Kite

About

Kite is a single player casual role playing game. It was developed by Lab Cat games and was released on March 7, 2018. It received very positive reviews from players.

Regain control of the secret weapons base Arch City and try to rescue the scientists trapped inside. Equip your H.O.R.D. droid with retro-future technology reclaimed from battle and become the ultimate soldier. Blast through a lush, destructible pixel-art world and strive for the highest rank on each stage.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 32 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

optimization1 negative mentions

The game features a nostalgic aesthetic and gameplay reminiscent of classic top-down shooters, with a dynamic upgrade system and a variety of weapons.
The soundtrack and pixel art are highly praised, contributing to an immersive retro experience that appeals to fans of the genre.
Gameplay is challenging yet rewarding, with a ranking system that encourages skillful play and speedrunning.

The game suffers from critical bugs that can hinder progress, and there are concerns about the developer's lack of support and communication.
Content is limited, with only 14 levels and a lack of variety in objectives and boss fights, leaving players wanting more.
Some players find the difficulty unbalanced, particularly towards the end of the game, leading to frustration despite upgrades.

gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
61%
17%
The gameplay is praised for its dynamic and nostalgic feel, reminiscent of classic top-down shooters from the NES and Genesis eras. Players appreciate the smooth mechanics, engaging bullet hell elements, and a blend of retro and modern features, resulting in a fast-paced and entertaining experience. The combination of beautiful pixel art and a rich soundtrack further enhances the overall enjoyment.
- “I would say that gameplay feels very dynamic as far as this genre goes.”
- “Smooth gameplay and seemingly plenty of content.”
- “What a refreshing piece of beautiful pixel art and entertaining gameplay combined.”
- “In terms of gameplay, it is fast, tough, and sometimes a little frenetic.”
- “Dakabot is reminiscent of a Dr. Robotnik creation, utilizing bullet hell, enemy waves, and of course, a mechanical evil laugh.”
- “It takes several classic mechanics and puts them on overdrive, then somehow finds a way to give many modern elements a dose of retro-bodacious dignity.”
music
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
33%
17%
The music in the game has received high praise for its captivating synthwave soundtrack, which complements the retro aesthetic and pixel art beautifully. Reviewers highlight its soothing yet immersive quality, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many express a desire for a standalone soundtrack release, indicating its significant impact on their enjoyment of the game.
- “Kite is an incredible twin stick shooter with gorgeous pixel art, a bomb synthwave soundtrack, and a retro experience that blasts you back to 80's gaming.”
- “The UI and the general theme of the game are well matched, and the music has an excellent somber synthy vibe that fits like a glove.”
- “I love the gameplay, art, and mostly the music!”
- “The music will soothe your soul, just in time to be murdered by punchbot.”
- “You should release a soundtrack.”
graphics
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
50%
20%
The graphics of the game are praised for their nostalgic cyberpunk and synthwave aesthetic, reminiscent of classic titles like Syndicate. Each of the 14 levels features distinct visuals, objectives, and enemies, contributing to a diverse and engaging visual experience. Overall, the art style is considered a standout aspect, appealing to fans of retro gaming aesthetics.
- “Kite is actually both cyberpunk and synthwave; that is about as dope as the art style can get.”
- “I am pretty sure the upgrade system is a little nod to the Syndicate; even the colors of the game remind me of that aesthetic.”
- “Exactly my kind of graphics.”
story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The story is set in a retro-future where secret weapons manufacturing and malfunctioning robotic protections create a compelling narrative centered on humanity versus AI. It offers a fresh perspective with high replay value due to extensive customization and encourages speed running through its level grading system. Overall, the narrative is described as fast-paced and engaging.
- “The story is set in a retro-future with secret weapons manufacturing and robotic protections, which of course, go awry.”
- “The story is a fresh take on humanity vs AI; the customization allows for never-ending replay value, and the need to get an 'S' on every level inspires speed running at its finest.”
- “Fast and punchy is the short story.”
- “The story is a fresh take on humanity vs AI, but it feels underdeveloped and lacks depth.”
- “Fast and punchy is the short story, but it sacrifices character development and emotional engagement.”
- “The story is set in a retro-future with secret weapons manufacturing and robotic protections, which of course, go awry, but it fails to deliver a compelling narrative.”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Reviews indicate that the game's optimization is lacking, making it difficult for players to envision an efficient speed run. Overall, the performance issues hinder the gameplay experience.
- “I can't even imagine what an optimized speed run of this game would look like.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Players highlight the game's strong replayability due to its engaging story centered on humanity versus AI, extensive customization options, and the challenge of achieving an "S" rank on every level, which encourages speedrunning.
- “The story is a fresh take on humanity vs AI, the customization allows for never-ending replay value, and the need to get an 'S' on every level inspires speed running at its finest.”