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POLYBIUS

A superb distillation of every arcade game Jeff Minter has ever worked on, creating one of the definitive action games of the current generation.
POLYBIUS Game Cover
89%Game Brain Score
music, graphics
atmosphere, stability
95% User Score Based on 243 reviews
Critic Score 90%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

PCPlayStation VRPlaystation 4Virtual RealitySteam DeckWindowsPlayStation
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POLYBIUS Game Cover

About

POLYBIUS is a single player action game. It was developed by Llamasoft Ltd. and was released on December 21, 2018. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Polybius is the latest trance-shooter from the creators of Tempest 2000 and TxK, Llamasoft.

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POLYBIUS screenshot
POLYBIUS screenshot
POLYBIUS screenshot
POLYBIUS screenshot
POLYBIUS screenshot
POLYBIUS screenshot
POLYBIUS screenshot
POLYBIUS screenshot
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95%
Audience ScoreBased on 243 reviews
music24 positive mentions
stability3 negative mentions
  • Absolutely mesmerizing and a fantastic sensory experience, especially in VR.
  • The game features a steady difficulty curve and is both hypnotically fun and challenging.
  • It's a unique blend of retro arcade aesthetics and modern gameplay, making it a must-try for fans of fast-paced shooters.
  • Some levels can be excessively difficult, particularly due to poorly designed jump pads that can lead to frustrating gameplay.
  • The game lacks clear instructions and can be overwhelming, making it hard for new players to understand mechanics.
  • There are technical issues, such as control mapping problems and inconsistent VR support, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • music
    47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its retro-inspired techno soundtrack that perfectly complements the fast-paced gameplay and vibrant visuals. Players describe the soundtrack as immersive and addictive, often enhancing the overall experience to the point where they pause to enjoy it. While some note minor issues with track transitions, the consensus is that the music is a standout feature, rivaling classic titles like Tempest 2000 and significantly contributing to the game's appeal.

    • “The music in Polybius is beyond awesome, easily worth $30 on its own: let's just pretend you get the game for free while paying for the music ;-)”
    • “The soundtrack is simply intoxicating.”
    • “One of the trippiest experiences I've ever had, fantastic soundtrack, smooth gameplay, the works.”
    • “I'll say this, bring your own soundtrack because, per the norm, Mr. Minter includes only three tracks. Fortunately, you can adjust sound volume from the pause menu with the D-pad.”
    • “There's an issue with the soundtrack on a few stages where it just goes silent; maybe the tracks need to be crossfaded deeper to keep the immersion going.”
    • “It has an okay soundtrack that's very fitting to the atmosphere.”
  • graphics
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their psychedelic aesthetic, vibrant colors, and mesmerizing visuals that create an immersive experience. Players appreciate the combination of fast-paced gameplay with stunning, abstract designs that evoke a sense of flow, though some caution that the flashy effects may not be suitable for those with epilepsy. Overall, the visuals are described as mind-blowing and a significant highlight of the game, enhancing both the gameplay and the accompanying soundtrack.

    • “The visuals are gorgeous.”
    • “Graphics are fantastic, with colorful landscapes and pixel explosions galore.”
    • “Mindblowing visuals and a great soundtrack on top of a simple-to-learn tunnel shooter.”
    • “A mindless, color-saturated arcade shooter with epilepsy-inducing hallucinatory visuals.”
    • “I've loved Llamasoft games since the '80s, and am a fan of 'rave in the world of Tron' visuals in reflex games, so this should've been right up my alley, but it managed to fail on just about every level.”
    • “Graphically the game is simple, yet at the same time anything but.”
  • gameplay
    28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by its fast-paced, psychedelic action that combines simple mechanics with a thrilling experience, enhanced by captivating music and visuals. While some players find the game challenging and occasionally frustrating due to unclear mechanics and sudden difficulty spikes, many appreciate its addictive nature and the engaging risk-reward system. Overall, it offers a unique blend of excitement and intensity, making it a standout in arcade-style gaming.

    • “Hot music, classic Williams/Midway sound effects, fast, smooth visuals, and heart-pounding gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is as fast as it is simple: things will happen, and they'll happen at a pace just fast enough that you almost (but don't quite) have the chance to process them.”
    • “Lovely difficulty curve, varied levels (within the theme) and compelling score attack action with a great risk-reward mechanic.”
    • “I'm probably never going to finish it, but the music, visuals, and gameplay (even if it's a bit too hard for us non-VR plebeians) keep me coming back to it.”
    • “Keep in mind, new mechanics are thrown in that you haven't seen in previous levels and that aren't explained.”
    • “Not all the game mechanics are obvious; power-ups are still a bit of a mystery to me. It might write a flash of text across the screen about what has just happened, but you are concentrating so hard you can't look away from the action.”
  • story
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of the game is praised for its modern interpretation of the arcade myth, drawing inspiration from the classic Tempest and enhancing it with a fresh perspective. Players appreciate how it connects to the original narrative while offering a transformative experience, particularly in virtual reality.

    • “I love how it is a modern take on the arcade myth; it brings so much to the table and still has ties to the original story.”
    • “Tempest was one of the games that inspired the Polybius story, so it's perfect for Jeff Minter and Llamasoft, creators of Tempest 2000 and TXK, to work on an 'official' version.”
    • “Hate to sound cliché, but you know how when you've had a vision quest experience that opens your mind to all the possibilities of reality.”
  • humor
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by its trademark irreverence and wit, reminiscent of the developer's style since the 1980s, which has garnered a loyal fanbase. While the humor is appreciated, some players feel that it doesn't fully compensate for the game's overall lack of fun.

    • “I've been laughing at this man's games since the 80s.”
    • “The trademark Minter humor and irreverence abounds throughout.”
    • “The music is good, the visuals are great, and it has the humor that's made me a Llamasoft fan since the C-64 days.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players note that Polybius offers enhanced replayability at 120Hz due to reduced input latency, making the gameplay experience more engaging compared to the 60Hz setting.

    • “Polybius is considerably more playable at 120Hz than at 60Hz, likely due to lower input latency.”
    • “The game offers a variety of modes and challenges that keep me coming back for more.”
    • “Each playthrough feels fresh thanks to the dynamic elements that change every time I start a new game.”
  • atmosphere
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere is generally well-received, with an appropriate soundtrack that complements the overall experience, though it is described as merely "ok."

    • “The soundtrack is fitting and enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.”
    • “The atmosphere is immersive, drawing you into the game's world.”
    • “Every detail contributes to a captivating atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
    • “The atmosphere feels bland and uninspired, lacking any real depth.”
    • “Despite the potential, the game fails to create a truly immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The environments are dull and fail to evoke any sense of wonder or tension.”
  • stability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users highlight that the stability of the game is reminiscent of titles like "Race the Sun," "Torus Trooper," and "Buggy Boy," suggesting a solid performance with minimal technical issues. Overall, players appreciate a smooth gaming experience that enhances enjoyment.

    • “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
    • “I experienced constant lag and frame drops, which ruined the overall experience.”
    • “There are too many bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews indicate that the monetization strategies in the game industry, particularly through large maps and microtransactions, have shifted the focus from artistic expression to a business-oriented approach, likening it to a corporate model rather than a creative endeavor.

    • “The introduction of excessively large maps, microtransactions, and the economic commodification of video games has turned the industry into an MBA course, rather than a pure abstract art form like a painting such as the Mona Lisa.”
  • optimization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviewers note that while the optimization techniques used for older 8-bit machines were impressive, they do not translate well to modern systems, resulting in performance issues.

    • “Their hacks to get maximum performance from the old 8-bit machines were brilliant, but that coding style doesn't seem to suit modern systems.”
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90%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

POLYBIUS is a action game.

POLYBIUS is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Virtual Reality, Steam Deck and others.

POLYBIUS was released on December 21, 2018.

POLYBIUS was developed by Llamasoft Ltd..

POLYBIUS has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked POLYBIUS for its music but disliked it for its atmosphere.

POLYBIUS is a single player game.

Similar games include Tetris Effect: Connected, Thumper, Tempest 4000, Polynomial 2, Flower and others.