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PARTICLE MACE

88%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
stability, monetization
88% User Score Based on 1,660 reviews

Platforms

PCPCiPhoneiPhoneXboxXboxWindowsWindowsMac OSMac OSMobile PlatformMobile PlatformiPadiPadPhonePhoneSteam DeckSteam Deck
Buy Nowfrom $0.98
Buy NowGet on Steam$4.99

About

PARTICLE MACE is an arcade-style game with a physics-based mechanic, where you defend yourself in a hostile universe by swinging particles into enemies. It features 3 endless modes, 150 missions, local multiplayer deathmatch and co-op, ship unlocks, and leaderboards. The game has intense flashing lights and rapid movement, which may affect players with photosensitivity.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
PARTICLE MACE screenshot
PARTICLE MACE screenshot
PARTICLE MACE screenshot
PARTICLE MACE screenshot
PARTICLE MACE screenshot
PARTICLE MACE screenshot
PARTICLE MACE screenshot
PARTICLE MACE screenshot

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,660 reviews
story64 positive mentions
stability10 negative mentions
  • Unique and engaging gameplay that combines physics with arcade action.
  • Challenging missions and unlockable ships add depth and replayability.
  • Fun local multiplayer experience that enhances the game's enjoyment.
  • Can become repetitive and boring after extended play sessions.
  • Screen shake effect when killing enemies can hinder gameplay.
  • No online multiplayer option limits the co-op experience.
  • story
    466 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is minimal and somewhat vague, primarily revolving around the concept of being the last survivor in a ship navigating through space. While some players found the narrative to be surprisingly complex for an arcade-style game, many reviews noted that the focus is heavily on the engaging mission mode, which features 150 unique challenges that add depth and variety to the gameplay. Overall, the lack of a developed storyline is often overshadowed by the addictive nature of the missions and the gameplay mechanics.

    • “The story is very complex.”
    • “It is a surprisingly complex story for this kind of action game.”
    • “Like I said, your decisions really affect the story, and the better decisions you make the more story you get.”
    • “The story was pretty boring in the beginning.”
    • “Wish there was a storyline of some sort and proper levels to go through.”
    • “Simple gameplay, simple graphics, no story.”
  • gameplay
    274 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by a simple yet engaging mechanic that revolves around swinging a mace to interact with space objects, reminiscent of classic arcade games like Asteroids. While the core mechanics are fun and addictive, many players note a lack of depth and variety in gameplay modes, leading to a potentially monotonous experience over time. Overall, the game offers a unique twist on familiar concepts, with satisfying controls and a charming aesthetic, making it enjoyable for short bursts of play.

    • “The missions are short and engaging with lots of clever twists on the basic mechanics.”
    • “The concepts are straightforward and the gameplay is fun as hell, and very easy to learn/hard to master.”
    • “The mechanics are fun, they are unique and it just feels satisfying to swing the mace around and kill several enemies at once.”
    • “Simple mechanical hook executed well but lacking in the depth or complexity to hold players longer than a brief taste of play.”
    • “The gameplay is just plain boring and not even the 'challenging' aspect of it makes it more fun.”
    • “Gameplay not very enjoyable and quickly boring.”
  • music
    170 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread praise for its engaging and atmospheric qualities, often described as a fitting blend of techno and retro arcade styles that enhances the gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the soundtrack's ability to build intensity as the game progresses, creating a meditative or euphoric state during play. While some users noted occasional repetitiveness or a desire for more variety, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature that complements the game's visuals and mechanics effectively.

    • “Finally, I would like to mention that the soundtrack is amazing, the type you will want to listen to while playing other games, very tron-like if you are into that.”
    • “The music enhances the game quite a bit.”
    • “A feeling that is intensified thanks to a hypnotic soundtrack that rises in a perfect crescendo to highlight the most action-packed moments.”
    • “This game is actually pretty good, but the 8-bit music might get annoying since it's just one loud loop.”
    • “The soundtrack isn't included with the game.”
    • “When you build up a musicality, it quickly ends up being evident that you have to voyage particularly close to the contort in order to survive.”
  • graphics
    138 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally described as simple and minimalistic, drawing inspiration from retro arcade aesthetics, particularly reminiscent of classic titles like Asteroids. While some reviewers appreciate the stylized visuals and smooth performance, others note that the graphics may not be impressive by modern standards, yet they effectively complement the engaging gameplay. Overall, the consensus is that the graphics serve the game well, enhancing its nostalgic charm without detracting from the fun.

    • “The controls are great, graphics are gorgeous while keeping the classic Atari look.”
    • “Superb controls, tight gameplay and simple but splendid visuals combined is what you get when you'll buy Particle Mace.”
    • “With a unique graphics style, this game manages to keep you engaged with its stylised visuals and audio.”
    • “At first glance, the vector-style and DOS text graphics suggest lameness, and I'd be lying if I said the game doesn't have a low-tech feel to it.”
    • “The simple graphics feel like the game was made in the 80's, with an obviously modern physics engine.”
    • “Basically, terrible graphics.”
  • replayability
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Particle Mace offers significant replayability through its diverse game modes, challenges, and balanced ship mechanics, making it an addictive arcade experience. Players appreciate the variety of goals and scenarios, which enhance enjoyment and encourage repeated play. While some note that the novelty may fade over time, the overall consensus is that the game remains engaging and well worth the investment due to its expansive replay value.

    • “The different game modes give a lot of replayability.”
    • “It has a high replay value as there are several game modes, difficulties, and challenges.”
    • “Due to the arcade feel to it, the replayability value is endless, and you get addicted to it very quickly.”
    • “If you're just splurging on money, sure, but the novelty of the game somewhat wears off after a while and it is pretty short despite the replayability.”
    • “While still very challenging and difficult, the game feels far more playable than classic video games because this game can actually be beat!”
    • “However, Particle Mace is still a blast to play despite this quirk as the arcade mode provides more than enough challenge and replayability.”
  • humor
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, with many users highlighting its funny concepts, witty achievements, and casual language. Reviewers appreciate the combination of engaging gameplay and humorous elements, making it a standout arcade experience that elicits both laughter and facepalms. Overall, the game's lighthearted approach and clever humor contribute significantly to its appeal.

    • “Such a simple funny idea, but done so well and easily the single best arcade-style game I've ever played.”
    • “Combining elements of asteroids and space wars, Particle Mace is a fast arcade experience that'll keep you laughing...and facepalming!”
    • “Funny arcade game with interesting gameplay.”
  • stability
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is notably poor, with frequent freezing issues, particularly when attempting to access the arcade mode or during initial loading. Users report significant problems with controller compatibility and a buggy setup menu, leading to frustration in gameplay. While some players find enjoyment in the game's concept, the technical issues detract from the overall experience.

    • “There is nothing that irks me, nothing standing out, no glitches (as far as I can tell). It's just a great game.”
    • “There is nothing that irks me, nothing standing out, no glitches (as far as I can tell). It's just a great game.”
    • “As soon as I click 'arcade' to play, the game freezes completely.”
    • “Sometimes the game freezes when I first load it up.”
    • “The controller setup menu is buggy.”
  • optimization
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed feedback; while it is praised for its nostalgic design and gameplay mechanics, users have reported significant optimization issues, particularly on less powerful hardware. Despite its simplicity and engaging content, the game's performance may not meet expectations for all players.

    • “However, the complexity of games in today’s age has advanced considerably, and while Particle Mace is a great throwback to the days of old that has been perfected and optimized to near perfection, it is hardly a groundbreaking title.”
    • “This was on my laptop, which is nothing close to a powerhouse, but still suggests some optimization issues.”
    • “It's a fairly simple concept, but the game keeps it from getting stale too quickly by gradually introducing variant ships with slightly different performance characteristics, and missions (challenges, really) that provide twists on the core gameplay.”
    • “This was on my laptop; however, which is nothing close to a powerhouse, but still suggests some optimization issues.”
    • “My only conclusion is that it's poorly optimized.”
  • atmosphere
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is described as quirky and immersive, featuring simple yet rewarding graphics and music that enhances the experience. Players appreciate its versatility, noting that it can be both challenging and relaxing, catering to a wide range of preferences. Overall, the atmosphere contributes significantly to the enjoyment and fun of the game.

    • “It's atmospheric, challenging if you want it to be, relaxing if you want it to be, and pretty much has something for everyone.”
    • “Honestly, this is a really fun game with great, simple graphics and an amazing atmosphere.”
    • “-music is atmospheric and fits nicely.”
  • monetization
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for forcing ads on players upon loading, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the introduction of ads has reportedly broken the save feature, leading to frustration among users. Despite its fun gameplay, these monetization practices have led many to recommend against the game.

    • “Outstandingly fun game but forces ads on you when you load it up, so cannot recommend it to anybody.”
    • “Well, unless you don't like saving your progress or have any reasonable expectation to not be purchasing ads.”
    • “Io the Steam publisher added ads and broke saves.”
  • grinding
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, with at least half of the 21 achievements requiring significant effort to obtain. Despite this, many still consider the game enjoyable overall, suggesting that the grinding is a manageable part of the experience.

    • “About 13 achievements are able to be earned on your own, 7 achievements earned in co-op (I don't have any friends, stop making me make friends), 1 achievement for doing everything, and out of those 21 achievements, at least half of those achievements require extensive grinding.”
    • “I have a lot of grinding to do before I'm ready to give up.”
    • “A little bit tedious, but still a good game!”

Buy PARTICLE MACE

5h Median play time
17h Average play time
5-9h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 14 analyzed playthroughs

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