RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry!

About

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! is a single player action game. It was developed by Two Tribes and was released on September 13, 2016. It received positive reviews from players.

RIVE is a fast-paced, explosive joyride featuring non-stop shooting and platforming action. As a spunky spaceship pilot, you'll wreck, hack, die, and retry your way through battles with enemies and massive bosses. Master the game's unique blend of combat and exploration, and uncover the mysteries of a decaying ship filled with malfunctioning machines.

Genres & Tags

Action

Play Modes

Single-Player

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! screenshot

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80%

Audience ScoreBased on 548 reviews

gameplay57 positive mentions

grinding7 negative mentions

RIVE features tight controls and responsive gameplay, making it a joy to play.
The game has a vibrant art style and impressive graphics, enhancing the overall experience.
The mix of platforming and twin-stick shooting keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.

The game suffers from frustrating difficulty spikes, particularly in later levels, which can feel unfair.
There are known bugs, such as a game-breaking issue in Mission 4, which can hinder progress.
The humor and dialogue can be hit or miss, with some players finding it cringeworthy.

gameplay
153 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
60%
3%
The gameplay in "Rive" is characterized by its fast-paced, action-packed mechanics that blend shooting, platforming, and strategic elements like enemy hacking, providing a dynamic and engaging experience. Players appreciate the tight controls, varied level design, and the introduction of new mechanics throughout the game, although some note that it can become repetitive and relies heavily on trial and error. Overall, the game excels in delivering a polished and visually appealing experience, making it a solid choice for fans of retro-inspired shooters.
- “Rive is an intense, visually stunning action game that combines fast-paced gameplay with challenging mechanics, offering an exhilarating experience for fans of retro-inspired shooters.”
- “What emerges is a tightly designed, fast-paced experience that delivers intensity, humor, and mechanical variety from the first moment to the last.”
- “The gameplay is a very solid combination of platforming and hectic twin-stick combat.”
- “The gameplay itself will start to feel a bit repetitive and one-dimensional by the end of the game.”
- “Good core gameplay brought down by bad level design (and a campaign-breaking bug if you're lucky).”
- “While the visuals are very enticing, the gameplay is repetitive and boring.”
story
139 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
67%
6%
The story of the game is generally perceived as light-hearted and campy, with many reviewers noting its simplicity and lack of depth. While some found the humor and character interactions enjoyable, others criticized it for being shallow and not a primary focus of the gameplay. Overall, the narrative serves more as a backdrop to the action rather than a compelling element, with mixed opinions on its execution and relevance to the overall experience.
- “The story that threads the whole thing together is peppered with lots of nostalgic, geeky humor.”
- “The plot may not be deep, but what an enjoyable ride it is.”
- “I really got into the story, and had fun with the challenging levels.”
- “The story is campy, doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's... meh.”
- “Storywise, meh, the characters are very charming but there's not much of a plot really.”
- “The story is rather weak and the writing is not particularly great either.”
graphics
110 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
36%
3%
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their vibrant colors, detailed designs, and polished presentation, effectively blending a modern aesthetic with nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic 90s titles. Players appreciate the unique art style and the immersive environments, although some noted that certain backgrounds could be more creatively engaging. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's appeal, enhancing the fast-paced gameplay and providing a visually captivating experience.
- “What this game has going for it are the excellent visuals.”
- “The design of the world leans into a grimy, industrial sci-fi aesthetic, with just enough variation across areas to avoid visual fatigue.”
- “With stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and a unique style, the game is an excellent choice for those who enjoy challenging platforming and fast-paced action.”
- “Unfortunately, the graphics options are very limited; the game even lacks a proper resolution setting.”
- “There's also situations where the game's own bombastic graphics get in its way; the bright explosions and overlapping enemies can easily create situations where the player can't actually see what's going on in a given sector of the screen, forcing them to fire blind and hope for the best.”
- “While the environments are pretty, and the gameplay setpieces are great, the visual setpieces aren't especially interesting to look at -- well-drawn backgrounds and vague machinery all about, but no strong aesthetic that draws interest to it all.”
humor
82 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is a prominent feature, characterized by snappy dialogue, self-aware jokes, and a mix of clever and cheesy references that appeal to various tastes. While many players appreciate the light-hearted banter and comedic elements, some find the humor repetitive or overly reliant on clichés, leading to mixed reactions. Overall, the game successfully integrates humor into its fast-paced gameplay, enhancing the overall experience for those who enjoy a comedic touch in their gaming.
- “The narrative is light but entertaining, driven by snappy dialogue and a self-aware sense of humor.”
- “Humor and narrative are interwoven into the interactions and dialogue, providing an enjoyable and light-hearted experience that stands out in the genre.”
- “The writing tries to freshen up the rather generic, derivative setting and premise, with humor, which however feels flat.”
music
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
46%
6%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its energetic and well-composed electronic soundtrack, which complements the gameplay and enhances the overall experience. Many players noted its ability to dynamically shift in intensity, matching the action without becoming repetitive or distracting. Overall, the soundtrack is described as memorable and fitting, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.
- “The soundtrack complements the action perfectly, delivering a pumping, techno-inspired score that elevates the energy without distracting from the gameplay.”
- “The music is lovely, and the dynamic shifts in intensity are well-timed - mix this with the intelligent decision to re-start the track off from about where it was when you died, and you've got a soundtrack that always matches the pace of the action, but never gets too tiring.”
- “I recommend turning the sound effects down some because they overpower and distract from the music.”
- “The game seems so incredibly polished and the soundtrack is very appropriate to keep the excitement going.”
- “In terms of music, Rive offers music that sticks with you, from the fights, the transition segments, and even from the loading screen; each piece fits its place nicely.”
optimization
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with solid performance across platforms, including the Steam Deck, though some users report minor stutters during intense visual moments. While many players experience smooth gameplay and responsive controls, a few have noted performance issues on high-end systems, suggesting that optimization may vary depending on hardware configurations.
- “Performance is rock-solid across platforms, including the Steam version.”
- “A fun, well-optimized game that does a good job of presenting the challenges as being extremely difficult but still being able to beat them without dying too often.”
- “Rive also deserves credit for having very fluid performance and responsive controls.”
- “So yeah, performance on the Steam Deck is very smooth although you sometimes get small stutters when there are excessive amounts of explosions and particle effects visible simultaneously on your screen.”
- “Has some slowdown performance issues in parts, but it's just about passable.”
- “I'm running this on a pretty beefy computer, so this game is not optimized well - the problem persists regardless of video settings.”
replayability
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
Overall, the game's replayability is enhanced by various features such as challenge modes, speedrun options, and post-game content, appealing to players seeking additional intensity beyond the main campaign. While some players find the replay value substantial due to score chasing and different gameplay modes, others feel it is limited, primarily revolving around high scores and specific challenges. The consensus suggests that while the game offers replayability, it may not be compelling enough for all players to revisit after completing the main story.
- “The UI is minimalist but effective, and the game’s challenge modes, speedrun features, and post-game content add a nice layer of replayability for those craving even more intensity after the main campaign ends.”
- “The well-balanced difficulty, replay value, smooth gameplay, quirky humor, and interesting characters merge to create a pleasant and memorable gaming experience.”
- “There are also a speedrun mode and a single-credit mode, which add a lot of replayability.”
- “While there is a lot of content and replayability a la score chasing, I don't think I'll revisit it after I finish it (I think I'm on the last level now, and that took about four hours).”
- “Rive is a pretty looking mix of shmup and action platformer with a solid gameplay loop but a very subpar replay value.”
- “After beating the game, the only replay value comes from replaying the levels in either the time trial mode or the single life mode.”
grinding
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while it offers enjoyable moments, many describe certain fights and platforming sections as tedious and frustrating. The balance between fun and monotony can lead to a frustrating experience, particularly during challenging levels that require precise mechanics. Overall, the game is entertaining but can become tiresome due to its grinding elements.
- “On the levels where double jumping is required, these issues make the game horribly tedious.”
- “It's simultaneously one of the most joyous shooters I've played in a long while, and also one of the most frikkin' tedious and frustrating.”
- “It just becomes tedious and annoying.”
stability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with reports of frequent freezing and minor glitches affecting the experience. While some players appreciate the solid core gameplay and precise controls, others criticize the buggy camera and poorly designed checkpoints that lead to frustrating gameplay moments. Overall, the game shows potential but suffers from stability issues that detract from its enjoyment.
- “This game has potential in gameplay, sound effects, and arcade graphics, but unfortunately it freezes twice in less than one hour of gameplay.”
- “Some checkpoints are weirdly placed; you seem to be expected to see things, including platforms, that are off-screen, as if the camera is buggy. The level design is sub-par, to the point of feeling malicious: you are told that you have to sometimes run from enemies, and the moment you follow that advice, electric beams of instant death appear behind you.”
- “Finally, it's a little buggy. Hacking has some cool uses but not as many as it sounded, and I found the loud references to other games obnoxious despite somewhat liking how they serve as the antagonist's motivation.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its touching story and impactful moments, particularly during challenging encounters, such as the "dog" boss that elicited strong feelings from players. The game's pacing and set pieces contribute to a heartfelt experience, making it a memorable journey that resonates deeply with players.
- “It was truly heartbreaking when they announced that Rive was going to be their final release.”
- “A stunning twin-stick shooter and platformer with a touching little story and some of the best pacing and set pieces since Half-Life 2!”
- “Heartfelt recommendation.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its dynamic tracks that enhance immersion during battles and exploration, making each moment more thrilling. Even revisited levels feature unique music that complements the setting, contributing to an overall engaging experience.
- “The dynamic tracks create an immersive atmosphere that heightens the experience, making each battle and moment of exploration even more exciting.”
- “Levels, although revisited, host unique tracks that pertain well and add to the atmosphere of the area.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
33%
Character development in the game is heavily influenced by the Borderlands series, featuring similar character designs and voice acting that contribute to a distinct, quirky atmosphere. However, the depth of character interaction may not reach the same level of complexity as seen in its inspiration.
- “The character development in this game is incredibly engaging, with each character feeling unique and well-crafted.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel authentic and relatable.”
- “The interactions between characters are rich and dynamic, adding depth to their personalities and backstories.”
- “As for story and character interaction, Rive went for a very Borderlands-esque feel, right down to the character designs and voice acting sounding like they were out of that franchise.”

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3h Median play time

3h Average play time

2-4h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! is a action game.

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

On average players spend around 3 hours playing RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry!.

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! was released on September 13, 2016.

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! was developed by Two Tribes.

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its replayability.

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry! is a single player game.

Similar games include Mr. Shifty, RUINER, Ghost 1.0, Dust: An Elysian Tail, Bleed and others.

RIVE: Wreck, Hack, Die, Retry!

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