Soul Stalker

The gameplay of Soul Stalkers is generally seen as straightforward and accessible, with a simple loop of clearing stages and upgrading weapons. However, many players find it lacks depth and variety, citing issues with weapon balance, enemy diversity, and a need for more intuitive upgrade mechanics. While the graphics and overall feel are praised, the gameplay is often described as repetitive and in need of a stronger identity to compete with genre peers.

The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the dynamic and catchy soundtrack that complements the gameplay, while others criticize it as monotonous or mismatched with the game's visuals. Despite the positive remarks about the pleasantness of the music, several users describe it as feeling like stock tracks that detract from the overall experience. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some finding the music enjoyable and others deeming it annoying or out of place.

Reviewers express a desire for a more engaging and meaningful story, suggesting the inclusion of text quests with impactful choices and outcomes. They also mention the potential for secret weapon drops tied to these choices, indicating that the current narrative lacks depth. Additionally, the music has been criticized for being overly cheerful and monotonous, detracting from the overall experience.

The game features an ascension system similar to "Slay the Spire," enhancing its replayability, especially after unlocking all characters. Players appreciate the inclusion of endless modes and the ability to review upgrade options beforehand, which facilitates strategic planning for varied builds. While the current replay value is noted, there is a desire for even more content to further enhance this aspect.

Overall, the game's stability is generally good, with users noting that it runs well on Steam. However, some glitches are present, which is understandable given that the game is still a work in progress.

The game's optimization is criticized for performance issues and awkward design choices, such as a lack of rewards after key milestones and insufficient information on upgrades. While the straightforward progression system allows for meaningful purchases based on prior performance, the short run lengths hinder the development of a real build, leaving players feeling unsatisfied. Overall, the game feels rushed and lacks polish.

While the reviews highlight the impressive visuals, character design, and animation, they do not provide specific insights into the depth or progression of character development within the game. Overall, the focus seems to be more on aesthetic appeal rather than narrative or emotional growth of the characters.