SWORDCAR
- November 2, 2023
- SpaceMicroscope Studios
- 8h median play time
Get on Steam"SWORDCAR is a single-player racing game with stellar mechanics, offering around 6 hours of playtime. As a gore-covered automotive combat game, players master physics-based combat, pull off devastating drifts, and cast punishing spells to crush a hellish company metropolis and defeat its CEO. The game features an array of vehicles, medieval weaponry, and diabolical blood magic while being pursued by terrifying gore-powered machines."
Mac OS
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique and fun concept of a car with a sword, delivering fast-paced and enjoyable gameplay.
- The visuals and aesthetics are highly praised, with a stylish cel-shaded art style and engaging effects.
- Despite being in early access, the game shows great potential and has a solid foundation that players find addictive and exciting.
- The game is very short, with current content being limited and can be completed in under an hour.
- Many players find the controls to be unpolished and difficult to master, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- The soundtrack is criticized for being repetitive, with some players expressing a desire for more varied and longer music tracks.
- gameplay34 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its addictive and smooth mechanics, combining high-octane racing with soul-like combat elements, reminiscent of titles like Devil May Cry and Ultrakill. While the core gameplay is engaging and well-designed, some players noted the need for fine-tuning, particularly regarding boss health and camera controls. Overall, the game offers a fun and creative experience, with a visually striking presentation that enhances the fast-paced action.
“The core gameplay is awesome and the concept is super fun and videogamey in the best way.”
“It's gory, cell shaded style reminds me of Killer7, while its gameplay is a high adrenaline racer with soul-like combat mechanics, but the carnage and combo system are similar to Devil May Cry, with you carving through waves of enemies.”
“A car with a sword, attack/dodge/parry mechanics that actually work.”
“The game feels like it doesn't stack its mechanics until the last boss, as of writing this review.”
“Bosses have too little health for you to need to learn their mechanics.”
“I completed the game in just under 30 minutes with the starting car; I love the mechanics of drifting sort of being your attack, and I can see it being an easy to learn, hard to master sort of thing.”
- music22 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the fast-paced cyberpunk metal soundtrack as fitting for the action, while others criticize it for being overly repetitive, with only a few short tracks that quickly lose their appeal. Many players express a strong desire for a more varied and longer soundtrack to enhance the overall experience. Overall, while the potential for a great musical backdrop exists, the current limited selection detracts from the game's enjoyment.
“Fast action, cyberpunk metal soundtrack; it's early access, so not many features yet, but what's here is awesome!”
“Add in a Devil May Cry-like stylish meter and a metal soundtrack, and this game is everything I never knew I wanted.”
“The soundtrack is great; I wish there were more songs!”
“The music is the worst thing about this game; it feels like a 5-second riff on repeat for 20-30 minutes.”
“All it needs is a soundtrack that isn't a loop of the same 3 seconds of audio.”
“This game seems like it could turn into something very special, but it very much needs a more varied soundtrack.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a vibrant cel-shaded art style that enhances the game's atmosphere, featuring impressive flame effects and dynamic visuals that captivate players. However, some elements, particularly the particle effects during the final boss encounter, are noted as inconsistent with the overall aesthetic and could benefit from refinement. Overall, the visuals are highly praised for their appeal and contribution to the gameplay experience.
“The toony cel-shaded art style looks great, especially with the flame effects coming off of the tires and the blood dripping off of the car as you speed down the highway.”
“The visuals and overall atmosphere drew me in immediately, and the gameplay more than delivered; I would definitely recommend this!”
“Very flashy and appealing visuals.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story mode is brief, taking around 0.9 hours to complete, which may appeal to players looking for a quick experience. Despite its short length, users report satisfaction with the narrative, though it is important to note that the game is still in early access.
“Played through the story in one quick sitting and was not disappointed.”
“The biggest thing is that I have completed the released story in 0.9 hours of playtime at the time of writing, so if this interests you, you're buying into a very early access.”
“The biggest thing is that I have completed the released story in just 0.9 hours of playtime, so if this interests you, you're buying into a very early access.”
“It took me a little less than an hour to complete the released story mode, and I'm admittedly a casual when it comes to these sorts of games.”
“The biggest thing is that I have completed the released story in just 0.9 hours of playtime, so if this interests you, you're buying into a very early access.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players generally perceive the game as a lighthearted and amusing experience, often describing it as a "dumb little funny game." Despite some criticism regarding the controls, the humor contributes positively to the overall enjoyment, making it a worthwhile play.
“I still think this is a dumb little funny game, but it's a good one.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional impact of the game is somewhat diminished by the final boss's particle effects, which clash with the overall art style and detract from the intended atmosphere.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its captivating visuals that immediately engage players, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Many reviewers recommend the game based on its strong atmospheric elements.
“The visuals and overall atmosphere drew me in immediately, and the gameplay more than delivered; I would definitely recommend this!”
