NeuroVoider
- March 30, 2016
- nosifone
- 8h median play time
Carves out its own piece of a growing roguelike pie, a pizza pie.
NeuroVoider is a fast-paced twin-stick shooter RPG with local multiplayer for up to 4 players. The game features procedurally generated levels and enemies, providing a unique experience with each playthrough. With a wide variety of weapons and character customization options, players can blast their way through hordes of robots in a cyber futuristic world, with the ultimate goal of defeating the master NeuroVoider.
Reviews
- Engaging gameplay with a variety of customization options for robots and weapons.
- Fantastic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- Fun local co-op mode that allows for enjoyable multiplayer sessions.
- Repetitive level design and enemy variety, leading to a lack of long-term engagement.
- Difficulty spikes, especially during boss fights, can feel unfair and frustrating.
- Clunky menu navigation and inventory management detracts from the gameplay experience.
- music211 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its exceptional quality, particularly the synthwave and techno tracks that enhance the gameplay experience. The soundtrack is often described as a standout feature, with some calling it "orgasmic" and a major reason for continued engagement with the game, despite its gameplay flaws. Overall, the combination of great music and vibrant visuals contributes significantly to the game's appeal, making it a memorable experience for players.
“The soundtrack is exceptionally remarkable.”
“The music in this game is some of the best synthwave in any video game to date, period.”
“An amazing soundtrack compounds with solid pixel-art to really make the fun, fast-paced gameplay nice to look at.”
“So like everything else that's repetitive, the music is too.”
“The music from Dan Terminus is a plus, but there are only a handful of the tracks in the game; I was expecting a bit more.”
“Sadly, a game's not all about the music, no matter how good it may be.”
- gameplay192 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Neurovoider is a mixed bag, with some players praising its addictive twin-stick shooting mechanics and customization options, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking variety. Many reviews highlight the engaging combat and satisfying weapon mechanics, but also point out issues with inventory management and a lack of unique gameplay elements compared to other roguelikes. Overall, while the game has potential and enjoyable aspects, it suffers from mechanical flaws and a feeling of sameness that detracts from the overall experience.
“Addictive gameplay that never gets old, with a wide selection of weapons to choose from.”
“An amazing soundtrack compounds with solid pixel-art to really make the fun, fast-paced gameplay nice to look at.”
“Neurovoider delivers amazing and engaging gameplay, customization, progression, graphics, and performance.”
“The gameplay is a bit stripped down and feels a bit similar to action games from the Sega Genesis, with movement feeling a bit more 'tanky' (in a good way) than the typical dodge roll-based twin-stick roguelikes.”
“On the positive side, there are a surplus of guns, items, and equip-able things, but it's just not enough content to distract from the unsatisfying and repetitive gameplay.”
“After 30 minutes of gameplay, ending it feels more like a chore than a fun time spent with a game.”
- graphics91 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of Neurovoider have received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its sharp visuals, retro-futuristic aesthetic, and impressive pixel art. The game's art style, combined with a fitting soundtrack, enhances the overall experience, making it visually engaging and enjoyable. However, some players noted that the visuals can become chaotic in multiplayer settings, occasionally leading to confusion during gameplay.
“The graphics, music, and gameplay are amazing.”
“First things first, visuals are fantastic and the sprite work is top notch.”
“Neurovoider delivers amazing and engaging gameplay, customization, progression, graphics, and performance.”
“The soundtrack and the visuals have been lacking, though the gameplay side is... lacking.”
“Visuals can get confusing with 4 players; I often lost my character in the chaos or mistook enemies for friends.”
“Visuals are... well, that.”
- story38 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 84 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been annihilated by robots, and players must seek revenge. However, many reviewers feel that the narrative is minimal and lacks depth, with procedural generation detracting from meaningful level design and storytelling. Overall, while the gameplay mechanics are appreciated, the absence of a compelling story and meta-progression leaves players wanting more.
“The story goes like this: humanity has been annihilated by robots, and it is up to you to avenge them.”
“All in all, I think this game deserves 9/10, but I just like story, so if you don't like story, 10/10. You need to play this game!”
“Back story: ravaged earth; these robots are partying.”
“I liked the feel of this game a lot, but I beat the game on my first run in about 90 minutes and since there's no meta-progression, that's pretty much the whole story.”
“The issue with procedural generation is that it near-totally removes developer input from level design; one of the most important elements of game design (comparable to the plot of a novel or film).”
“It just seems to be lacking in any kind of content or story.”
- replayability30 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its massive replay value due to various difficulty levels, procedural generation, and rogue-like elements, while others criticize it for lacking meaningful replayability and feeling frustrating. Overall, it seems to appeal more to fans of the genre, but improvements are needed to enhance the experience for a broader audience.
“Very great game that requires skill and has lots of replay value.”
“The different difficulty levels, the possibility to save your progress as well as choose your path and tweak your robot setup give the game some excellent replay value.”
“Since it contains 'rogue-like' elements, it is also eminently replayable.”
“These can be fixed via patch, so the game is not doomed forever, but for now, the replay value is equal to frustration.”
“Game feel is meh, and the procedurally generated levels don't offer meaningful replayability.”
“For me, the replayability is quite low if you compare it to Nuclear Throne, Binding of Isaac, Enter the Gungeon, Risk of Rain... but I wish this game all the best because I really like the atmosphere, style, and music.”
- grinding22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and aimless, often feeling like they spend more time sorting through loot and upgrading equipment than actually engaging in gameplay. The clumsy UI and lack of on-the-fly equipment changes contribute to a frustrating experience, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the absence of meaningful unlocks even after several hours of play. While some appreciate the customization potential, the overall sentiment leans towards grinding feeling like a chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.
“Feels like aimless grinding.”
“My main gripe with the game is that even after like 6 or 7 hours of gameplay and having looped past the final boss, there are no unlocks that I have encountered, and it makes the sessions feel like long grindy victory laps until you explode in a giant fireball instantaneously.”
“The end result is a game that lures you in with the promise of tons of customization, but you spend far more of your time just grinding and upgrading your setup that works for you to help you take down slightly stronger variations of the same enemies again and again than you do customizing anything or trying to tailor your approach to specific obstacles.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a sense of frustration and immersion, as players experience their characters getting stuck on obstacles that seem unfairly designed, leading to a feeling of helplessness. This design choice evokes a strong emotional response, highlighting the challenges of navigating the game world.
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Neurovoider is praised for its excellent optimization, providing stable performance even on outdated hardware. Users report no issues, highlighting the game's ability to deliver engaging gameplay and impressive graphics without compromising stability.
“Neurovoider delivers amazing and engaging gameplay, customization, progression, graphics, and performance.”
“Performance even on a rig with an outdated GPU like mine is totally stable and has no problems at all.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its sense of humor and personality, which adds to its overall appeal alongside sharp visuals and great music. Reviewers appreciate the lightheartedness and wit woven into the gameplay experience.
“It has so many good things going for it: sharp visuals, great music, a nice sense of humor and personality, and a decent variety of weapons.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere, style, and music are highly praised, contributing to a unique and enjoyable experience, even though some players feel its replayability is lower compared to similar titles.
“I really like the atmosphere, style, and music.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users report that the game is nearly bug-free, indicating a high level of stability and reliability in gameplay.
“The game is nearly bug-free.”
“The game runs smoothly without any major issues.”
“I haven't encountered any crashes or glitches during my playtime.”
Critic Reviews
You cannot avoid death: Neurovoider review
Neurovoider is retro in the best and worst ways. It's brutally hard, simple to learn yet difficult to master, and is agonizingly repetitive. It's fun for those looking for a challenge, but it isn't for everyone.
75%NeuroVoider Review
Bringing NeuroVoider to the Switch was a real no-brainer for Flying Oak, it’s a good slice of rogue-like action for this terrific machine.
75%Neurovoider Review
Neurovoider‘s murderous robots will keep you on your titanium toes in this twin stick shooter.
80%