types of characters keeps the gameplay very fresh and fun on each run.”
- “It differentiates itself from the horde of Binding of Isaac wannabes thanks to a novel mechanic that allows you to possess enemies: you play as a body-snatching alien parasite, and while you can also deal damage in that form, you're very vulnerable. This means that your main way of survival is jumping from one host to another while learning how all the different enemies work.”
- “My main complaint after about 6 hours of gameplay is the lack of video and controller options.”
- “The game revealed itself after I beat the first boss (which is actually not so spectacular from the point of experience and gameplay), but then you got access to new areas with a new style and challenges.”
- “Hyperparasite handles its core mechanic pretty well: the parasite is capable enough but extremely fragile, and the body-snatching gameplay is awesome when you've got (most) every host in a level unlocked.”
music
7 mentions
43 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its nostalgic 80s synthwave soundtrack, which perfectly complements the vibrant pixel art and numerous cultural references from that era. Reviewers appreciate the immersive atmosphere created by the soundtrack, noting its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia while enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- “A great concept presented with awesome pixel art and a fun 80's style soundtrack.”
- “The soundtrack is also sublime taking you straight back to the '80s.”
- “I'm a sucker for everything 80s, and this game has it all: tons of cameos/references/quotes from 80s movies, cartoons and games, a very cool synthwave OST and a great atmosphere.”
- “The soundtrack is also sublime, taking you straight back to the '80s.”
- “There are many references to the '80s: characters, neons, appearance, and soundtrack.”
- “The soundtrack kicks major ass too.”
graphics
6 mentions
33 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their clear presentation and fitting 80s aesthetic, enhancing the overall fun and engaging gameplay. While options for customization are limited, the art style effectively complements the game's theme, contributing to a gritty yet appealing visual experience.
- “All in all, it is a good game and, most importantly, it is fun and aesthetically attractive.”
- “Hard as nails, sweet tight gameplay, gritty but great graphics, and a great soundtrack too.”
- “Graphics options are limited to low or high, and you can't adjust your look sensitivity.”
- “The graphics are clear, and attacks are well telegraphed, so you don't have many excuses when you die.”
humor
4 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its originality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with players particularly enjoying the comedic animations and the lighthearted mood. Many find the humor to be a key factor in the game's addictive nature, making it a standout feature that encourages repeated play.
- “The animation when you make your hosts explode is just hilarious.”
- “One of my favorite things about this game is that I keep coming back to play it simply because of the humor and addictive gameplay.”
- “I'm really enjoying the hilarious mood of the game.”
grinding
3 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be monotonous and excessive, particularly in the early stages, which detracts from the overall experience. While the concept and enemy variety are praised, many feel that the lack of content leads to tedious grinding that feels unnecessary.
- “At first, it seemed to me like an ordinary boring roguelike; the first 40 minutes were monotonous and grindy.”
- “Good concept, but definitely not enough content, and the playtime is made up by ridiculous grinding.”
- “The enemies are awesome, and as you encounter new ones, you often think, 'Wow, I really want to be able to control that guy,' especially with the bosses, so you better have goal-oriented grinding.”
atmosphere
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game excels in creating a vibrant 80s atmosphere, filled with numerous cameos, references, and quotes from the era's movies, cartoons, and games. The inclusion of a captivating synthwave soundtrack further enhances this nostalgic experience, making it a standout feature for fans of the decade.
- “I'm a sucker for everything 80s, and this game has it all: tons of cameos, references, and quotes from 80s movies, cartoons, and games, a very cool synthwave OST, and a great atmosphere.”
- “They created the perfect 80s atmosphere with all those cameos and references you find around in the game levels, from movie posters to character classes, etc. Plus, the synthwave OST (even if it's incomplete) is top notch!”
story
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The story of Hyperparasite evokes a nostalgic 80s vibe, blending engaging narrative elements with unique gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall experience.
- “Hyperparasite brings back a good old feeling from the 80s, mixing it up with interesting gimmicks in storytelling and gameplay.”