RefleX
- March 27, 2014
- SITER SKAIN
Get on Steam"RefleX: The ALLTYNEX Legacy" is the second chapter in the Japanese shooting game series, known for its carefully crafted play experiences and absorbing gameplay. In a futuristic world, players join the resistance organization Valkyness in their fight against the Global Unified Army, and later against an alien force, the Raiwat, in a battle that brings humanity to the brink of extinction. With splendid gameplay, pretty visuals, and amazing music, this single-player Science Fiction Shooter game promises destructive fun and an engaging storyline.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique bullet reflection mechanic that adds depth to the gameplay and scoring system, making it enjoyable and rewarding.
- It has a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic arcade shooters, with solid graphics, a great soundtrack, and engaging level design.
- The difficulty is well-balanced, providing a satisfying challenge for both casual players and hardcore fans of the genre.
- The strict timing for maintaining score multipliers can be frustrating, requiring players to memorize enemy patterns and behaviors.
- Some boss fights can feel overly drawn out and tedious, particularly the final boss, which lacks dynamic engagement.
- There are technical issues, such as the lack of online leaderboards and configuration options, which detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay23 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 26 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Reflex is highly praised for its engaging mechanics, particularly the innovative shield that allows players to reflect bullets and create strategic combos. While the game is relatively short, its challenging difficulty and polished design, combined with a captivating soundtrack, provide a satisfying experience for both veterans and newcomers to the shoot 'em up genre. The integration of gameplay and storytelling enhances the overall immersion, making it a standout title despite its low resolution.
“Despite it being technically a short game, it makes up for that in difficulty and the number of lives increased per game over, with insanely fun gameplay.”
“Reflex rises above expectations with a twitch shielding mechanic that is tightly linked to score, weapon power, and of course survival.”
“I would recommend this game for any veteran fans of the shoot 'em up genre; the gameplay and music are top notch.”
“Due to the mechanic of the reflector shield, some instances force you to play like Ikaruga due to how they design the enemies and the bullets.”
“The whole gameplay is like 40+ minutes, so it's like two loops of a normal shmup.”
“I can't complete even the first level of the game.”
- music16 mentions
- 94 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its excellent soundtrack that complements the gameplay and enhances the overall experience. The catchy electronic retro tunes are noted for their ability to match the pacing and atmosphere of the game, making it a standout feature for both casual players and veterans of the shoot 'em up genre. Overall, the combination of great music and engaging mechanics contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“The soundtrack is very good and complements the action and encounters remarkably well.”
“Contains one of the best setpieces and the most epic boss fights I've ever come across in a shmup, with excellent music to boot that perfectly matches the pacing, atmosphere, and certain sequences of the game.”
“The sound design is spot-on, with catchy electronic retro music.”
- story13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The story in the game is described as vague and not central to the experience, yet it effectively enhances gameplay through well-executed "story staging" that allows players to feel connected to the narrative without needing to engage deeply with the lore. While some elements are conveyed through the game itself, important details are found in the manual, which may leave players feeling uninformed if they don't seek out this additional context. Overall, the integration of gameplay and storytelling is praised, with a strong soundtrack that enriches the setting.
“But there is nice 'story staging' which I think a lot of games of this type could learn from.”
“It allows the player to feel like part of a story's motivations, without the actual need to engage in the story/lore outside of the gameplay.”
“You feel part of something bigger than just playing a game, but it doesn't force-feed you unnecessary story/lore, allowing the player to use their imagination, should they choose.”
“The story is 'whatever' and doesn't really matter to me.”
“I don't want to refer to it as story because it is vague, but that is more or less what I am talking about.”
“This can lead players in the dark story-wise if they rely on the game itself to tell the story.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their pleasing visuals and solid presentation, reminiscent of classic shooters with low-resolution sprites. While some players appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and vibrant design, others note that the graphics appear dated compared to more modern titles, which may detract from the overall experience. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the gameplay, despite some criticisms regarding their lack of innovation.
“Excellent Taito Rayforce style shooter, very easy to get into with solid graphics and great controls.”
“It has pleasing visuals, sweet music, and a great difficulty ramp.”
“Great graphics, great sounds, great enemies.”
“The graphics are low-resolution sprites and embrace the golden era of shooters.”
“I played Alltynex before playing Reflex, so at the beginning it was hard to get used to the clearly worse graphics.”
“But the graphics do look dated, and it is a shame that the developer did not allow modifications to the game, so it is missing Steam achievements and leaderboards.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by exceptional setpieces and epic boss fights, complemented by a fitting soundtrack that aligns perfectly with the pacing and key moments, creating an immersive experience in the shmup genre.
“Contains one of the best set pieces and the most epic boss fights I've ever come across in a shmup, with excellent music that perfectly matches the pacing, atmosphere, and certain sequences of the game.”
