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Wavecade

Wavecade Game Cover
77%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
replayability
97% User Score Based on 31 reviews

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Wavecade Game Cover

About

Wavecade is a single player and multiplayer arcade shooter game. It was developed by Spalato Bros and was released on July 10, 2022. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

WAVECADE is a sci-fi, arcade-style #shmup where YOU control the speed of the game. Destroy blocks, minions and bosses in style as you collect powerups and avoid hazards. How far can you go? Inspired by classic arcade shooters such as 'Space Invaders' and 'Galaga', Wavecade brings back the original nostalgia feeling to players from arcades, using sleek retro 80's and sci-fi aesthetic. TIME MANIPU…

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Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
Wavecade screenshot
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97%
Audience ScoreBased on 31 reviews
gameplay5 positive mentions
  • Wavecade offers a unique mechanic of controlling game speed by moving up and down the screen, adding depth to the gameplay.
  • The game features stunning visuals and a fantastic synthwave soundtrack, enhancing the overall experience.
  • It provides a variety of modes and customization options, making it enjoyable for both casual and hardcore players.
  • The lack of visual clarity can make it difficult to navigate hazards, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • Some users reported issues with the user interface, particularly when using a controller, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
  • There are occasional bugs, such as the game softlocking when accessing certain menu options, which need to be addressed.
  • gameplay
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Wavecade is characterized by its innovative mechanic that allows players to slow down or speed up the game by moving vertically, adding a unique twist to the traditional shmup genre. However, some players find the limited visibility of the gameplay area and the challenging density of projectiles to be frustrating. Overall, the straightforward controls and customizable modes, combined with a vibrant aesthetic, contribute to an engaging experience that balances accessibility with challenge.

    • “I really enjoy the unique mechanic of moving up and down the screen to speed up or slow down the game speed.”
    • “It's very hard to avoid hazards in time when there are a lot of blocks/projectiles on screen, and while the core mechanic of moving down to slow down time is clearly intended to help with avoiding hazards, for some bizarre reason they've chosen to not show the entire gameplay area at once (like every other shmup I've played) and also used a background that gives no indication of where you are within the arena until you're close to the sides.”
    • “The gameplay is rather straightforward, as all you do is click to shoot and move your mouse; however, that does not make the game easy or boring.”
    • “Wavecade approaches the arcade shmup genre with its slow down and speed up mechanic that makes the game accessible or flexibly challenging.”
  • music
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received high praise for its innovative and dynamic synthwave soundtrack, which adjusts in tempo to match the gameplay speed, enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, complementing the game's retro aesthetic and chaotic bullet-hell mechanics. Overall, the music is described as fantastic and stylish, making it a significant aspect of the game's appeal.

    • “It's a very unique feature, I love how the soundtrack follows the speed you're on and you can feel the chaos.”
    • “It's a very unique feature; I love how the soundtrack follows the speed you're on and you can feel the chaos.”
    • “Overall, it is a fun take on the bullet hell genre with a retro soundtrack to boot.”
    • “There's a pumping synthwave soundtrack that slows down and speeds up like analog tape, matching the speed of the action.”
  • graphics
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their outstanding quality, featuring a vibrant neon aesthetic and a nostalgic 80s arcade sci-fi style that enhances the retro shoot-em-up experience. Players appreciate the unique visuals and synthwave elements, although some have noted performance issues on lower-end hardware. Overall, the game's graphics contribute significantly to its appeal and enjoyment.

    • “The graphics are outstanding, the music is good, and most importantly the game plays true to the genre. If you enjoy the classics and want to play something new, I’d definitely recommend!”
    • “Harking back to scrolling shoot 'em ups, Wavecade is a neat updated take with unique mechanics and great neon synthwave aesthetics!”
    • “The visuals, the gameplay, the overall 80's arcade sci-fi synthwave aesthetic!”
    • “I would recommend toning down some of the graphic options as it did lag my low-mid end laptop a bit.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers significant replayability, with extensive features and thoughtful design that keep the experience fresh and engaging, making it a comprehensive choice for fans of the shmup genre.

    • “Sometimes indies peak after a few features, but there's so much time and effort that has gone into making this game replayable and exciting that it's essentially a one-stop release for what you need in a shmup.”
    • “The variety of gameplay modes and challenges keeps me coming back for more; every playthrough feels fresh and engaging.”
    • “With multiple endings and unlockable content, I find myself diving back in to explore every possibility the game has to offer.”
    • “The game lacks the depth needed for true replayability; once you've completed it, there's little incentive to return.”
    • “After finishing the main story, I found myself with no real motivation to play again, as the side content felt repetitive and uninspired.”
    • “While the game is enjoyable, it doesn't offer enough variety in gameplay to warrant multiple playthroughs.”
  • emotional
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game to be engaging, as the unique and random power-ups create a sense of danger, while the ship customization offers a personal and wholesome touch. Additionally, the challenging and fast-paced levels contribute to an adrenaline-fueled experience that heightens emotional investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Wavecade is a arcade shooter game.

Wavecade is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Web Browser, Mac OS and others.

Wavecade was released on July 10, 2022.

Wavecade was developed by Spalato Bros.

Wavecade has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its replayability.

Wavecade is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Beat Hazard, Symphony, Horizon Shift, Assault Android Cactus, Stellar Interface and others.