Wavecade

About

WAVECADE is a shooter game with single-player and local multi-player modes for up to 2 players in a co-op format. The game takes inspiration from classic arcade shooters and features time manipulation, power-ups, abilities, blocks for points, and hazards that can lead to the loss of lives. Its retro 80's and sci-fi aesthetic enhance the nostalgia factor .

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 30 reviews

gameplay5 positive mentions

Stunning visual design and a nostalgic synthwave soundtrack enhance the overall experience.
Innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to control game speed by moving up and down the screen, add depth and excitement.
The game offers a variety of modes and customization options, making it highly replayable and enjoyable for both casual and hardcore players.

Lack of visual clarity can make it difficult to navigate hazards, especially with many projectiles on screen.
The menu interface can be clunky, leading to a less enjoyable user experience.
Some gameplay mechanics, like the hitboxes of lasers, can feel inconsistent, leading to frustrating moments during play.

gameplay
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
27%
27%
The gameplay of Wavecade is characterized by its innovative mechanic that allows players to manipulate game speed by moving up and down the screen, providing a unique twist on the traditional shoot 'em up genre. However, some players find the limited visibility of the gameplay area and the clutter of projectiles challenging, which can hinder their ability to avoid hazards effectively. Overall, the game is praised for its straightforward mechanics, customization options, and engaging aesthetic, making it both accessible and enjoyable.
- “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
50%
20%
30%
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, contributing to the game's retro aesthetic and chaotic atmosphere, making it a significant aspect of the gameplay. Overall, the music is described as fantastic and stylish, complementing the game's visuals and innovative mechanics.
- “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
56%
33%
11%
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their outstanding quality, featuring a vibrant neon aesthetic that enhances the retro shoot-'em-up experience. Players appreciate the blend of classic visuals with modern mechanics, although some users noted performance issues on lower-end hardware. Overall, the game's art style and synthwave elements contribute significantly to its appeal.
- “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
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
Reviewers highlight the game's strong replayability, noting that significant time and effort have been invested to ensure it remains engaging and exciting, making it a comprehensive experience for fans of the shmup genre.
- “Sometimes indies peak after a few features, but there's so much time and effort that's 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 discovering new things every time I play, making it hard to put down.”
- “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 motivation to replay it, as the choices felt inconsequential.”
- “While the game is enjoyable, the limited variety in gameplay mechanics makes it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
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.