REMOTE LIFE
- September 22, 2019
- nextgamelevel
We’re always in awe of games developed by just one person, especially when they look as good as Remote Life.
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"REMOTE LIFE" is a survival simulation game set in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. As the last surviving member of a research team, players must gather resources, craft tools, and navigate treacherous terrain to uncover the truth behind a mysterious signal. With limited communication to the outside world and dwindling supplies, every decision could mean the difference between life and death.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Stunningly detailed visuals that evoke a unique H.R. Giger-inspired aesthetic.
- Tight and challenging blend of twin-stick shooting and scrolling shmup gameplay, providing a satisfying experience.
- Solid variety of weaponry and clever level design that keeps players engaged.
- No scoring system or leaderboards, which diminishes replayability for competitive players.
- Tight spaces and doors can lead to frustrating gameplay moments, often resulting in cheap deaths.
- Some projectiles and enemies can be difficult to perceive, making navigation and combat challenging.
- graphics137 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 26 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and unique aesthetic, often compared to the works of H.R. Giger, blending dark and intricate visuals reminiscent of classic shoot 'em ups. Players appreciate the high-resolution artwork, vibrant color palettes, and the overall polished presentation, which enhances the gameplay experience. While some critiques mention visibility issues during intense action, the overwhelming consensus is that the graphics are a standout feature, elevating the game to a must-play for fans of the genre.
“The graphics are awesomely gnarly and super detailed.”
“The graphics and detail are extraordinary in the leveling design.”
“The first thing you'll notice is the game looks beautiful; it's a 2D horizontal shmup, but all the graphics and animations are 3D rendered.”
“The graphics are fine, but the gameplay and high difficulty with cheap deaths even in easy mode is not funny at all; it's super frustrating and some songs/sound are really really bad.”
“This is with graphic effects on high, so ... no idea what this is about.”
“The art style looks like it could have been inspired by H.R. Giger, but it's a lot creepier.”
- gameplay75 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a mix of challenging mechanics, including a "one shot can kill you" feature, and a blend of twin-stick shooting with traditional shmup elements. While many players appreciate the intuitive mechanics, stunning graphics, and enemy variety, some criticize the level design for being cramped and slowing down the experience. Overall, the game offers a polished and engaging experience, though it may frustrate those who prefer a more conventional shmup format.
“Amazing gameplay, and challenging!”
“Fantastic satisfying gameplay/combat that presents an old-school level of challenge and keeps me coming back for more.”
“A large arsenal, many levels, fierce enemies and unconventional gameplay, a lot of missions that aren't always linear, all seasoned with spectacular graphics and an excellent soundtrack.”
“The gameplay is slow and stale, and the levels are far too condensed to really make it an enjoyable shoot 'em up experience.”
“The player will have to fly through slim corridors infested with alien organisms while shooting blocks and enemies coming your way while waiting for doors to open, and this mechanic simply slows the game down.”
“The graphics are fine, but the gameplay and high difficulty with cheap deaths even in easy mode is not funny at all; it's super frustrating.”
- music50 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its energetic and nostalgic qualities reminiscent of 90s sampled music, while others find it generic and poorly integrated into the gameplay. Many players appreciate the soundtrack's ability to enhance the overall experience, despite some criticism regarding the lack of sound effect options and transitions between levels. Overall, the music is seen as a strong point, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.
“The music is exciting and really gets your blood pumping.”
“The music was a delightful bonus that adds to the enjoyment of an already amazing shoot 'em up.”
“Excellent soundtrack that never gets boring; the soundtrack reminds me of Thumper.”
“Music is generic electro rave weirdness, and doesn't fit the vibe; also looping poorly.”
“Sound options: no sliders for sound effects and music (only music can be set in menu on/off or in-game with key 8/9 - no controller option for that).”
“Not too crazy about the music (as that falls more into taste than anything), but what's there fits the game.”
- story48 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is considered somewhat lacking, with a score of 5/10, as it primarily focuses on gameplay rather than a coherent narrative. However, players appreciate the ongoing story and side missions, which include escort missions and exploration segments, complemented by animated cutscenes that enhance the experience. Overall, while the story may not be the main draw, it adds a layer of engagement to the chaotic and action-packed gameplay.
“This game has got an ongoing story and side missions that are really fun to play, including free roam segments and support vehicles you can shred enemy fleets with.”
“Having a fleshed out story at all is more than a lot of shmups can say.”
“That being said, a game like this doesn’t really need a coherent story; it’s all about the gameplay, but there are cool and nicely animated little cutscenes here and there, and the sense of being sent out to fix the problem is neat.”
“I had high expectations for this game when I saw the screenshots, but after playing for a little while, I can say it let me down quite a bit. While it has good graphics and so on, what sold me on buying this game was the idea of upgrading the ship or getting a new ship - there are 5 ships (2 of which have to be unlocked by progressing through the missions), 4 colors... weapons are limited to 3 non-upgradeable systems plus the usual non-upgradeable super bomb, which happens to be a drop-down cluster bomb.”
“All this while the enemies get more HP as missions progress. In short, there is absolutely no reason to even have these special weapon upgrades because they simply have no functional use beyond 3-5 seconds where stages last at least 60 seconds, nor do they actually make any difference because generally they're offered at locations that make them nearly redundant.”
“That being said, a game like this doesn’t really need a coherent story; it’s all about the gameplay. But there are cool and nicely animated little cutscenes here and there, and the sense of being sent out to fix the problem is neat.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its striking and immersive atmosphere, characterized by a dark, alien aesthetic reminiscent of H.R. Giger, complemented by deep-sea creature-like lifeforms. Reviewers highlight the stunning graphics and frantic action, which together create an otherworldly experience that enhances gameplay. Overall, it is regarded as a hidden gem with a captivating and intense atmosphere.
“Insanely strong otherworldly atmosphere.”
“Great visuals, frantic action, and amazing atmosphere.”
“I love the art and the dark atmosphere.”
- humor4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with many players finding it genuinely funny and enjoyable, particularly for fans of the genre. However, some users feel that the frustrating gameplay and high difficulty detract from the overall experience, overshadowing the humor with moments of irritation.
“This game is amazing, with gorgeous graphics and sound, great gameplay, and it is really funny. It is absolutely recommended for every shoot 'em up fan!”
“The gameplay and high difficulty with cheap deaths, even in easy mode, is not funny at all; it's super frustrating.”
“Some songs and sounds are really, really bad, which detracts from any potential humor in the game.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability, allowing players to revisit each level at any time with a total of five lives to enhance their experience.
“Every level is replayable anytime, with 5 lives.”
