qrth-phyl

About

Arcade documentary of maze/dot/snake mechanic within changing dimensions, axis locks and the corruption of the system. Collect, grow, avoid your past, find new space, wake up...

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 23 reviews

graphics3 positive mentions

music3 negative mentions

Engaging and addictive gameplay with precise controls, making it a fun and nostalgic experience.
Unique 3D mechanics and dynamic difficulty system that keeps the game fresh and challenging.
Polished presentation with a retro aesthetic and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.

Some players find the gameplay scope limited and feel it doesn't offer enough variety compared to other arcade games.
Camera angles can be problematic, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.
The game's description may be misleading, as it doesn't fully deliver on the promise of being an 'arcade documentary' of snake-like games.

gameplay
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
Qrth-phyl features a blend of 2D and 3D gameplay mechanics reminiscent of classic arcade games, particularly the "snake" genre, where players eat pellets to grow while avoiding obstacles. The game is praised for its frantic pace and adaptive difficulty, though its glidey controls and 3D movement can be challenging for newcomers. While it may appeal more to nostalgic players and those interested in the evolution of game mechanics, some reviewers find its core gameplay lacking compared to other arcade score-chasers.
- “Qrth-phyl falls in the class of games like Lumines or Space Invaders Extreme that offer simple, familiar mechanics, carefully tuned and immaculately presented.”
- “Frantic gameplay and adaptive difficulty system.”
- “Unique atmosphere and gameplay, highly recommended.”
- “Qrth-phyl will not be everyone's cup of tea and may be enjoyed more by those with nostalgia for the earlier days of arcade gaming. If you aren't immediately pulled in by its overall design or the feel of its navigation, not much will change in its gameplay to draw you in.”
- “These 3D movement levels can be a bit jarring at first, with the game's somewhat glidey mechanic and the inverted flight controls taking some getting used to. Abrupt turns needed to avoid obstacles are the order of the day.”
- “I also think the core gameplay is a bit subpar considering the plethora of awesome arcade scorechasers out there.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
20%
20%
The graphics of Qrth-phyl are celebrated for their nostalgic tribute to classic arcade games, featuring a vibrant tron-inspired aesthetic that evokes the charm of vector graphics. While the visuals and sound design resonate well with fans of retro gaming, they may not appeal to everyone, particularly those unfamiliar with the genre's history. Overall, the game's graphics effectively enhance its high-score oriented gameplay, drawing players into its retro-arcade atmosphere.
- “A celebration of the classic snake game with a fun Tron fever-dream aesthetic.”
- “The music has an IDM-ish chip tune appeal, and the graphics do a great job of feeling like what we imagined games to be in our heads back in the vector graphics days.”
- “The aesthetics are working great for the retro-arcade style.”
- “Qrth-phyl will not be everyone's cup of tea and may be enjoyed more by those with nostalgia for the earlier days of arcade gaming. The graphics, sound design, and music seem to be a nod toward the game's predecessors, but if you aren't immediately pulled in by its overall design and effects, not much will change in its gameplay to draw you in.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The music in Qrth-phyl is characterized by its IDM-inspired chiptune style, complementing the game's nostalgic visuals reminiscent of early arcade gaming. The soundtrack, along with pinball-like sound effects, enhances the overall experience, appealing particularly to players with a fondness for retro aesthetics. While the music is vibrant and engaging, its abstract nature may not resonate with everyone.
- “The music has an IDM-ish chiptune appeal, and the graphics do a great job of feeling like what we imagined games to be in our heads back in the vector graphics days.”
- “Qrth-phyl includes a variety of low fidelity, abstract effects including glitchy/chiptune music, pixelated particle effects in droves, lasers that cut across the entirety of the level, and various other brightly-colored obstacles you have to quickly evade in order to continue chowing down on the Pac-Man-esque pellets.”
- “Qrth-phyl will not be everyone's cup of tea and may be enjoyed more by those with nostalgia for the earlier days of arcade gaming. The game's 'pinball'-esque sound effects when you complete a level, as well as the graphics, sound design, and music, seem to be a nod toward the game's predecessors. If you aren't immediately pulled in by its overall design or the feel of its navigation, not much will change in its gameplay to draw you in.”
- “It's an abstract game with chunky, pixelated vibes and loud electronic music.”
- “Qrth-phyl includes a variety of low fidelity, abstract effects including glitchy and chiptune music, pixelated particle effects in droves, lasers that cut across the entirety of the level, and various other brightly-colored obstacles you have to quickly evade.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of [i]qrth-phyl[/i] is praised for its polish and uniqueness, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience and distinguishing it within the arcade score-chaser genre. Reviewers recommend it for its captivating ambiance that complements its innovative mechanics.
- “It's been a good 6 or so years since [i]qrth-phyl[/i]'s original release and there have been leaps and bounds in the evolution of arcade score-chasers here on Steam, and yet unsurprisingly with its rerelease [i]qrth-phyl[/i] still holds its own and stands out as probably one of the more polished and atmospheric takes on the twisty-turny snake formula.”
- “Unique atmosphere and gameplay, highly recommended.”