Ultratron
- March 18, 2013
- Puppygames
- 2h median play time
Flashy visuals are great, but... what in the world is actually going on?!
"Ultratron is a sci-fi shooter game with classic arcade gameplay, updated for the modern era. Fight through 40+ levels as the last humanoid battle droid, with upgrades, pet drones, and special abilities. Play in single-player mode or drop-in two-player co-op, with support for English and five other languages."
Reviews
- Ultratron offers a fast-paced, addictive twin-stick shooter experience reminiscent of classic arcade games like Robotron 2084, with engaging gameplay and tight controls.
- The game features a variety of upgrades and power-ups, allowing for customization and strategic play, which enhances replayability.
- Visually, Ultratron is praised for its vibrant graphics and retro aesthetic, combined with a fitting soundtrack that adds to the overall arcade feel.
- Many players find the visual effects overwhelming, making it difficult to distinguish between enemies, projectiles, and background elements, which can lead to frustration.
- The game has been criticized for its lack of depth and variety, with some reviewers noting that it can become repetitive after a short playtime.
- Controller support issues have been reported, with some players unable to use their gamepads effectively, detracting from the intended twin-stick shooter experience.
- graphics61 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are a blend of retro 8-bit aesthetics and modern visual effects, creating a vibrant and colorful experience that some players find overwhelming and distracting. While many appreciate the nostalgic feel and innovative use of lighting, others criticize the visuals for causing eye strain and making gameplay difficult due to the chaotic screen elements. Overall, the graphics are praised for their artistic style and presentation, though opinions vary on their effectiveness in enhancing gameplay.
“In particular, I love the use of specific graphical techniques to forge a novel look and feel that is somehow both archaic and brand new simultaneously.”
“The graphics are awesome and a great modern take on old-school arcade style.”
“The graphics look great, and successfully blend in some nice modern visuals into its retro style.”
“The strobing effect can be disabled, but the base graphics are no less spasmatistic and eye-burning.”
“Visuals can be overwhelming and cause eye strain at times.”
“The graphics are nearly all the same color so in situations where a load of bad guys shooting at you come along, it can be hard to see their bullets amidst the retro flashing lights.”
- music51 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely positive feedback, with many reviewers praising its energetic and engaging soundtrack that complements the gameplay. While some noted that the music can be repetitive or distracting at times, the overall consensus is that it enhances the gaming experience, featuring a mix of retro and modern electronic styles. The soundtrack is often described as a standout element, contributing to the game's fun and addictive nature.
“The soundtrack and the sound effects are great, puppy games quality!”
“The music ramps up in intensity as you progress through each level, and it really fills you up with a sense of impending doom as you blast wave after wave of evil robots.”
“Amazing arcade action, fantastic electronic music, great graphics.”
“The music is a bit repetitive.”
“The music can, at times, be distracting but the music can be easily turned down.”
“The game music sucks.”
- gameplay46 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by tight controls and engaging mechanics, offering a blend of retro and contemporary styles that appeal to fans of twin-stick shooters and bullet hell genres. Players appreciate the challenging yet rewarding experience, with a satisfying power progression system and vibrant visuals that enhance the overall enjoyment. While the gameplay is simple and accessible, it provides enough depth to keep players engaged, making it a solid choice for both quick sessions and longer playthroughs.
“Its tight controls and engaging gameplay offer a blast of retro fun, perfect for quick sessions or extended play.”
“The gameplay is fast and responsive, using Logitech F310 controllers, and the power progression is pleasing.”
“The graphics, sound, and overall presentation are solid, and the twin-stick shooter style of gameplay is engaging and satisfying.”
“I just can't recommend this game, but I do have my reasons and perhaps they are too personal, so do take a look at other reviews and gameplay if my reasons are of no effect to you.”
“This game could use some additional gameplay modes of some sort to add variety and increased replayability.”
“It's a pretty simple game, and if you're looking for complex gameplay, this isn't the place to look for it.”
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story of the game revolves around the last human on a mission to avenge humanity against robots that have taken over the world, presenting a compelling yet simplistic narrative. However, many reviews highlight the lack of depth in the story, describing it as minimal or non-existent, with gameplay focused more on action than storytelling. Overall, while the concept is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired in terms of narrative development.
“A stealth sequel to Droid Assault, where the robots take over the world and you go on a (pretty futile) mission to avenge humanity.”
“- The last human on a mission to avenge the entire human race is an undeniably badass concept.”
“The story concept and art style were really appealing, and I read some good things about this developer, so I decided to pick the game up.”
“Gameplay - mindless Robocop-minded hardcore arcade shooter, zero story, just goes tougher each level.”
“There isn't really a story or anything else, just jump in and shoot stuff!”
“There are bosses and enemies but literally no story as to why I'm shooting these guys.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers strong replayability through various gameplay modes, leaderboards, and Steam achievements, encouraging players to return for new challenges and strategies. While some players desire additional modes for more variety, the existing features and upgrade systems provide ample opportunities for replay value, catering to different playstyles and skill levels.
“This adds a lot to the tried and proven twin-stick action formula and gives the game great replay value.”
“Replayability in Ultraton is its shining point; there are leaderboards that will keep you playing the longest, along with many Steam achievements. Once you complete the game, you can start again at a harder difficulty and keep your score.”
“It gives a lot of replay value from the different setups you can create with the upgrades, whether you want to be an all-out shooter or focus mostly on your little bot companions.”
“This game could use some additional gameplay modes of some sort to add variety and increased replayability.”
“Replayability in Ultraton is its shining point; there are leaderboards that will keep you playing the longest, along with many Steam achievements. Once you complete the game, you start again but at a harder difficulty while keeping your score.”
“It gives a lot of replay value from the different little setups that you can do with the upgrades, whether you choose to be an all-out shooter or focus mostly on your little bot companions.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its fun and humorous elements, featuring great presentation, sound effects, and music that enhance the comedic experience. While it may not be the top choice among similar titles, it remains enjoyable and visually appealing, with levels that creatively evoke a humorous 2D dance club atmosphere.
“A very fun and humorous game - though it's probably my least favorite of the 'neo-retro' bunch, that isn't saying much, as it's still great.”
“Great presentation, great sound effects, great music, humor.”
“Indeed, the levels all sort of look like they take place in a 2D dance club of some sort which is at once funny and fitting for this game.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a unique blend of 1980s arcade vibes, techno rave aesthetics, and a futuristic computer factory setting, enhanced by effective lighting and intentional screen distortion effects. This combination creates a techno-menacing ambiance that immerses players without detracting from the gameplay experience.
“The lighting creates a wonderful techno-menacing ambient feeling, which greatly enhances the game's atmosphere.”
“The overall atmosphere seems to be a blend of a 1980s arcade, a techno rave dance club, and a bizarre, futuristic computer factory.”
“The intentionally strange screen distortion effects further enhance the atmosphere of this game without significantly distracting from the gameplay.”
“The overall atmosphere seems to be halfway between a 1980s arcade, a techno rave dance club, and a weird, futuristic computer factory.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect in Ultratron to be slow and tedious, often feeling like they are merely grinding to achieve their goals rather than enjoying the gameplay.
“In Ultraton, I always felt like I was simply grinding to get what I wanted, and it felt slow doing so.”
“In short, it's a grindy level-up experience.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users feel that the game's monetization could benefit from increased advertising efforts to enhance visibility and attract more players.
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is enhanced by a rewarding system where defeated enemies drop currency that can be used for upgrades and weaponry, allowing players to improve their performance effectively.
“Dead enemies leave currency that can be spent on upgrades and weaponry to enhance your performance.”
“The optimization of character builds allows for a tailored gameplay experience, making each playthrough unique.”
“Resource management is key, as optimizing your loadout can significantly impact your success in challenging encounters.”
Critic Reviews
Ultratron Review
Ultratron is a slick twin-stick shooter with some great and novel ideas at its core. The initially laid out challenge is a pretty simple one, meaning that some players will ultimately be left wanting. Achievement hunters and score hunters will absolutely relish what's in front of them, however.
70%Ultratron Review
71%Ultratron Review
71%