Pixel Privateers
- February 21, 2017
- Quadro Delta
- 8h median play time
Get on SteamPixel Privateers is a squad-based tactical RPG where you lead a team of mercenaries through a wormhole to gather technology in a mysterious galaxy. With a vast universe to explore, complete with various factions, enemies, and loot, each playthrough offers a unique experience. The game features robust multiplayer and customization options, making it accessible to all types of gamers.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Engaging and addictive gameplay with a strong loot system that keeps players coming back for more.
- Charming pixel art and humorous writing that adds personality to the game.
- Variety in character classes and customization options, allowing for unique squad builds.
- Lack of auto-attack feature leads to tedious combat, requiring manual clicks for every enemy.
- Inventory management can become overwhelming due to the sheer amount of loot collected after missions.
- Game can feel repetitive over time, with similar mission structures and enemy types.
- story332 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 89 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story is often described as generic and lacking depth, with many players noting that it becomes repetitive and tedious over time. While some appreciate the basic narrative and find it engaging enough to keep them interested, others feel it drags on and lacks meaningful variation, leading to a grind of similar missions. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling focus, with many players prioritizing loot and mission mechanics over narrative development.
“Nice little game, spent a little over 13 hours to finish the main story.”
“I just... can't explain how happy I am with this game, it has so much progression and a storyline that doesn't get stale, customization that I look for in games.”
“The story is simple and yet I know there's a lot more in that game.”
“I've quit playing it but there's not much you can do besides go over the same storyline.”
“The game is hella fun for a few hours but quickly gets rather repetitive and unless I'm missing something, new game plus is simply a repeat of the story with nothing new added in and everything is level adjusted to you so... I guess I don't really understand the point.”
“You don't play this for its story though as there is no real story here.”
- gameplay242 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Pixel Privateers" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its repetitive nature and lack of depth, leading to boredom after a few hours. While some appreciate the tactical elements and loot mechanics, others criticize the combat for being simplistic and uninspired, often feeling like a grind. Overall, the game offers potential for enjoyment, especially for those who appreciate grinding and loot collection, but it struggles with engagement and meaningful progression.
“So in this update of the game, there is an auto-attack combat mechanic they added that makes the game more enjoyable, and you'll be happy you started playing it this way right off the bat.”
“Overall, the gameplay is stellar if you like grinding.”
“This game has fun gameplay, a wonderful soundtrack, and a nice amount of comedy.”
“Devs are bankrupt, and the gameplay gets boring very quickly.”
“The gameplay itself becomes very repetitive, with hardly any difference in room after room of mobs.”
“Repetitive gameplay and no feeling of progression after the first few hours made me stop playing.”
- graphics94 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their appealing pixel art style and vibrant visuals, with many players noting the beautiful landscapes and detailed artwork. While some users appreciate the nostalgic feel of the pixelated graphics, others express a desire for more engaging gameplay to complement the visuals. Overall, the game's aesthetic is considered a strong point, contributing to its charm and enjoyment.
“This is an odd one... Pixel Privateers is a looker, it's probably the best looking retro-style game I've ever played, the graphics are gorgeous and it didn't have a single bug the entire time I played it.”
“Visuals: pixel art is great, love the style and there are quite a few beautiful landscapes to see as you slaughter a plethora of aliens collecting fuel and matter.”
“I love the pixel art style thus far, the way things glow and the user interface is stunning.”
“I don't mind pixelated graphics, but... you have to compensate with something, and the gameplay isn't fun.”
“It is like improving the graphics of Tetris but reducing the number of Tetriminos to 2.”
“The game is very laggy where you wouldn't expect it, and there are almost no graphics options.”
- music76 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the unique and enjoyable soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, particularly the lively tunes played by the band on the ship. However, some players find certain tracks, especially those on the ship's deck, to be annoying and disruptive to dialogue. Overall, while the soundtrack is often described as beautiful and atmospheric, it can also be hit or miss, with some players feeling it lacks engagement during gameplay.
“The soundtrack is unique and enjoyable.”
“Let me tell you this game is really enjoyable, you travel the galaxy with a team you manage and explore world after world with, but all feel different from the last ones that you've visited... and the music is like listening to Alvin and the Chipmunks... but oh so much better.”
“Audio: soundtrack is great, sitting on the ship listening to the band singing in the cantina.”
“The sound effects are alright, exception to be made for the utterly annoying music put on the ship deck for some reason, which will mostly ruin many a dialogue with various NPCs.”
“We had no disconnects but we were all falling asleep between the soundtrack filled with elevator music and the lack of meaningful gameplay; I personally dozed off more than once.”
“Music is a hit and miss.”
- grinding58 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is polarizing; while some players find the loot collection and incremental character improvements satisfying and addictive, others describe it as tedious and repetitive, with excessive item management and lack of meaningful content. Many reviews highlight the need for auto-attack features and better sorting options to alleviate the monotony of combat and inventory management. Overall, the game appeals to those who enjoy grinding, but may frustrate players who prefer a more streamlined experience.
“Hardly any content; the game had potential, but there are no updates and you end up grinding for nothing.”
“Making some of the 'difficulty' and gameplay extremely artificial and tedious.”
“The problems, as I'm sure you're aware from other reviews, is too much loot, making equipment management tedious, and no auto attack meaning having to right-click on every enemy on a mission is tedious.”
- humor40 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is generally well-received, featuring a mix of subtle references and quirky jokes that enhance the experience without becoming overwhelming. While some players find the humor can wear thin after a while, many appreciate the clever callbacks to geek culture and the lighthearted tone that complements the gameplay. Overall, it strikes a balance between fun and engaging humor, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a comedic touch in their gaming.
“It has hilarious callbacks and references to other geek culture things without being hamfisted about it, and a lot of the references are subtle enough that I barely caught them.”
“Overall, if you enjoy dungeon romps set in space, with a heavy emphasis on loot, humor, and a good time.”
“Real indie flavor, tasty RPG elements, loot galore, funny characters, awesome pixel graphics, what else do you need? Just go buy it!”
- optimization20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Overall, players report mixed experiences with optimization, noting that while the game runs smoothly on many systems, there are significant performance issues, particularly during extended play sessions, leading to stuttering in key areas like the galaxy map and inventory management. Additionally, the inventory UI and storage system require further optimization to enhance gameplay efficiency. Many users express hope for improvements in future updates.
“Speaking of performance, any modern and even old PC is capable of running a title with this graphical style, so there should be no problems.”
“If the storage system is optimized, then the amount of time spent juggling the loot could be reduced, which means you can get back to the dungeon crawling - which I enjoy a good bit, personally.”
“+ Game runs smoothly.”
“Game was fun initially but after a few hours of gameplay there's massive stuttering at the galaxy map (and therefore the research screen, the crew inventory/management screen, etc).”
“The thing that turned me away from it was the performance.”
“However, the inventory UI is lackluster and needs optimization.”
- stability18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 78 % negative mentions
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs and glitches, particularly at higher levels and with specific resolutions. Many players express frustration over unfinished features and poor coding, leading to a lack of polish that detracts from the overall experience. Despite its potential, the game is perceived as abandoned and in need of significant fixes to reach its promised quality.
“Pixel Privateers works in many similar ways, but the whole game has such a polish and is far more bug-free.”
“Seems very polished and bug-free so far on my first playthrough.”
“The game has a high level of polish and is impressively bug-free.”
“I really want to like the game, however as it stands right now it is completely bug-ridden at higher levels.”
“First of all, I won't swear at UX designers here (surprise!), but the problem lies in just bad code: in 4K you're unable to select a planet (you should switch to Full HD) and in Full HD, lifts are buggy (the lift goes somewhere, but the camera does not and there is no way to move the viewport; you should switch back to 4K and so on).”
“I tried quite a few troubleshooting options to no avail.”
- replayability16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, particularly through its "new game+" mode and a wealth of content reminiscent of Diablo and Borderlands, which enhances the experience with gear mods and enemy scaling. However, some players feel that the lack of depth and the repetitive nature of gameplay diminish its long-term replay value. Overall, while many appreciate the replay potential, opinions are mixed regarding its depth and variety.
“That combined with the Diablo/Borderlands style gear mods gives the game a good replay value.”
“Great game, with constant % scaling of enemy strength...great replay value.”
“Replayability is definitely there, you'll find it in the form of 'new game+', which stacks indefinitely (ng++++++).”
“But this game seriously lacks any depth and replayability.”
“It has some replay value with a new game + mode, but it's literally the same thing over again with no added benefit.”
“No replayability”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive exploration, featuring beautiful graphics and atmospheric music that enhance the experience for RPG enthusiasts. Players appreciate the variety of classes and locations, contributing to a rich and engaging environment.
“This game is for RPG lovers and grinders, featuring a rich atmosphere to explore with various classes and places to see.”
“Beautiful graphics and atmospheric music.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, leading users to recommend avoiding it altogether.
“Dead, just move on away from this cash grab”
