Tesla Force
- November 19, 2020
- 10tons Ltd
- 7h median play time
If you’re a fan of twin-stick shooters, you might want to add Tesla Force to your game library.
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Get on Apple Store"Tesla Force" is a top-down twin-stick shooter game with rogue-lite elements. Players control a group of scientists defending the world from an invasion of eldritch horrors. Each playthrough offers procedurally generated levels, numerous weapons and upgrades, and intense strategic combat. Fight to protect humanity and uncover the secrets behind the strange enemy force.
Reviews
- Fun and addictive twin-stick shooter gameplay with a variety of weapons and perks.
- Great for quick gaming sessions, making it ideal for casual play.
- Improved visuals and character variety compared to its predecessor, Tesla vs Lovecraft.
- Repetitive gameplay and limited content lead to a lack of long-term engagement.
- Game feels unbalanced, with some weapons and perks being overpowered, making it too easy.
- Many players feel it lacks polish and is buggy, with some features feeling unfinished.
- story30 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and not central to the experience, with players noting that while it features intriguing historical figures like Nikola Tesla and H.P. Lovecraft, the narrative execution is lacking. Many reviews express a desire for a more engaging storyline and better integration of story elements, as the current missions and encounters feel repetitive and uninteresting. Overall, while the game offers a unique premise, the storytelling aspect is seen as underdeveloped and could benefit from more depth and variety.
“A real gem: superb optics and gameplay, thrilling soundtracks, and a vicious story.”
“Let me just continue with that bonkers story for a second.”
“Tesla stoically accepts that, picks up a shotgun and one of his inventions, and proceeds mowing down cosmic monstrosities and closing down portals in a tutorial mission that ends with him flying off in a mech.”
“Only real negatives I had about this game was how limited story elements are in the game and unlocking new player characters requires a very precise style run to be completed, whereas I would have wished that new playable character unlocks upon defeating the first and second chapters.”
“Of course it's not a story-driven game, but they went for the story and implemented it this badly.”
“The story and random encounters are rather uninteresting.”
- gameplay20 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Tesla Force" is characterized as a straightforward rogue-like twin-stick shooter, reminiscent of "Tesla vs Lovecraft," featuring basic mechanics, limited enemy and weapon variety, and repetitive stages. While some players appreciate the introduction of new elements like the "doomsday clock" and the ability to purchase upgrades, many find the overall experience lacking in depth and replayability compared to other titles in the genre. Despite its charming aesthetics and solid execution, the gameplay is often described as simplistic and not particularly innovative.
“If you're into roguelite games with good gameplay, Tesla Force is a fine pick on sale.”
“A real gem: superb visuals and gameplay, thrilling soundtracks, and a captivating story.”
“10tons knows dual stick shooters, so the gameplay in this is excellent as expected.”
“The gameplay is incredibly boring and simplistic.”
“Monster variety and mechanics is lacking.”
“The binding of Isaac, Risk of Rain 2, Hades, Enter the Gungeon, Dead Cells, and Monolith have the content/perks/concepts/mechanics that this game is lacking which make them better with replayability and keeping runs fresh.”
- grinding9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is characterized as both tedious and addictive, with players noting that while it offers a less stressful experience compared to its predecessor, the roguelike progression system significantly increases the grind. Many find the repetitive nature of missions and the need for extensive grinding to unlock content detracts from the overall experience, despite the game's engaging elements. Overall, it is described as heavily reliant on grinding, with some achievements feeling unnecessarily time-consuming.
“Unlocking the third one is far too tedious.”
“The roguelike nature makes progression more grindy.”
“I can describe this game as 10 tons of grinding!”
- replayability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players find it enjoyable with perks and upgrades, many feel it becomes repetitive quickly and lacks the depth and variety seen in other titles. Despite its polished state post-early access, it doesn't fully deliver on the promise of "endless replayability," leading to comparisons with more engaging games in the genre.
“And actually endlessly replayable.”
“Now that it’s out of early access, it’s polished, gleefully fun, has a good amount of replayability and a solid amount of upgrades and things to purchase.”
“Advertises 'endless replayability,' but it gets quite samey very quick.”
“In its current state, I can't call it endlessly replayable - the monsters tap out pretty soon.”
“Advertises 'endless replayability,' but it gets quite samey very quickly.”
“At this price point, there are other games that offer a more substantial amount of replayability.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics received mixed reviews, with some praising the nice visuals and sound effects, while others criticized them as dull and reminiscent of early PS3 titles. Despite improvements noted in some areas, many felt that the overall graphical experience was lacking and did not significantly enhance gameplay.
“Nice graphics and sound effects.”
“Improved visuals over previous versions.”
“The graphics are impressive and enhance the overall experience.”
“The graphics are dull and remind me of early PS3 days; the shooting feels awkward and the perks don't seem to have any effect.”
“But, the same graphics, music, sound effects, and gameplay.”
“Improved visuals over TVL.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highlighted as a standout feature, with a thrilling soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. While some users note a lack of variety in graphics and sound effects, the funky soundtrack adds a fun element, making it enjoyable for players looking to immerse themselves in the action.
“A real gem: superb visuals and gameplay, thrilling soundtracks, and a vicious story.”
“It's a fun game for when you're in the mood to turn on some music and just blast wave after wave of murderous slobbering Cthulhu spawn.”
“Funky soundtrack.”
“But, the same graphics, music, sound effects, and gameplay.”
“It's a fun game for when you're in the mood to turn on some music and just blast wave after wave of murderous, slobbering Cthulhu spawn.”
- stability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
While the game performs well on the Steam Deck, many users report significant bugs and an overall sense of being unfinished, indicating stability issues that detract from the experience.
“Runs great on Steam Deck.”
“But, man, it's so buggy and plainly unfinished.”
- humor2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users find the humor in the game lacking, describing it as repetitive and unfunny, particularly criticizing the progression system and the disparity in perk effectiveness. Overall, the comedic elements do not resonate well with players.
“Then it is very repetitive; the progression system, including the doom clock, is questionable and rather unfunny.”
“Some of the perks are so much better it's not funny.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is highly praised for its intense blend of Tesla-inspired elements and Lovecraftian themes, offering a rich variety of experiences and engaging gameplay.
“I love it - this is more Tesla vs. Lovecraft, with more toys, more variety, and the same intense atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly.”
“Every corner of the game is filled with rich details that create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth and immersion I was hoping for.”
“Despite the interesting premise, the atmosphere fails to engage, making the experience feel hollow.”
“The game’s atmosphere is inconsistent, often breaking immersion with jarring transitions and poorly designed environments.”
Critic Reviews
Tesla Force Review
If you’re a fan of twin-stick shooters, you might want to add Tesla Force to your game library.
80%Tesla Force Review - Grind Your Way To Victory With Both Sticks
Twin stick mayhem which pits your kick-ass scientists against hordes of beasts in a dreary procedurally generated underworld. Long stints reveal the repetitive nature of the maps and challenges, but grab a copy if you're up for some shallow bullet spraying for up to four buddies.
65%Tesla Force Review
10tons has taken their titles to another level with Tesla vs Lovecraft by replicating the twin-stick shooter of their previous Tesla outing, and incorporating the roguelike elements has made this the ultimate Tesla & Lovecraftian crossover thus far. Plus, the addition of two characters, Mary Shelley and Marie Curie both bring their unique flavours with regards to playstyle, Tesla vs Lovecraft promises a lot of hours spent grinding out runs. The 'Doomsday Clock' keeps the AI a tricky beast to tame, as they slowly begin to climb in difficulty throughout the run, culminating in the end boss fight that differs in difficulty based on how quickly or slowly it took to get there. The visual display that is on show when the enemies become quite sporadic and overwhelming, only to then get destroyed by Tesla in a mech suit is one of the more exciting and riveting experiences that makes this adventure worth going back to.
70%
