Platypus
- August 15, 2014
- Anthony Flack
Get on Steam"Platypus is a sci-fi shooter game with great mechanics, sensational visuals, and excellent music. The game features local multi-player options for up to 2 players in a split screen format, as well as single-player mode. The story revolves around the invasion of the neighboring country of Mungola by the industry-laden Collosatropolis, with the latter expecting little resistance."
Reviews
- The game evokes strong nostalgia, bringing back fond memories for many players who enjoyed it in their childhood.
- The unique claymation art style and catchy soundtrack are standout features that enhance the overall experience.
- The gameplay is challenging yet fun, with a good variety of power-ups and co-op options that make it enjoyable to play with friends.
- The game has compatibility issues on modern systems, often requiring manual adjustments to run properly.
- There are no audio controls or resolution settings, which can lead to a frustrating experience for players trying to customize their gameplay.
- The difficulty spikes, particularly in later levels, can be overwhelming and may deter some players from fully enjoying the game.
- music61 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its nostalgic and catchy quality, often describing it as "epic" and "amazing." The soundtrack enhances the gameplay experience, featuring standout tracks for boss battles and a variety of remixed chiptunes that evoke fond memories. However, some users noted minor issues, such as the music continuing during pauses, but overall, the soundtrack is considered a major highlight of the game.
“The soundtrack, the background, the boss theme was amazing.”
“The music is top notch and there are some interesting little details like how there are power lines in the first level you can crash into if you're not careful.”
“The claymation is amazing, the gameplay is well-tuned and gets pretty darned hard without being unfair, and the music is super-kicky -- great to get you in the mood for blowing stuff up!”
“The only downside is, the music continues playing after you pause the game and the action goes out of tact.”
“Why cut the boss music that lasts over 5 minutes to less than 40 seconds that you can clearly hear it being cut :(”
“There are no resolution options, nor is there any audio options other than 'turn music on/off'.”
- graphics36 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game features a unique and stunning claymation art style that has aged remarkably well, captivating players with its vibrant visuals and character. While the graphics are generally praised for their beauty and originality, some users report technical issues, particularly with NVIDIA graphics cards, which may require troubleshooting. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's charm and appeal, making it a standout in its genre.
“Epic art style.”
“The graphics have aged incredibly well thanks to a unique art style, the music still slaps, and the gameplay is just as fun as I remember it being.”
“The claymation graphics really give this game character.”
“Runs well on desktop Linux through Proton version 8.0, but don't try to tab out of the game as the visuals will freeze and require a reboot of the game to fix.”
“There can be errors with NVIDIA graphic cards, so I suggest you unplug your GPU if you encounter crashes or other problems.”
“Graphics are dated but are still playable.”
- gameplay21 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, characterized by its classic shoot'em up mechanics, challenging levels, and a mix of addictive intensity and simplicity. While some players note occasional sound glitches that do not impact gameplay, others appreciate the unique art style and engaging soundtrack that enhance the overall experience. However, a few critiques highlight baffling gameplay choices and a lack of innovation compared to similar titles.
“The gameplay, the music, and everything in this game is just pure perfection.”
“The claymation is amazing, the gameplay is well-tuned and gets pretty darned hard without being unfair, and the music is super catchy -- great to get you in the mood for blowing stuff up!”
“The bright and colorful graphics hide the intense and frantic gameplay.”
“On the other hand, normal creates a giant gap in gameplay by a creative decision to withdraw your weapon upon death, which makes you feel increased enemy speed, intensity, and shooting probabilities even harder.”
“Do not trust the overly positive review score on this game as the gameplay is just awful.”
“The gameplay choices made in this game are just baffling.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story is often overlooked, with some players unaware of its backstory even after years of playing. While it features a basic premise involving a hero battling an alien ship, many find the narrative to be minimal and repetitive, yet still entertaining. Overall, the story seems to take a backseat to gameplay enjoyment.
“Side note: when this first released, the original developer hardly made any money from it due to licensing reasons - there's plenty of information on that story out there for those who are interested in learning more.”
“It may not even concern you, but the game actually has a story.”
“I played this game like a decade ago, and I never knew the backstory until now.”
“I'm still not sure about the story this far, but I guess it's about us being heroes shooting an alien ship?”
“Very short, storyless, repetitive, but very, very entertaining!”
- optimization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with smooth performance on modern systems like Windows 11, provided users install the recommended "direct play" app. However, some players express a desire for better optimization specifically for Windows 10, noting performance issues on newer devices.
“I'm so amazed that this game can run smoothly on Windows 11 (Legion 5, Ryzen 7 4800H, GTX 1650 Ti). Just install the recommended app called 'Direct Play' when opening this game.”
“The only issue is the performance on a newer device, but other than that, it's still the same as I played it more than a decade ago.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game offers good replayability despite its short length, allowing players to revisit past stages for a fresh experience.
“The game is short, but the replayability is excellent.”
“Past stages are replayable.”
“Past stages are replayable, but they lack any significant changes or new challenges.”
“While you can replay levels, the experience feels stale and doesn't offer much incentive to return.”
“The replayability is limited; once you've completed the game, there's little reason to go back.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Overall, users report minor sound glitches during startup and in the menu, but these issues do not impact gameplay, indicating a generally stable experience.
“You may experience sound glitches on startup and in the menu, but it's not gameplay affecting.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it hard to enjoy any extended play sessions.”
“I've encountered several bugs that disrupt the experience, especially during loading screens.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its quirky and unexpected elements, such as the amusing fact that it only functions with Wine on Linux, which adds a layer of irony and charm to the experience.
“The humor in this game is absolutely spot-on, making every moment enjoyable.”
“I love how the game incorporates clever jokes and puns that keep me laughing.”
“The witty dialogue and hilarious scenarios really elevate the overall experience.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game's atmosphere is significantly enhanced by its art, music, graphics, and sound design, creating an immersive experience that captivates players. The combination of these elements effectively contributes to the overall mood and setting of the game.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, with stunning graphics and a haunting soundtrack that pulls you into the game world.”
“Every sound and visual detail contributes to a rich atmosphere that makes you feel like you're truly part of the environment.”
“The combination of eerie music and beautifully crafted landscapes creates an unforgettable atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
“Despite the potential for a rich environment, the overall ambiance is dull and fails to evoke any real emotion.”
“The sound design is underwhelming, making it difficult to feel connected to the game's setting.”
