Ultros Review
Release date: February 13, 2024
Developer: Hadoque
Genres: Platform game, Adventure game, Indie game, Fighting game, Adventure
Engine: Unity
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Mac operating systems
Publishers: Kepler Interactive, Maximum Games
“Review Copy Provided By Kepler Interactive”
Ultros embodies an unmistakable charm that should be the main takeaway from this critique. It's rare to encounter a game that so effortlessly grasps its identity, seemingly indifferent to external perceptions. Ultros brings to mind Hotline Miami, particularly due to Niklas Åkerblad (El Huervo)'s distinctive visual contributions, reminiscent of his work on the iconic covers of Dennaton's intense action series. Though Ultros diverges significantly from Hotline Miami in both genre and concept, both games share a relentless dedication to their fundamental gameplay mechanics, immersing players within their meticulously crafted universes, arming them with necessary tools, and observing the ensuing chaos with a hands-off approach.
As a Metroidvania title, Ultros introduces players to a meticulously connected world, unlocking new areas as abilities are gradually acquired. The game features imposing bosses that guard the realm's sovereigns, known as Shamans, with each boss fight demanding mastery of rhythm and pattern recognition, intertwined with precise platforming to progress from one Shaman-protected challenge to the next.
What sets Ultros apart from its genre counterparts is its attention to detail. Beyond delivering polished gameplay mechanics, engaging level design, and satisfying combat, Ultros captivates with its dynamic ebb and flow. Its psychedelic visuals and fantastical settings enhance the experience, but it's the game's atmospheric depth that truly distinguishes it, offering a sense of ease and immersion that is difficult to articulate. Ultros maintains its allure even during its most challenging and hectic moments, a quality seldom found in video games, and particularly novel within the Metroidvania genre.
Ultros evokes elements of Journey, Flow, and The Unfinished Swan, games celebrated for their expressive exploration and unwavering ambition. This game extends its unique perspective to combat, rewarding precision timing. Defeating enemies yields consumable body parts and organs, enhancing the player's health and abilities. The more skillfully an enemy is defeated, the more nutritious the drops, influencing the game's skill progression system accessible through pod-shaped 'Cortex' save points.
Adding to its eccentricity, Ultros introduces a gardening mechanic taught by a character named Gärdner, focusing on cosmic agriculture. This system, alongside the unconventional acquisition of core Metroidvania abilities via the Extractor tool, underscores the game's innovative approach to genre staples.
Moreover, Ultros engages players in a narrative loop requiring them to revisit locations upon defeating bosses, embedding its exploration within a cyclical time concept. This element enriches the game's exploration and narrative depth, reinforcing its unique appeal and immersive exploration.
In conclusion, Ultros stands out as a profoundly intricate and visually stunning Metroidvania, offering an unparalleled experience within a genre brimming with innovation. Its unique blend of mechanics, narrative depth, and visual flair makes it an unforgettable journey, marking it as a highly recommendable title for those seeking something truly different in the realm of video games. The phrase "cosmic uterus-based horticulture" perfectly encapsulates the game's novel approach, a testament to Ultros' unparalleled creativity and charm.
