Pixelpunk XL

About

Pixelpunk XL is a voxel-based, open-world action adventure game. Traverse diverse landscapes, gather resources, craft and build to your heart's content. Engage in real-time combat with intriguing enemies, or avoid conflict and focus on creation in this expansive pixel world.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

70%

Audience ScoreBased on 37 reviews

graphics6 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game features enjoyable controls and a satisfying sense of freedom while flying through randomly generated levels.
The unique art style and atmospheric music contribute to a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic 6DOF games like Descent.
Replayability is high due to the random level generation, allowing players to experience different layouts and challenges each time.

The game lacks depth and content, with only a few enemy types and bosses, making it feel more like a tech demo than a fully fleshed-out game.
Combat can be frustrating due to unclear hit detection and the overwhelming nature of enemy attacks, especially in tight corridors.
Technical issues, such as the game not launching for some players and the harsh visual filters, detract from the overall experience.

graphics
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
40%
20%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant visuals and atmospheric design, particularly when using the *excellent* toxic mode or alternative art styles. While some players find the aesthetics enjoyable and reminiscent of classic games, others criticize the default art style for hindering gameplay by making it difficult to aim and see enemies. Overall, the game offers a visually appealing experience, though opinions vary on the effectiveness of its graphical options.
- “I use only the excellent toxic mode in the menu for graphics, with gorgeous results to my taste, brilliant visualization and ambience.”
- “Really enjoyable atmosphere and aesthetic.”
- “The visuals and the combat is as though somebody ripped Super Metroid and superimposed it onto an oceancraft simulator.”
- “The visuals and the combat are as though somebody ripped Super Metroid and superimposed it onto an Oceancraft simulator.”
- “The default art style hinders gameplay, making enemies and bullets hard to hit/see.”
- “The audiovisual aesthetic is of that era as well – you pilot through a very bare, industrial setting with lots of corridors.”
gameplay
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
40%
30%
The gameplay is described as challenging and mechanically sound, with a fun core experience; however, it suffers from a lack of content and depth, leading to a short overall playtime. Players note that the straightforward mechanics can be hindered by visual issues, such as difficulty in seeing enemies and projectiles, which detracts from the overall experience. While some aspects of the game flow are enjoyable, inconsistencies in hit detection can lead to frustration.
- “And no problems with the real difficulty of the challenging gameplay.”
- “Mechanically, the game works well.”
- “In terms of gameplay, it's pretty straightforward for those who know what to expect.”
- “Get it on sale, but otherwise it's not worth it, as there's only a couple of hours of gameplay.”
- “What the game lacks is content and complex gameplay systems to provide depth for a longer experience.”
- “The default art style hinders gameplay, making enemies and bullets hard to hit or see.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its fitting and atmospheric qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. While some find it slightly monotonous, others highlight standout tracks that evoke nostalgia and excitement, effectively complementing the game's ambiance. Overall, the soundtrack is described as functional and enjoyable, contributing positively to the overall atmosphere.
- “Good, very fitting background music.”
- “I really love the movement, the music is tame but good for its ambience. I really adore the pixelated filter, and the weapons, aside from your starting gun, are pretty fun to use.”
- “Edit: I'd also like to add that the music goes perfectly along with the game, and kept me hyped up during playing.”
- “The music is slightly monotonous; the bosses are fairly easy, and the game is not as fast-paced as I expected.”
- “The atmospheric music is reminiscent of Metroid, but the resolution is distinctively low.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its enjoyable aesthetic and engaging visuals, complemented by atmospheric music that evokes a nostalgic feel reminiscent of Metroid. Players appreciate the fun controls, which enhance the overall immersive experience. However, the distinctively low resolution may be a point of contention for some.
- “Really fun controls, visuals, and atmosphere.”
- “Really enjoyable atmosphere and aesthetic.”
- “The atmospheric music is reminiscent of Metroid, and the resolution is distinctively low.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game offers decent replayability due to its roguelike elements, despite its short length. However, players feel that the addition of an upgrade system, similar to that in "Tower of Guns," could enhance its replay value and overall interest.
- “If this game had an upgrade system or something like Tower of Guns, I think it would be much more replayable and interesting.”
- “The game is pretty short, but the replayability is there since it's a roguelike.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Reviewers feel that the game's story lacks depth and cohesion, suggesting that more effort in crafting a compelling narrative and a well-designed level system could significantly enhance its value and overall experience.
- “If the designers had spent a bit more time crafting the story and purposefully designing the level system, I could see a game like this approaching the $20 range.”
- “The narrative feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged with the characters.”
- “There are too many plot holes and inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience.”