Necrosphere
- August 31, 2017
- Cat Nigiri
"Necrosphere" is a single-player science fiction platformer game with a unique twist: it's controlled using only two buttons. In the game, you play as Agent Terry Cooper, who, after being fatally injured, finds himself in the afterlife and must navigate the Necrosphere to find a way back to the world of the living. With at least 2.5 hours of challenging gameplay, an original soundtrack, and a humorous side story, "Necrosphere" is a mind-bending and entertaining metroidvania game.
Reviews
- The game features a unique two-button control scheme that adds a layer of challenge and creativity to the gameplay.
- Level design is exceptional, providing a satisfying difficulty curve and clever puzzles that keep players engaged.
- The game is addictive and rewarding, with generous checkpoints that minimize frustration despite its high difficulty.
- The dash mechanic, which requires double-tapping, can be inconsistent and frustrating, leading to issues with precision platforming.
- The lack of a map and clear navigation can make backtracking tedious and confusing for players.
- Some players find the two-button control scheme to be uncomfortable and limiting, especially when multiple actions are required in quick succession.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Necrosphere is characterized by its unique two-button control scheme, which introduces a variety of challenging mechanics as players progress. While the level design and overall challenge are praised, the lack of a map can lead to frustrating backtracking, and the double-tap dash mechanic has been criticized for being cumbersome. Despite these issues, the game offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy difficult platforming and clever mechanics, making it a notable entry in the genre.
“The developers took only 2 buttons and pushed it to the extreme, adding certain game mechanics after certain game progress to keep it fresh and challenging!”
“Over time, new obstacles and mechanics are introduced, requiring the application of new techniques and greater precision to progress.”
“The gameplay is really simple and challenging; the music is great. It's a small gem that needs to be played!”
“The absence of a map forces the player to aimlessly backtrack in search of the next place they are supposed to go, tediously breaking up the core gameplay loop.”
“It's physically painful to play on controller, and even with a mechanical keyboard, the repetitive double-tapping becomes a wearing chore.”
“The horrible control mechanic of the jetpack takes all the fun away.”
- music22 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its quality and emotional impact. The soundtrack is described as immersive, funky, and reminiscent of chiptune, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Overall, it is considered a standout feature that complements the game's design and challenge effectively.
“The soundtrack is amazing.”
“The level design is flawless, the music is great, and the graphics do what they need to do.”
“The soundtrack is another rare gem, every song is immersive and brings up some kind of emotion.”
“Most of the time the music is fine.”
“Visually it's okay, not great but serviceable, and the soundtrack's pretty solid too.”
“It is the mix of Super Meat Boy and Metroidvania that you never knew you wanted; the two-button controls make it very unique, and it has a killer soundtrack to boot.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as retro and pixelated, evoking nostalgia for older titles, though they may lack the detail and memorability of modern visuals. While some players find the graphics tidy and fitting for the gameplay, others note that they do not significantly enhance the experience, with the level design and music often receiving higher praise. Overall, the visuals serve their purpose in supporting the gameplay, creating an immersive atmosphere despite not being groundbreaking.
“The graphics are both attractive and keep the level design 'readable'.”
“Great music and tidy graphics.”
“I am old enough to remember games like this when these graphics would be state of the art.”
“Different sections of the map at least feature different background colors, but the pixel graphics and retro color palette offer little help in the form of memorable landmarks for getting your bearings, even within these distinct zones.”
“The graphics are not too hot.”
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered minimal and not the primary draw for players, with some finding it quirky and intriguing despite its tonal inconsistencies and lack of depth. While it may not be the main focus, the presentation and mysterious elements contribute to a unique experience that some players appreciate. Overall, the narrative serves as a light backdrop to the challenging gameplay rather than a standout feature.
“It's amazing how much they managed to do with 2 buttons and a quirky little story.”
“The story is intriguing and each the game is satisfying for people that try hard to pass every situation!”
“The mysterious story and the fantastic presentation really rounded this game into a full and special experience like no other.”
“In the end, the initially lighthearted story is wrapped up with a bizarre and tonally inconsistent ending that felt like a poor reward for my efforts, suitably mirroring the shift in gameplay.”
“The story is nothing to write home about; I didn't buy it for the story, so this one doesn't bother me much.”
“It took me around 4 hours to complete the main story, and according to the credits, I died 1200+ times trying.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as quirky and reminiscent of "Environmental Station Alpha," with colorful visuals and amusing notes that enhance the experience. Players find it entertaining both to play and to watch, often leading to laughter, especially during challenging moments.
“It reminds me of Environmental Station Alpha with a weirder sense of humor.”
“Colors are good, notes are funny. I'll be ages before I can get past the puzzle I'm stuck on with my awful hands, but I had a ton of fun the whole time.”
“Fun to play and watch, since my girlfriend couldn't stop laughing at my thousands of deaths.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect frustrating due to the lack of a map, which leads to aimless backtracking and disrupts the core gameplay loop, making progress feel tedious.
“The absence of a map forces the player to aimlessly backtrack in search of the next place they are supposed to go, tediously breaking up the core gameplay loop.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore, where progress is painfully slow and rewards are minimal.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the game feel more like a job than an enjoyable experience.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the combination of visuals and sound in the game creates a highly immersive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for players.
“The visuals and sound create an immersive atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, drawing you into its world.”
“Every detail contributes to a rich and captivating atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”