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

77%

Audience ScoreBased on 108 reviews

gameplay25 positive mentions

grinding6 negative mentions

HyperParasite features a unique body-snatching mechanic that keeps gameplay fresh and engaging, allowing players to utilize various characters and their abilities.
The game successfully captures the 80s aesthetic with vibrant visuals, a catchy synthwave soundtrack, and numerous pop culture references, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Despite its challenging nature, the game is highly addictive and encourages replayability, with a variety of unlockable characters and upgrades that enhance the overall experience.

The progression system can be frustratingly grind-heavy, making it difficult to unlock new characters and abilities, which detracts from the core gameplay experience.
The game has been reported to crash frequently, especially during critical moments, leading to a loss of progress and frustrating gameplay sessions.
Some players have noted a lack of basic video options and underwhelming visuals, which can impact the overall enjoyment of the game.

gameplay
44 mentions
57 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Hyperparasite is characterized by its engaging body-snatching mechanic, which allows players to possess various enemy forms, adding significant variety and strategy to each run. While the core mechanics are well-designed with tight controls and a rewarding loop that encourages replayability, some players find the grind required to unlock essential gameplay features in later acts to be frustrating. Overall, the game successfully combines addictive gameplay with a humorous, retro-inspired aesthetic, making it a compelling rogue-lite experience.
- “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.”
- “Having it be so much of a slog to unlock forms to possess in a game all about possessing enemy forms feels counter-productive to Hyperparasite’s main gameplay gimmick.”
music
17 mentions
35 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
The music in the game is heavily inspired by the 1980s, featuring a vibrant synthwave soundtrack that enhances the nostalgic atmosphere created by numerous references to 80s pop culture. While many players praise the energetic and immersive quality of the music, some note that it can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is celebrated for its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and complement the game's visual style.
- “A great concept presented with awesome pixel art and a fun 80's style soundtrack.”
- “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.”
- “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!”
- “The soundtrack gets repetitive quickly.”
- “The retro style isn't just in the graphics; it's in the music, sound effects, voiceover, everything.”
- “The soundtrack kicks major ass too.”
graphics
16 mentions
31 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a distinct 80s aesthetic, featuring clear visuals and a retro art style that complements the gameplay. While some players appreciate the gritty yet attractive graphics and the thematic consistency across sound and visuals, others find the options limited and the character models underwhelming. Overall, the graphics contribute to the game's fun and engaging atmosphere, despite some criticisms regarding muddiness and lack of customization.
- “All in all, it is a good game and most importantly, it is fun and aesthetically attractive.”
- “The graphics are clear and attacks are well telegraphed, so you don't have many excuses when you die.”
- “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 retro style isn't just in the graphics; it's in the music, sound effects, voice over, everything.”
- “Underwhelming visuals with lackluster character models.”
humor
8 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players consistently praise the game's humor, highlighting its hilarious animations and original comedic elements as key reasons for their enjoyment and replayability. The lighthearted and funny atmosphere contributes significantly to the overall appeal of the game.
- “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.”
- “Funny and original.”
grinding
6 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 can detract from the overall experience. While the concept and enemy designs are praised, many feel that the lack of content leads to a grind-heavy playtime that feels tedious rather than engaging. Goal-oriented grinding is suggested as a way to make the experience more rewarding.
- “At the start, 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
4 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 enhances this nostalgic experience, making it a standout feature for fans of the decade. Overall, the attention to detail in the game's design contributes significantly to its immersive ambiance.
- “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, plus the synthwave OST (even if it's incomplete) is top notch!”
story
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The story of Hyperparasite evokes a nostalgic 80s vibe, enhanced by unique storytelling and gameplay mechanics that keep the experience engaging and fresh.
- “Hyperparasite brings back a good old feeling from the 80's, mixing it up with interesting gimmicks in storytelling and gameplay.”