OTXO Review: A Rogue-Like Dance of Death
OTXO marries frenetic gunplay with an enigmatic narrative, offering a brutally delightful experience.
last updated Nov 14, 2023
OTXO delivers a rogue-like rhapsody that's as addictive as it is challenging, wrapped in a tantalizing mystery.
Dancing with Death
Dive into OTXO, and you're not just playing a game - you're orchestrating a ballet of bullets. This rogue-like shooter drags you into a mansion where every corner teems with danger and opportunity. The game's DNA oozes Hotline Miami vibes but morphs into something uniquely its own. It's more forgiving than its spiritual predecessor – you won't find yourself biting the dust after a single hit here. Instead, OTXO encourages a more aggressive, risk-taking playstyle. Adding roguelike elements into the mix, each playthrough becomes a fresh dance with death, offering a smorgasbord of guns and abilities that constantly reshapes the gameplay landscape. The game's crowning jewel, however, is its 'Focus' mechanic. This isn’t your grandma's slow-mo – it's a strategic element that's integral to survival, encouraging its liberal use rather than rationing it out like a rare delicacy.
Aural Addiction
The game's soundtrack is like mainlining adrenaline directly into your ears. The beats are aggressive, pounding, and relentless - a perfect match for the on-screen carnage. The soundtrack is a cocktail of synthwave and electronic music that syncs perfectly with the game's pulse-pounding tempo. It’s not just background noise; it's a driving force that propels you forward. However, there’s a downside: the tracks can start to blend into one another after extended sessions, losing a bit of their impact. It's like eating your favorite pizza every day – amazing at first, but eventually, you start craving some variety. The sound design of the weaponry and environment is a different story, though. Each gun sounds powerful and satisfying, making every shot feel impactful.
Monochrome Madness
Visually, OTXO is like stepping into a noir comic book. The game's stark black-and-white aesthetic is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it gives the game a distinct style that's as cool as the other side of the pillow. The way the red blood contrasts with the monochromatic world is a sight to behold. On the other hand, this stylistic choice can occasionally lead to moments where visual clarity takes a hit. It's like trying to find your black socks in a dark room. Performance-wise, the game is mostly smooth, but there are scattered reports of crashes that can throw a wrench in your bullet-time ballet. It's like enjoying a great party that occasionally gets crashed by an uninvited guest.
The Mansion's Mystique
Narratively, OTXO plays its cards close to its chest. The story is a cryptic journey that feels like trying to solve a Rubik's cube in the dark. The game drops hints and lore pieces throughout, but it never fully shows its hand. This approach can be a double-edged sword. For some, it’s a tantalizing mystery that adds to the game's allure. For others, it's like a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing – intriguing, but ultimately unsatisfying. The game's NPCs and written notes add layers to the world, but they sometimes feel more like they're adding to the confusion than clearing the fog. It's like being at a masquerade ball where everyone knows a secret except you.
A Rogue-Like Conundrum
While OTXO nails the rogue-like elements in terms of gameplay variety, it stumbles a bit in the progression department. The upgrade system feels like it was designed by a minimalist – it's there, but it's not the meaty experience you might expect from a rogue-like. Some upgrades feel like swapping your regular latte for a decaf – different, but not necessarily better. The reliance on RNG for progression can be frustrating, akin to playing a slot machine that occasionally forgets to pay out. It's a bit of a missed opportunity, like having a sports car but only driving it in a parking lot. Despite these gripes, the core gameplay loop is so addictive that it's easy to overlook these flaws, at least for a while.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Lateralis Heavy Industries
Publisher
Super Rare Originals
Release Date
April 20, 2023
The Final Verdict
OTXO is a game that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It's a rogue-like that feels more like a high-octane action movie, complete with a banging soundtrack and a style that's as sharp as a tack. While it has its flaws - like a soundtrack that can get repetitive and a story that's as clear as mud - the game more than makes up for it with its addictive gameplay and unique aesthetic. It's like a rollercoaster that's thrilling from start to finish, even if it has a few rough patches. OTXO is not just a game, it's an experience, and for anyone who's a fan of games like Hotline Miami, it's a must-play. Just remember to buckle up – it's going to be a wild ride.