stratO
- June 1, 2015
- Mark Chong
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam"stratO" is a single-player simulation game that challenges players to master advanced aerobatic maneuvers with a unique control system. Instead of traditional controls, players manipulate individual air deflectors to generate torque and navigate through a procedurally-generated world that increases in difficulty as more rings are collected. Deep game mechanics such as sliding to boost and boosting through rings for bonuses add to the challenge and replayability.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features unique controls that provide a fresh and challenging 3D maneuvering experience, making it rewarding to master.
- Visually stunning with beautiful graphics and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience.
- Offers a deep level of mechanical complexity, allowing for a variety of gameplay styles and rewarding skillful play.
- The steep learning curve and unintuitive controls can be frustrating for new players, often leading to confusion without a proper tutorial.
- Some players find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in content, with limited modes and objectives to keep them engaged long-term.
- The camera and visibility issues can detract from the overall experience, making it difficult to navigate through the game's environments.
- gameplay28 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "strato" is characterized by its deep and complex mechanics that require skillful flying and strategic thinking, offering a challenging experience that evolves as players learn. While the controls are tight and the game is visually engaging, many players find the lack of tutorials and clear objectives frustrating, leading to a steep learning curve. Overall, the game is praised for its unique approach and addictive nature, though it may feel repetitive without sufficient content or guidance for newcomers.
“I appreciate the deep game mechanics that intertwine various actions like sliding, boosting, tucking, and magnetizing.”
“The complexity adds layers to the gameplay, making every session a learning experience.”
“With a large learning curve and very unique gameplay elements, strato challenges you constantly as you learn to fly.”
“It's not immediately obvious what you're supposed to do, and even when you start to get the hang of the flight mechanics, avoiding the obstacles and flying through hoops just gets repetitive and boring.”
“With a game that has such abstract mechanics, the lack of any type of tutorial, guide, manual, or explanation on what the goal is or how to play is baffling.”
“1.3 hours of gameplay later, after all of that, I still feel like a complete noob and am still very lost as to what I'm doing when playing, but I'm starting to figure it out little by little.”
- music18 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its seamless integration with gameplay, enhancing the overall experience with a dynamic soundtrack that evolves based on player actions. While the initial tracks are engaging and atmospheric, some players note that the music can become repetitive over time, leading to a desire for a broader selection of songs. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's immersive and exhilarating feel.
“The feeling you get when you pull off some amazing combo is just the best, burning through the center of a hoop at insane speed, while pulling off a stunt, while in slow motion, while giant pillars rise up and descend all around you, while being a rocket-powered glider, while a choir 'ahhh's in your ears at the amazing feats you're pulling off, and all while a fantastic soundtrack pulses through your soul.”
“Strato is a smooth experience and if you can get a combo going with some good flying, the music rewards you and makes the experience all that much better.”
“The graphics are also breathtaking and the soundtrack serves as the perfect cherry on top.”
“Audio/music gets rather repetitive in a short time although it does add some nice atmosphere to the game and complements the graphic set.”
“My only complaint is there needs to be more music tracks for the game to swap through as you get into the later maps.”
“But to grind and slide against the structures stacking speed boosts to hear that sweet dubstep music start up makes it all worthwhile.”
- graphics13 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their breathtaking quality and crispness, with many reviewers highlighting the effective use of simplistic styles and atmospheric fog effects that enhance immersion. The visuals are complemented by a well-integrated soundtrack, although some note that the audio can become repetitive over time. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal, earning high marks from players.
“The graphics are breathtaking, and the soundtrack serves as the perfect cherry on top.”
“Graphics do look nice in the simplistic style used though - they have depth when coupled with the fog effects.”
“The camera follows you really well and creates a fluid sense of continuity and immersion; the aesthetic and the music are quite well put together.”
“Graphics wise, the game is really crisp.”
“Crisp graphics.”
“Graphics 3/5 (do they really matter?)”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its audio and music, which, while somewhat repetitive, effectively complements the graphics and contributes to the overall ambiance. The sound design is described as fitting and appropriate, though not particularly elaborate.
“The audio and music, while somewhat repetitive, add a nice atmosphere to the game and complement the graphics beautifully.”
“It's not too fancy, but it fits the atmosphere perfectly.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find wall grinding to be the most effective method for scoring and progressing in the game, with some noting that it takes time to master but can lead to enjoyable gameplay experiences. While experimenting with other mechanics like circles is possible, the focus on wall grinding seems to enhance both skill development and enjoyment.
“Wall grinding seems to be the best option to increase your score, but I did try for the circles to see if I could progress and hit a few of the harder achievements.”
“Took me about an hour to get good enough at grinding walls to be able to reliably enter dubstep mode, but I was having a great time soaring about within 20 minutes.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game features a minimal or non-existent story, which is expected given its arcade style; however, this lack of narrative does not detract from the overall quality of the gameplay.
“Story: not applicable - it's an arcade game, what did you expect?”
“Story 0/5 (non-existent, but it doesn't change the quality of the game in any way)”
