Null Drifter
- October 18, 2019
- Panda Indie Studio
Get on Steam"Null Drifter" is a twin-stick shooter set in a 1-bit lo-fi simulation, designed to train space-fighter pilots for their mission against the forces of the void. The game features single-screen bullet hell action, customizable video effects, and an AI-composed lo-fi soundtrack. Players can upgrade weapons and test their skills in a series of gradually evolving challenges.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Extremely fun and fast-paced gameplay that keeps players engaged with its arcade-style mechanics.
- Well-designed visuals and a chill soundtrack enhance the overall experience, making it enjoyable to play.
- The game features a rewarding progression system and various customization options, such as color palettes and upgrades.
- The game is light on content, with many players completing it in about 45 minutes, leading to a lack of long-term engagement.
- Some visual effects can be overwhelming, making it difficult to track projectiles, although they can be turned off.
- The scoring and progression system may feel frustrating, as early runs can seem less meaningful and bonuses do not carry over between sessions.
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its chill and soothing quality, effectively complementing the frantic gameplay and enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as one of the game's greatest strengths, contributing to a satisfying atmosphere that balances chaos with a calming vibe. Overall, the music, along with the sound design, is considered a key element that adds value to the game.
“Extremely well made and rounded game, the visuals, the music, and the gameplay are all so responsive and satisfying once you get into it.”
“Null Drifter's greatest strengths are its music, sound design, and best of all, simplicity.”
“Amidst that frantic chaos, the soothing music keeps telling you to chill and not fall to the dark side, but it's hard, man.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its responsiveness and satisfaction, enhanced by a unique mechanic that allows players to dash through enemies for damage, adding a fun twist to the twin-stick genre. Its retro-styled approach makes it easy to pick up and play, complementing the overall enjoyable experience alongside the visuals and soundtrack.
“Extremely well made and rounded game; the visuals, the music, and the gameplay are all so responsive and satisfying once you get into it.”
“Either way, for the price, the vibe, soundtrack, and the art are totally worth it. Gameplay-wise, being able to dash through enemies to damage them also provides a fun twist to the average twin-stick.”
“It's an incredibly easy game to pick up and play, due in major part to its retro-styled approach to gameplay.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged for long periods.”
“The controls are unresponsive at times, which can lead to frustrating moments during gameplay.”
“There are significant balance issues that make certain levels feel unfair and overly challenging.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are impressively crafted for its minimalistic style, featuring enhancements like chromatic aberration and bullet screen shake that elevate the visual experience, albeit at the cost of some gameplay clarity. Overall, the visuals are well-rounded and contribute to a satisfying and immersive experience.
“For such a minimalistic game, the visuals are quite well done.”
“There are some graphic features like chromatic aberration and bullet screen shake that make the game look much better, but a bit harder to play.”
“Extremely well made and rounded game; the visuals, the music, and the gameplay are all so responsive and satisfying once you get into it.”
“There are some graphic features like chromatic aberration and bullet screen shake that make the game look much better but a bit harder to play.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express a strong aversion to grinding for coins and purchasing upgrades in the in-game shop, indicating that this aspect detracts from their overall enjoyment of the game.
“I will never care for grinding for coins and buying upgrades in an in-game shop though.”
