ULTRAKILL: The '90s-inspired High-Octane Shooter
Exploring the carnage and chaos of ULTRAKILL, where the blood of your enemies is your lifeline.
Early Access Review
last updated Nov 28, 2023
In the ever-growing pantheon of retro-inspired shooters, ULTRAKILL stands tall with a defiantly gory grin.
The Dance of Destruction
Strap in and crank up those reflexes; ULTRAKILL harks back to a golden age where fast-paced action was king and dopamine was delivered by the digital bullet-load. This title is a love letter to '90s shooters, drizzled with a modern twist of mechanics inspired by character action games. Players are encouraged to carve through hordes of enemies with an inventive arsenal while basking in the glory of a 'the floor is lava' styled mayhem. And if you thought health packs were the way to go, think again—siphoning the sanguine life-juice of your foes to regenerate is the crème de la crème of survival here.
An Auditory Assault
Audio in ULTRAKILL is a thunderous ovation to the shootouts of yore, bombastically blended with the kind of beats that make your heart race faster than a cheetah on a highway. Trust me when I say, the symphony of gunfire harmonizes with the soundtrack like peanut butter and jelly – if the peanut butter was coated in napalm. From the satisfying clang of coins to the visceral squelch of enemy entrails, every audio byte in this game is finely tuned to keep your ears ringing with delight and your fingers itching for more.
Visuals That Kill
The graphics serve up a delightful plate of pixelated violence with a side of dynamic lighting. Despite its retro shell, the game's visuals perform admirably, with little to no performance issues marring the experience. Every frame is a chaotic canvas of old-school textures and sprays of blood encapsulated in smooth, satisfying animations. While some might say that the world can get a touch too chaotic, resulting in the occasional disorientation, it's all part of the blood-spattered charm that ties the room together.
An Arsenal of Fun
The armaments of ULTRAKILL deserve their own mention. We're talking about a suite of weapons that offer more variety than a vending machine at an arms convention. You'll punch shotgun shells for explosive results, wield lightning in your fingertips, and—yes, you can even shoot money. The devil's in the details, and the depth of interaction here is enough to make any shooter veteran nod with approval. Factor in the myriad enemy types that demand you adapt and evolve your strategies, and you're looking at a game where skill truly shines.
Stylish Slaughter
ULTRAKILL isn't just about pulling the trigger; it's about pulling off the perfect ballet of bullets, all while grading you like a stern dance instructor with anger issues. The game encourages players to reach peaks of stylish carnage, rewarding you for creative and efficient kills with higher scores and a richer sense of accomplishment. However, fear not, for those less concerned with perfection can still blast through the levels at their own pace, leaving a trail of devastation as personal as their signature.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer
Arsi "Hakita" Patala
Publisher
New Blood Interactive
Early Accesss Release Date
September 03, 2020
The Blood-Pumping Verdict
ULTRAKILL gives players a hearty slice of adrenaline-packed action painting the screen with just enough '90s nostalgia without feeling outdated. With its electric score, blisteringly fast gameplay, and striking visuals, it's a delectable treat for any who thirst for arcadey goodness and bullet-ridden ballets. In the ever-growing pantheon of retro-inspired shooters, ULTRAKILL stands tall with a defiantly gory grin, setting a blood-soaked bar for others to aspire to. It's an indie darling brimming with passion, and it's screaming for your attention—and maybe for a spare kidney.
