Spectra
- July 10, 2015
- Gateway Interactive
Solid with a twist on gameplay but lacking value in the length department
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Spectra is a fast-paced Science Fiction Musical game, featuring single-player and multi-player modes. Race your ship down procedurally generated ribbons of light to the beat of an original soundtrack by chiptune artist Chipzel. With two difficulty levels and 10 unique music tracks, Spectra offers a nostalgic arcade experience with a modern twist."
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Reviews
- The game features an amazing chiptune soundtrack by Chipzel that enhances the overall experience.
- Spectra offers simple yet addictive gameplay that can be enjoyable for short sessions.
- The procedurally generated levels provide some variety, making each playthrough feel slightly different.
- The controls are often unresponsive and can feel sluggish, making it difficult to navigate obstacles effectively.
- The game lacks depth and variety, with many players feeling that once you've played one level, you've played them all.
- There are numerous bugs and issues that have not been addressed by the developers, leading to a frustrating experience.
- music50 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game, primarily composed by Chipzel, is widely praised for its catchy and engaging chiptune tracks, providing a vibrant backdrop that enhances the overall experience. However, many reviewers note that the gameplay does not effectively sync with the music, leading to a disconnect that detracts from the potential excitement. While the soundtrack is celebrated as one of the game's highlights, some players suggest that it may be more worthwhile to simply purchase the music rather than invest time in the game itself.
“And the amazing 8-bit chiptune music album by Chipzel has something for everyone.”
“A flawless soundtrack, a pulse racing gaming experience, and all around very entertaining.”
“Chipzel's soundtrack is amazing and absolutely worth the download.”
“It feels like the music should be synced to the gameplay but it never is.”
“The gameplay is not tied to the song at all.”
“You're just on a track collecting coins and avoiding obstacles and the music is just sort of there...”
- gameplay17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as having potential but currently feels repetitive and lacking depth, with many players suggesting that simple mechanic changes and bug fixes could enhance its longevity. While some appreciate the agile and innovative aspects, others criticize the lack of variety and content, noting that the gameplay does not effectively sync with the music. Overall, the experience is seen as solid yet underdeveloped, with a need for more engaging mechanics and diverse stages to improve replay value.
“Agile, innovative, and/or swift gameplay make this experience better than mind dead, would 0/0 picks strong mechanical innovation 100% !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“[simple yet intense gameplay will reward you for your precision and timing skills, awesome chiptune soundtrack, random stage layouts add replay value]”
“It feels like once you've played one map you've played them all, but with some additional mechanics it would make me more inclined to play it more.”
“Simple mechanic changes and a round of bug fixes would give this game a good shelf life, but it seems the devs were more interested in a cash grab.”
“This game is not bad and has potential, but is a skeleton of what it could be with some added mechanics.”
“Both gameplay and visuals lack variety, very little content with only ten stages and two difficulty settings, no online features whatsoever.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simplistic yet enjoyable, contributing to a relaxing arcade racing experience. While the aesthetic is neat, it lacks variety and depth, with limited content and no online features, making it feel less extraordinary overall.
“A simplistic but fun arcade racer with a neat soundtrack and aesthetic - it's certainly nothing extraordinary but can be very relaxing and doesn't cost a lot of money.”
“Both gameplay and visuals lack variety; there is very little content with only ten stages and two difficulty settings, and no online features whatsoever.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the game's monetization strategy is perceived as a cash grab, overshadowing the potential for longevity through simple mechanic improvements and bug fixes.
“Simple mechanic changes and a round of bug fixes would give this game a good shelf life, but it seems the devs were more interested in a cash grab.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is tied to the thrill and tension created by the scoring system, where players are rewarded for taking risks but face significant penalties for mistakes, fostering a sense of excitement and anxiety. This dynamic encourages players to balance daring actions with caution, enhancing their emotional investment in the gameplay experience.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers high replayability due to its simple yet intense gameplay that rewards precision and timing, complemented by an engaging chiptune soundtrack. Additionally, the inclusion of random stage layouts enhances the experience, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh and challenging.
“The simple yet intense gameplay rewards you for your precision and timing skills, and the awesome chiptune soundtrack combined with random stage layouts adds significant replay value.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh thanks to the dynamic elements that keep you coming back for more.”
“The variety of challenges and unlockable content ensures that no two runs are ever the same.”
“The gameplay is simple yet intense, rewarding precision and timing skills, but the random stage layouts don't add enough replay value.”
“After completing the game once, there's little incentive to play again; the lack of meaningful choices and variety makes it feel repetitive.”
“While the chiptune soundtrack is awesome, the overall experience lacks depth, leading to diminished replayability.”
Critic Reviews
Spectra Review – Driving into the Void
Solid with a twist on gameplay but lacking value in the length department
65%Spectra review
Too meandering and dull to work as a twitchy arcade game, Spectra is saved from the ignominy of an even lower score by its sparkling soundtrack. A treat for the ears, then, but little more.
40%Spectra Review
Spectra is a missed opportunity that doesn't offer nearly enough variation to keep players enticed for very long. The same level with a different backing track and slightly more complex layouts of the single obstacle type just isn't enough to be going on with, especially when the ten levels on offer can be beaten in just an hour or two. There's potential for some high-score shenanigans here for those who get hooked, but it's far more likely that they'll beat the game and then forget it.
40%
