Retrograde Arena

About

Retrograde Arena is a single player and multiplayer arcade shooter game with a comedy theme. It was developed by freemergency and was released on May 28, 2020. It received very positive reviews from players.

-- Retrograde Arena is Released F2P on Steam -- [Media 2223476] [Media 2029836] Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Website About the Game Retrograde Arena is a multiplayer twin stick brawler with a...

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91%

Audience ScoreBased on 142 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

Retrograde Arena offers a unique and innovative gameplay mechanic where weapon recoil propels players, creating a tactical and dynamic experience.
The game features a charming retro aesthetic and a fun soundtrack, enhancing the overall atmosphere and enjoyment.
It's free to play, making it accessible for everyone, and it provides a lot of fun, especially when played with friends.

Many players experience issues with online matchmaking, often finding themselves in bot lobbies instead of playing with real opponents.
The game can be frustrating due to its chaotic nature and the mechanics that can lead to quick deaths, which may deter some players.
There are concerns about the lack of updates and support from the developers, leading to a feeling that the game may not improve or expand in the future.

gameplay
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
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The gameplay is praised for its engaging mechanics, featuring a variety of weapons and well-executed recoil effects that enhance the experience. It strikes a balance between accessibility and depth, making it easy for newcomers while still offering enough complexity to keep players invested. Overall, the gameplay is described as addictive, fun, and well-balanced, with no pay-to-win elements.
- “A great way to pass time with amazing art, mechanics, and gameplay.”
- “The gameplay never gets old, and is really easy to play with friends.”
- “The gameplay is pretty much perfect; weapons are balanced and extremely varied.”
- “Easy enough for a 5-year-old to understand and a skill ceiling low enough that a baby couldn't crawl under it. With only 5 buttons and 2 game mechanics, WASD to move normally and M1 to shoot, you can move faster with recoil.”
- “Difficult gameplay.”
graphics
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
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The graphics of the game are a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the stunning retro aesthetics and vibrant art style, others criticize the low-quality low-poly visuals that may deter gamers. The game features impressive particle effects and a unique synthwave vibe, but performance issues can arise, prompting some to recommend lowering graphic settings for better gameplay clarity. Overall, those who enjoy retro-wave art and can adapt to the chaotic gameplay may find the visuals appealing.
- “You get hours of fun content for free, and the graphics are stunning.”
- “Cool aesthetics, synthwave mixed with a unique concept.”
- “Packed to the brim with maps, weapons, and amazing graphics, Retrograde Arena is truly the best hidden gem on Steam, no question.”
- “This features fairly low quality low poly 3D visuals which will deter a lot of gamers, understandably.”
- “It takes a long time to get used to the movement, and I recommend you turn graphic settings all the way down because of how much this game spams particle effects.”
- “If you put in enough time to get used to it and can get over the fact that lower graphics makes the game easier to understand (like come on, devs), then you might enjoy this game a lot.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
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The music in the game is highly praised, with many users describing it as "fire" and fitting well with the retro and cyberpunk aesthetic. The combination of impressive visuals and a captivating soundtrack contributes to a memorable gaming experience, particularly for fans of retro-wave styles. However, some players feel that the chaotic gameplay detracts from the overall enjoyment, despite the strong musical elements.
- “Pair that with the awesome-looking theme and some good music, and bam - you've got a memorable free game right here.”
- “Also, the music is so fire!”
- “If you're into retro-wave art styles and music, this game will appeal to you!”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
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The humor in the game is characterized by its chaotic and lighthearted nature, making it a fun experience for players, especially when competing against friends. The comedic elements enhance the enjoyment of the twin-stick shooter format, providing plenty of laughs during gameplay.
- “It was an unserious, chaotic, and funny twin stick shooter you could play with your mates for an hour or so.”
- “Funny twin stick top-down shooter that guarantees a good time.”
- “If you like laughing at your friends as you beat them in this game over and over again, this is the perfect choice.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
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The atmosphere is reminiscent of the classic Tron, with a vibrant and noisy lobby that could easily be mistaken for part of the game itself, creating an immersive experience.
- “The immersive environment draws you in, making every moment feel alive and vibrant.”
- “The sound design and visual elements create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
- “The atmosphere reminds me of the old Tron; it's noisy in the lobby, and I wouldn't be surprised if someone mistakenly mistook the lobby for the game itself.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
While the game boasts impressive visuals and a captivating soundtrack, players find the chaotic gameplay and rapid deaths detract from the emotional engagement, making it difficult to recommend despite its appealing aesthetic.