Polynomial 2

About

Polynomial 2 is a single player shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Alexey Lavrov and was released on May 31, 2016. It received positive reviews from players.

"Polynomial 2" is a musical rhythm-based tunnel shooter game where players fly through vibrant, abstract geometric landsces, all set to a thumping electronic soundtrack. The game features a variety of modes, including a level editor, and challenges players to shoot and dodge objects in time with the music. Players can also create and share their own custom levels with the community.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 131 reviews

music35 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game features stunning visuals that are particularly impressive in VR, creating a mesmerizing experience.
It allows players to use their own music, enhancing the overall enjoyment and personalization of the gameplay.
The developer is responsive and engaged with the community, showing a commitment to improving the game based on player feedback.

The game has been in early access for over six years and feels abandoned, with many players expressing concerns about its lack of updates and content.
Gameplay can be confusing and lacks clear instructions, making it difficult for players to understand how to progress or utilize features effectively.
The combat mechanics are often described as clunky and unrefined, detracting from the overall experience and making it feel less engaging.

music
134 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
72%
2%
The music aspect of the game is generally praised for its integration and the ability to use personal music, creating a relaxing and immersive experience. However, many users express frustration with the lack of synchronization between the visuals and the music, as well as the game's limited support for custom tracks. Overall, while the visuals and original soundtrack are appreciated, the game's functionality as a music visualizer is seen as inconsistent and lacking depth.
- “A great way to relax and just enjoy some excellent visuals and of course your favorite music as well.”
- “The music integration was a big part for me with these games, and another big part was the visuals.”
- “Waves of color burst and pulse to the beat and melody of your music and it is incredible.”
- “Don't buy if you are trying to add your own music in 2024.”
- “When I started this game, I found that the music has no bearing outside of the visual aspects.”
- “It does not sync to your music.”
graphics
55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
62%
5%
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning, psychedelic visuals that enhance the overall experience, especially when paired with music. However, some users express disappointment in the aesthetic quality compared to previous titles, noting issues with the 3D translation and a lack of immersive detail. Overall, while the visuals are often highlighted as a key selling point, opinions vary on their execution and impact on gameplay.
- “The visuals, which are the main selling point for this game, are fantastic.”
- “I enjoyed simply flying around witnessing the visuals; the visuals are the crown jewel of this title.”
- “The game's psychedelic visuals are absolutely amazing in 3D with it wrapped around your head.”
- “My biggest problem with the game is that the 3D visuals just don't pop at all.”
- “This game is a graphical mess more than it is trippy or artful.”
- “Amid gameplay in 2, I didn’t find the visuals as aesthetic as I remember finding them in the first game.”
gameplay
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
76%
12%
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many users describing it as simplistic and lacking depth, often feeling more like a music visualizer than a fully-fledged game. While the visuals and audio are praised for their beauty and immersive quality, the controls are criticized for being clunky, and the overall gameplay experience is seen as repetitive and drawn-out. Some players appreciate the exploration and passive levels, but overall, the gameplay is considered underwhelming compared to its predecessor.
- “Amazing visuals and overall fun gameplay.”
- “Plenty of options for both graphics and gameplay to ensure it will work on your rig and play how you want.”
- “There are a lot of different gaming modes that define different particle geometry and gameplay; just browsing through them all will bring a lot of fun and make you return to a game over and over.”
- “The controls are super clunky, and most of the game mechanics seem arbitrary.”
- “The gameplay is very barren and so far boring.”
- “However, I found gameplay a little over-simple; specifically, I think some levels could do with more complexity rather than just having more or harder enemies.”
story
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
28%
43%
- “It looks pretty, but after a short 15-minute story, there is very little to do.”
- “This is a good game, 10/10 great storyline.”
- “This feels like it should have been DLC for the original game to add a linear story.”
- “The 'story' is a clueless mess.”
- “It looks pretty, but after a short 15-minute 'story' there is very little to do.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The game runs smoothly in VR, providing an immersive experience, but it is not fully optimized for non-VR setups, lacking features like customizable controls. While there are no performance issues or sim sickness reported, the visual quality is constrained by the VR headset's resolution.
- “In VR, this game runs smoothly and is wonderfully immersive, though it is limited by the VR headset's resolution and can look even better on a good display.”
- “It's not really optimized for that setup; for example, it wouldn't let me configure the hat switch for strafing.”
- “No sim sickness or performance issues at all.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
33%
The atmosphere of Polynomial 2 is described as psychedelic and immersive, enhanced by its 3D visualizations and chill music setlist. Users appreciate its ability to create a vibrant environment suitable for both gameplay and as a dynamic music visualization tool, making it a versatile choice for social settings. Overall, it combines engaging visuals with a science fiction aesthetic, contributing to a unique and enjoyable experience.
- “I listened to some music that made a great combo with Polynomial 2 because it is sort of psychedelic itself and very atmospheric.”
- “Decent software solely for static music visualization can run $20-$40; this game gives visualization in a maneuverable 3D, science fiction-esque atmosphere, an option for actual gameplay, and an initial setlist of chill music for $12.”
- “This is where we can use the computer with Polynomial 2 as a music light visualization device while having a party, creating atmosphere, and it's already not just a game but professional software!”
- “This is where we can use a computer with polynomial 2 as a music light visualization device while having a party, creating atmosphere, and it's already not just a game but professional software!”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The humor in the game is highlighted by the irony of it being in early access for six years, which many players find amusing.
- “It's also hilarious that this game is still in early access after 6 years.”
- “The humor in this game is top-notch, with clever writing and unexpected jokes that keep you laughing.”
- “I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously, making every moment feel light-hearted and fun.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Despite being in "early access," the game demonstrates strong stability with minimal glitches, allowing players to enjoy a smooth experience. Continuous updates from the developers further enhance gameplay, making it a worthwhile purchase.
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players highlight the game's profound emotional impact, suggesting it resonates deeply and holds a special place in their hearts, akin to a cherished piece of music.
- “Take it from an audiophile, buy this game and put it next to that emotional core of your heart where it belongs :)”