Space Hole 2018
- January 23, 2019
- Sam Atlas
You gotta go in the Space Hole! A space metroidvania, wherein a space shuttle must navigate both inside and outside of the space ball. Collect gems, opening up even deeper space holes.
Reviews
- The game features stunning visuals and a unique psychedelic aesthetic that immerses players in an abstract world.
- Gameplay is significantly improved with nonlinear exploration, various abilities, and a soft metroidvania feel, allowing for creative problem-solving.
- The soundtrack is memorable and enhances the overall experience, with a mix of atmospheric and engaging music that fits the game's surreal environments.
- Some levels can be quite challenging and may leave players feeling stuck, particularly in areas like Chess World.
- Technical issues such as glitches and rough controls can detract from the experience, especially for players using keyboard and mouse.
- The game may not be suitable for those with photosensitivity due to its frequent flashing lights and vibrant colors.
- music16 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its memorable tracks and atmospheric fit, with standout pieces like "abide, moment!" by joy wants eternity receiving particular acclaim. Reviewers appreciate the diverse range of sounds, including opera, electronic beats, and nostalgic sci-fi noises, which enhance the overall experience and give each level a unique feel. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant highlight, contributing greatly to the game's immersive quality.
“There are also some very memorable music tracks which augment this experience.”
“The visuals are beautiful and the soundtrack fits perfectly with the atmosphere.”
“My personal favorite is 'Abide, Moment!' by Joy Wants Eternity, the song used in Departure.”
“Most of the soundtrack seems to be split into two halves.”
“Don't get me wrong, I loved just listening to Beverly Crusher in the last game constantly, but this has done something different with the soundtrack and given each level a distinct feel.”
“+ Very interesting sound effects from static radio (with Johnny Depp in the background talking about HST in Las Vegas?), opera music, trippy trance and electronic beats, rock, and sci-fi noises from 60s movies.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have seen significant improvement, showcasing beautiful visuals that create an immersive, abstract world filled with diverse environments. Players appreciate the psychedelic scenery, vibrant colors, and dynamic changes in visuals across different rooms, all complemented by a fitting soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere. The aesthetic, characterized by neon geometry and surreal landscapes, serves as a major highlight of the experience.
“Outside of gameplay, the aesthetic of the game is incredible and will immerse you in an almost completely abstract world. This game creates a vast diversity of environments that invoke various types of emotion.”
“The main selling point is the aesthetic of neon geometry floating in a black abyss as you zoom around to prog rock in your space shuttle, whether freely or contained in a giant cube or zorb.”
“The graphics, the psychedelic scenery, colors, abstract shapes, and themes are incredible.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a captivating blend of atmospheric ambient and post-rock music, creating an immersive experience that encourages players to get lost in its abstract and empty surroundings. The beautiful visuals complement the soundtrack, enhancing the overall ambiance.
“The visuals are beautiful and the soundtrack fits perfectly with the atmosphere.”
“One half of it is some atmospheric ambient, which I'm a sucker for, and the other is some post-rock which I'm also a sucker for.”
“Get lost in the abstract, empty atmosphere.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely open to interpretation, relying more on its immersive world than a traditional narrative structure. This approach helps it avoid the disconnect often felt in abstract games, allowing players to engage with the experience on a deeper level.
“In terms of story, where it is present, it is very open to interpretation.”
“I do feel, however, that this game manages to escape the disconnect I sometimes feel with competently abstract games; I guess it is the immersive world rather than a traditional story that carries it in this aspect.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay has seen significant improvements compared to the previous installment, with enhanced mechanics and impressive visuals that elevate the overall experience.
“A significant improvement from the last installment, featuring much better gameplay and stunning visuals.”
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging and offers a lot of depth, making each session enjoyable.”
“The mechanics are smooth and intuitive, allowing for a seamless gaming experience.”