ULTRAKILL

About

ULTRAKILL is a single player arcade shooter game with fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by Arsi "Hakita" Patala and was released on September 3, 2020. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Ultrakill is a fast-paced and stylish retro-FPS game that takes place in a dark, dystopian world. You play as a mysterious gun-wielding automaton, battling against hordes of enemies using a wide range of weapons and creative kill combos. The game features a unique momentum-based movement system, allowing for fluid and acrobatic traversal throughout the environment.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

+18

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98%

Audience ScoreBased on 172,200 reviews

gameplay4.7k positive mentions

grinding182 negative mentions

gameplay
10,382 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
53%
2%
The gameplay of "Ultrakill" is widely praised for its fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action that combines elements from classic shooters like Doom and Quake with modern mechanics reminiscent of character action games such as Devil May Cry. Players appreciate the intricate weapon interactions, unique movement mechanics, and the rewarding nature of mastering the game's various systems, which encourage aggressive play and experimentation. The game's design promotes a high skill ceiling, making it both accessible for newcomers and deeply engaging for seasoned players, while the dynamic soundtrack enhances the overall experience.
- “Gameplay is a good mix of modern doom, boomer shooters, and movement shooters.”
- “Incredible gameplay and lore, oh my god please play this game.”
- “Ultrakill is one of those games that are hard to put into words; this game is so incredibly polished and feels handcrafted for each and every player, with so many different weapon combos, movement techs, crazy secrets, and an all-around incredible visual and audio design perfectly complementing gameplay made with experimentation in mind.”
- “The gameplay is a bit repetitive in my opinion and it just isn't worth 25 bucks.”
- “The only critique I can give to the game is that many of its mechanics are not taught to the player.”
- “The gameplay is fast-paced and intense, the different guns have so many mechanics that you'll never get bored, and the music slaps.”
music
6,378 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
47%
1%
The music in *Ultrakill* has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its energetic and diverse soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's fast-paced gameplay. Composed primarily by the developer, Hakita, the soundtrack features a mix of genres, including breakcore, metal, and classical elements, creating an immersive experience that enhances the intensity of combat. Players often highlight specific tracks as standout pieces, noting that the music not only elevates the gameplay but also stands out as a remarkable listening experience on its own.
- “So much thought is put into this game and its mechanics, and even though it doesn't seem like it has any, it has some great lore, along with some of the best music I've ever heard in a game, really rivaling games like Risk of Rain 2 with how good its soundtrack and gameplay is.”
- “The music is a cherry on top because it is just so damn good.”
- “The soundtrack is a relentless barrage of industrial metal that pounds in your ears, amplifying the sense of urgency and dread.”
- “Then the music, the art style and enemy design started slowly and slowly getting weaker.”
- “A minor problem is that the art style and music are becoming less meaningful and just serve as a filler.”
- “The only bad things in this game are the leviathan boss fight and the music in 1-1, outside of that, everything from the shooting mechanics to the weapon interactions to level design to the enemy variety and numbers is perfect.”
humor
3,738 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in "Ultrakill" is characterized by its absurdity and self-awareness, with players frequently highlighting the game's quirky mechanics, hilarious secret levels, and witty dialogue. Many reviews mention the comedic elements of gameplay, such as the funny interactions with enemies and the over-the-top violence, which contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere despite the game's intense action. However, the community's humor can be polarizing, with some finding the recurring jokes about sex and absurdity to be tiresome or unfunny. Overall, the game successfully blends chaotic gameplay with a unique sense of humor that resonates with many players.
- “This game is super fast-paced with great worldbuilding and humor.”
- “Ultrakill is an amazing game, from the style, to the humor of the level titles or the secret levels, to how the game challenges you and pushes you to learn new ways to play is amazing.”
- “Endless hours of fun, packed together with wonderful developers, that in one game, can make you satisfied, scared, and bursting out laughing all at once.”
- “The fanbase consists of some of the most obnoxious, unfunny people on the planet.”
- “This game is unfunny as hell, but it's fun and the story is nice when it's being serious.”
- “Every review of this game is the same unfunny joke over and over again; great game though.”
story
3,734 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
59%
3%
The story of "Ultrakill" is described as surprisingly engaging and rich, with many players appreciating its unique blend of humor, dark themes, and references to religious mythology, particularly Dante's Inferno. While the narrative is not the primary focus—often taking a backseat to fast-paced gameplay—players find the lore and environmental storytelling compelling, encouraging exploration and discovery of secrets throughout the game. Many reviews highlight that the story is still developing, with anticipation for future updates to expand on its intriguing premise.
- “I seriously recommend this game, it's one of my favorites, the storytelling gives me goosebumps and the fighting is satisfying.”
- “The best developers that I've seen, who are completely committed to making this game fun, with a serious story on the outside and tons of secrets to discover if you look for them.”
- “The story, the characters, the world, the music, the gameplay.”
- “The storyline was only just satisfactory but this was complemented by all the interesting characters involved.”
- “The story is thin, but adds to the mood without being corny or slowing the pace.”
- “The story is that (I practically forgot most of the story, or like, misinterpret it so please correct me if I'm wrong) you are a robot named v1 that was built during the 'great war' (it's just called that, idk why tho) and humanity soon like, fuckin died or something, so there was no blood for v1 :( to get cuz for some reason u need it to like survive ig? (so tragic).”
graphics
3,120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
58%
3%
The graphics of "Ultrakill" are characterized by a retro aesthetic reminiscent of PS1 and early 3D shooters, which some players find charming and nostalgic, while others consider them simplistic or off-putting. The low-poly visuals are designed to enhance gameplay clarity and performance, allowing the game to run smoothly on lower-end systems. Overall, the graphics effectively complement the fast-paced action and unique mechanics, making it a standout title for fans of the genre despite varying opinions on their quality.
- “Graphically, it is pretty great for an indie; it looks exactly like the old Quake games and gameplay-wise it rivals even modern FPS games.”
- “The graphics are very easy to read and enemies never blend in with the background.”
- “The graphics throw back to the '90s, offering a nostalgic charm that will appeal to some more than others.”
- “Eyesore graphics that are made to emulate the nostalgic feeling of old 3D games, but just end up making me feel genuinely nauseous.”
- “This is like a Doom video game but with gross PlayStation 1 graphics. Ewww, would not recommend to real PC gamers.”
- “The pixelated graphics, while nostalgic for some, often descend into a visual chaos that makes it hard to distinguish enemies, projectiles, and important elements of the game.”
replayability
1,120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
44%
1%
The game "Ultrakill" is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players highlighting its fast-paced gameplay, intricate level design, and a variety of challenges such as ranking systems and hidden secrets. The inclusion of modes like the "cybergrind" offers near-infinite replay value, allowing players to continuously refine their skills and explore new strategies. Despite being in early access, the game provides a wealth of content that keeps players engaged for hours, making it a standout title in the FPS genre.
- “This is legitimately probably the best game I have ever played, near infinite replayability, top tier gameplay.”
- “Ultrakill has so much replayability, by either p-ranking levels, getting all secrets, or grinding more coins.”
- “The game also provides high replayability via the aforementioned score system and secrets which incentivize you to retry and master previous levels using newly learned strategies in order to unlock extra challenges and bonus levels, the secrets are also really fun to find and interact with.”
- “This game is really, really fun when you're playing for the first time, but there's not much replayability; sure, you can p-rank all the levels, do the cyber grind, but that's pretty much it.”
- “Very fun but literally no replayability, the only downside.”
- “The weak replayability and the claustrophobic and depressing environment will make you want to cut your wrists very quickly, unless you're simple-minded.”
emotional
386 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The emotional aspect of the game has resonated deeply with players, often leading to tears and intense feelings of joy, sadness, and nostalgia. Many users report experiencing a wide range of emotions, from feeling like a powerful machine to grappling with personal introspection and emotional trauma, often triggered by the game's narrative and music. Overall, the game is described as both heartwarming and devastating, creating a unique emotional rollercoaster that players find unforgettable.
- “This game made me feel colors.”
- “The sheer variety of emotions playing this game has made me feel is astounding.”
- “This is the only game I have ever played which made me cry, both for the story and music.”
grinding
364 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
49%
50%
The reviews highlight a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with many players finding it both rewarding and tedious. While some enjoy the challenge of grinding for p-ranks and the replayability it offers, others feel that it can become monotonous and frustrating, particularly as they progress through the game. Overall, the experience of grinding varies significantly among players, with some embracing it as a core aspect of the gameplay while others find it burdensome.
- “P-ranking is challenging, but not too grindy.”
- “When I could actually have fun with it and wasn't grinding my balls off on a certain level, it was one of the best games I've ever played.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Great game, but layer 7 was awful and tedious to play through as the enemy spam and the massive amount of health on enemies you can't get close to becomes far too frustrating and repetitive.”
- “The game can be a strange mix between: what is very fun when it is at its best and confusing and tedious at its worst while unfortunately it can switch between these wildly.”
atmosphere
294 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
41%
1%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of retro-inspired graphics, immersive sound design, and dynamic music that enhances the gameplay experience. Players describe it as a captivating mix of hellish and heavenly elements, with each level offering distinct environments that draw them into the world. The combination of engaging combat, atmospheric storytelling, and a stellar soundtrack creates a thrilling and memorable experience that resonates with fans of fast-paced shooters.
- “The atmosphere, the music, the enemies, the bosses, the levels, the story, the gameplay are all amazing.”
- “From the neon-soaked streets of futuristic cityscapes to the nightmarish landscapes of otherworldly dimensions, each environment is painstakingly crafted to immerse players in a vivid and atmospheric world brimming with detail and personality.”
- “The retro-inspired graphics and frenetic pace create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and nightmarish.”
- “The music, atmosphere, weapons, and of course... the music, it all makes you feel like you're trespassing on the grounds of hell itself, like you're some kind of intruder.”
- “With an extremely dark and sometimes horrific atmosphere, combined with a fast-paced 8-bit metal soundtrack which will have you excited for each new encounter.”
optimization
192 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
55%
7%
The game's optimization is generally praised, with many players noting it runs smoothly even on low-end PCs, thanks to its minimal graphics and retro design. However, some users report occasional performance issues, particularly during intense visual moments, indicating that while the game is well-optimized for most setups, there are still areas for improvement. Overall, it strikes a balance between fun gameplay and accessibility, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players.
- “Overall fun game that offers optimization for even the worst of players, and it's still not done, either.”
- “The game is optimized well enough that even I can enjoy it at a good FPS, so you could probably run it on a toaster, if you were so inclined.”
- “This game is optimized for maximum fun.”
- “Great game with a crushing difficulty, but sadly very poorly optimized.”
- “Poor optimization: despite the relatively simple graphics, 'Ultrakill' doesn't run as smoothly as you'd expect.”
- “The performance went down in the single digits in some occasions despite my PC being well over the recommended hardware requirements, but at least it only lasted for very few seconds and no enemies were even around so I have no idea what could've caused it.”
stability
110 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
2%
76%
Overall, the game's stability is commendable for an early access title, with many players reporting it as mostly bug-free and polished. While some minor glitches and performance issues exist, particularly in specific levels or on certain platforms, they are generally not game-breaking and often enhance the gameplay experience by being integrated as features. The developer's approach to maintaining certain glitches for speedrunning and skill refinement has been well-received, contributing to a fun and engaging environment.
- “Despite being early access, this game is mostly bug free and very polished.”
- “I have experienced no glitches or bugs, and the only shortcoming is that the game isn't fully released yet.”
- “Everything is so smooth and fun, with no glitches or broken gameplay elements.”
- “Good game however when playing fast paced the game will start to run into issues, bugs, glitches, and more that make the experience so unenjoyable on levels like 2-4, 7-4 off the top of my head.”
- “A few mechanics could do with a polish, and I've died due to glitches a handful of times, but this can all be attributed to the game still being early access.”
- “There are a few minor glitches in the map design, I noticed specifically some of the doors have clipping on them.”
character development
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
25%
4%
Character development in the game is highly praised, with reviewers highlighting the unique and visually striking character designs that enhance the overall experience. The combination of engaging lore, humor, and memorable character interactions contributes to a rich narrative, making the characters feel distinct and full of personality. Overall, the character designs are considered a standout feature, complementing the game's impressive art style and soundtrack.
- “The story and character design is phenomenal, but the gameplay is where the game actually stands out and shows how much effort and care was put into it.”
- “The character designs are another fantastic feature this game has, never feeling the same, and always unique; even in hordes, you can distinguish a filth from a stray.”
- “The music is fantastic, I find myself humming any track from the game at any time; the enemy and character designs are genius, the story is impeccable thanks to a combination of genius dialogue, subtext, and presentation.”
- “I liked the part where v1 violently beat character development into Gabriel only for Gabriel to realize that he liked it too.”
- “They add too much cocaine to this game then mix it with Quake and DMC and extra god character development.”
- “Doom Eternal but with sexier graphics, quicker gameplay, character development, and life advice.”
monetization
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
50%
40%
The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, which sets it apart from many modern titles that rely heavily on monetization strategies like loot boxes and in-game purchases. Reviewers appreciate the focus on gameplay and style over graphics and monetization, highlighting the developers' commitment to creating a quality experience without resorting to cash grabs. Overall, the game is seen as a refreshing alternative for players seeking a more straightforward and engaging gaming experience.
- “No microtransactions.”
- “Goes to show that gameplay and style are leagues more important than graphics or monetization.”
- “I believe this is a great game for people wanting to get away from AAA games or games with excessive microtransactions, as well as having a reasonable price. It is really worth it if you want to improve your aim, and it has a diverse amount of interactions with each weapon and enemy, with a nice difficulty (in standard) when first completed, and then getting very aggravating when you are 1 second off perfect, yet it still has me hooked.”
- “I wanted to buy the schoolgirl outfit for v1, but I can’t find the microtransactions store.”
- “Not because I like it, but because in a system that promotes loot crates and online integration and microtransactions, Ultrakill is what it wants to be, and not what it isn't.”
- “The emerging Asian markets and proliferation of smartphone games in particular are altering player demographics towards casual gaming and increasing monetization by incorporating games as a service.”