The Final Specimen: Arrival
- March 2, 2017
- Gigantoraptor Games
Get on SteamThe Final Specimen is a comedic sci-fi adventure game in the style of the classic 2D platformers of the '90s. Packed with whimsical settings and eccentric characters, this energetic, challenging title brings an exciting take to old-school gaming.
Reviews
- The game successfully captures the nostalgic feel of 90's platformers, reminiscent of classics like Super Mario Bros.
- Gameplay is engaging and humorous, with unique level designs and challenging boss fights that keep players entertained.
- The hand-drawn graphics and quirky art style add to the charm, making it a fun experience for fans of retro gaming.
- The music can be repetitive and off-putting for some players, detracting from the overall experience.
- The default controls may not be intuitive, requiring players to adjust settings before fully enjoying the game.
- Some levels can be frustratingly designed, leading to confusion and difficulty in progressing, which may discourage players.
- music10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its quality and how well it complements the gameplay and story, while others find it obnoxious and repetitive. Overall, it seems to evoke strong feelings, with some appreciating its nostalgic 8-bit style and others feeling it detracts from the experience.
“I started playing the game and loved its story, soundtrack, mechanics, and environment (ironically).”
“From the music and storyline, or the feeling of the boss battles, it holds true to a classic game.”
“The soundtrack is on par with any mainstream game; someone took the time to really match the track with gameplay - well worth their time.”
“It's such a weird game to me, but the worst part has to be the music.”
“I absolutely hate the music in this game, it's just so obnoxious and repetitive.”
“This game starts off promising with decent music and decent artwork, but immediately you notice that there are no options.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players finding the pixelated and cartoony art style unappealing and reminiscent of low-budget PC games. However, others appreciate the unique hand-drawn aesthetic and comedic intent behind the visuals, noting that it adds charm and humor to the overall experience. While the graphics may not be for everyone, they contribute to a nostalgic feel that some players find endearing.
“The cartoony graphics are endearing and sometimes hilarious; the mechanics are simple but quite varied throughout the game, the music is great, and the story is pretty funny.”
“The hand-drawn style of the artwork is fairly unique, yet still gives the feel of an early 90's game.”
“The reason the game is made with the MS Paint graphics is to be comedic!”
“I'm not a fan of the graphics, and I know it's supposed to be that way.”
“When I first saw this game, I thought it was cheap because of the pixelated graphics.”
“People would usually just use the graphics as source material for criticism.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively combines humor with challenging gameplay, making it highly replayable, especially on harder difficulties. Players appreciate the nostalgic elements and find the cartoony graphics, sound effects, and death sequences to be consistently amusing. Overall, it offers a delightful experience for fans of humorous platformers.
“Brilliant dose of nostalgia mixed with fantastic humor.”
“The sound effects and death sequences made me laugh every time.”
“The cartoony graphics are endearing and sometimes hilarious; the mechanics are simple but quite varied throughout the game, the music is great, and the story is pretty funny.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, praised for its engaging mechanics and varied challenges, though some players find the art style and music less appealing. The combination of a humorous story, endearing graphics, and solid mechanics contributes to an enjoyable experience, making it a standout in the side-scrolling genre.
“I like the gameplay of this game, and it definitely has its appeal.”
“The cartoony graphics are endearing and sometimes hilarious, the mechanics are simple but quite varied throughout the game, the music is great, and the story is pretty funny.”
“Set the table for the side-scroller onslaught and players’ insatiable desire for more challenging gameplay within familiar mechanics.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its whimsical and comical elements, complemented by engaging music and vibrant visuals. Players appreciate the classic feel of the narrative, which is enhanced by challenging gameplay and unique level designs. Overall, the story contributes significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment, leaving players eager for future installments.
“From the music and storyline, to the feeling of the boss battles, it holds true to a classic game.”
“I personally loved playing this game from start to finish and look forward to the next piece in the story.”
“Some highlights of the game are its challenging 2D landscape, its bright, engaging color schemes, the comical and whimsical storyline, and the broad unique extent of each individual level.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players feel a strong sense of nostalgia, likening the emotional experience to that of playing a low-budget 90s game discovered at a flea market, evoking fond memories of their childhood.
