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Hyper Light Drifter

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hyper Light Drifter
Item: Hyper Light Drifter
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMar 31, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperHeart Machine

Overview

Echoes of a dark and violent past resonate throughout a savage land, steeped in treasure and blood. Hyper Light Drifter is an action adventure RPG in the vein of the best 16-bit classics, with modernized mechanics and designs on a much grander scale.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Hyper Light Drifter are varied but generally lean towards positive aspects. Critics like Digitally Downloaded appreciate the esoteric and symbolic nature of the story, highlighting themes of heroism and self-sacrifice within a post-apocalyptic setting. Nintendo World Report praises the evocative and powerful storytelling through images, creating a world filled with fallen civilizations and challenging adversaries. TheSixthAxis commends the game for its narrative approach that relies on player interpretation, describing it as intentionally vague and engaging through visual storytelling. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the lack of clarity and explicit explanation in the story of Hyper Light Drifter. EGM mentions that the storytelling method of flashbacks and occasional pictures leaves the player guessing and may offer little motivation to continue playing. Arcade Sushi criticizes the narrative for hinting at a larger story but ultimately lacking a satisfying payoff, leading to confusion and a sense of wandering through the game world. Slant Magazine finds the cryptic and minimalistic nature of the story frustrating, noting a disconnect between different elements without a clear connection. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Hyper Light Drifter presents a mysterious and enigmatic story that is open to interpretation, relying heavily on visual cues and symbolic imagery. While some reviewers appreciate the depth and ambiguity of the narrative, others find the lack of explicit explanations and resolution to be a drawback. The game's storytelling approach, similar to titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, seems to polarize opinions, with some players enjoying the challenge of piecing together the narrative while others may feel alienated by the obscurity. Despite the mixed reactions, Hyper Light Drifter's unique storytelling style contributes to its overall appeal, offering a distinctive experience for players who enjoy unraveling mysteries and exploring atmospheric worlds.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed feelings about the story of Hyper Light Drifter. Some praise its esoteric and symbolic nature, while others criticize its lack of clarity and resolution. The game's narrative relies heavily on visual cues and player interpretation, similar to Dark Souls and Bloodborne, which can either engage or frustrate players. Overall, Hyper Light Drifter offers a mysterious and enigmatic story that polarizes opinions but adds to the game's appeal for those who enjoy unraveling mysteries in atmospheric worlds.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Hyper Light Drifter, highlighting its solid combat mechanics and challenging encounters. Critics like Critical Hit, Digitally Downloaded, and GameCritics appreciated the mix of melee and ranged attacks, alongside the importance of timing and strategy in combat. The emphasis on exploration, problem-solving, and upgrades was also well-received, with GameCrate noting the engaging non-linear dungeon exploration and challenging combat reminiscent of Dark Souls. The game's tight rhythm and balance between melee and ranged attacks, as mentioned by Cubed3 and Nintendo Life, added depth to the gameplay experience. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Hyper Light Drifter. Metro GameCentral and GameSpew mentioned the difficulty spikes in boss battles, which could be frustrating for players. TheSixthAxis highlighted the initial confusion and lack of clear guidance in understanding game mechanics, making it feel like navigating a foreign country. Arcade Sushi and Slant Magazine criticized the lack of clues for finding hidden areas during exploration, which could lead to tedious gameplay moments. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Hyper Light Drifter. The challenging combat, rewarding upgrades, and emphasis on strategic thinking were widely appreciated, as noted by critics like Push Square, God is a Geek, and IGN. Despite some minor issues with difficulty spikes and lack of guidance, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be engaging, satisfying, and requiring skill and mastery. The game's blend of combat, exploration, and upgrades resonated well with players, making Hyper Light Drifter a standout title in the action-adventure genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Hyper Light Drifter for its solid combat mechanics, challenging gameplay, and engaging mix of melee and ranged attacks. The emphasis on exploration, upgrades, and strategic thinking was well-received, with comparisons to Dark Souls. While some critics mentioned difficulty spikes and lack of guidance, overall, the gameplay is praised for its depth and rewarding experience. Hyper Light Drifter stands out as a top-notch action-adventure title.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Hyper Light Drifter, with many highlighting its stunning pixel art style and unique aesthetics. Critics such as Critical Hit and Digitally Downloaded commended the retro-esque art, smooth sprites, and immersive backgrounds that excel in visual design, evoking nostalgia for classic games while maintaining a distinct and stylish identity. The use of pastel colors, neon palettes, and intricate pixel art was lauded by reviewers like Brash Games and Nintendojo, who compared the visuals to older Legend of Zelda games and 8-bit aesthetics, creating a visually captivating and mesmerizing experience. The game's world-building, attention to detail, and rich environments, as mentioned by GameCrate and GameGrin, further added to the allure of the world, with stunning vistas and breathtaking scenery that immerse players in a post-apocalyptic setting. While the majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Hyper Light Drifter, there were some dissenting opinions regarding certain aspects of the art style. EGM noted that the pixel-art style felt out of place and made it difficult to discern friend from foe, potentially impacting gameplay experience. Metro GameCentral and Nintendo Insider mentioned issues with the overhead camera angle obscuring walls and pathways at times, leading to navigation challenges. GameSpot also highlighted occasional clarity issues in depicting 3D space within the game, which could potentially affect player immersion and understanding of the environment. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design remained overwhelmingly positive, with the game's aesthetic choices contributing to its unique charm and immersive atmosphere. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Hyper Light Drifter excels in its graphics and visual design, with the majority of reviewers praising the game for its stunning pixel art, vibrant color palette, and detailed environments. The retro-inspired aesthetics, combined with modern design elements, create a visually captivating world that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic, neon-colored setting. Critics such as IGN and PC Gamer highlighted the brilliance of the pixel art in conveying detail and atmosphere, while Slant Magazine and The Escapist commended the distinctive aesthetics of each area, contributing to a visually captivating experience. Despite some minor issues raised by a few critics, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Hyper Light Drifter's graphics and visual design are a standout feature of the game, enhancing its immersive and engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning pixel art and unique aesthetics of Hyper Light Drifter, evoking nostalgia while maintaining a stylish identity. Despite some criticisms about gameplay impact and navigation challenges, the majority applaud the game's rich environments, vibrant color palette, and immersive post-apocalyptic setting. Overall, Hyper Light Drifter's graphics and visual design are a standout feature, enhancing its engaging gameplay experience with retro-inspired charm and modern elements.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Hyper Light Drifter, highlighting its retro-inspired and impactful soundtrack that enhances the overall gaming experience. Critics like Critical Hit appreciated the individual atmospheres for each area and the unique and exhilarating boss battle music. Digitally Downloaded commended the excellent sound design, mentioning how the ambient music consistently complements the game's solemn tone, creating a cohesive experience. GameCritics and Push Square both lauded the brilliant soundtrack, with GameCritics noting that audio cues are helpful for specific attacks, showcasing the importance of sound in gameplay immersion. On the flip side, a few critics did have some minor criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Hyper Light Drifter. Brash Games mentioned that while the sounds in the game were good, the accompanying music was not always the best. Nintendo Insider reported experiencing bugs with the music on the Switch version, which slightly detracted from the otherwise incredible soundtrack. These criticisms, however, were in the minority compared to the overwhelming positive feedback from the majority of critics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Hyper Light Drifter. The haunting and atmospheric soundtrack composed by Disasterpeace received high praise from various critics, such as Nintendo Life, NintendoWorldReport, and Easy Allies, who all highlighted how the music added to the game's mystique and enhanced the overall experience. Critics like Game Informer and The Escapist also emphasized the evocative and seamless integration of music into gameplay, contributing to the storytelling and immersive atmosphere of the game. With the majority of critics expressing admiration for the sound design and music, it's evident that Hyper Light Drifter successfully captivated players with its exceptional audio elements, solidifying its reputation as a standout title in the indie gaming scene.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Hyper Light Drifter's Sound Design and Music, praising its impactful retro-inspired soundtrack that enhances the gaming experience. While some critics had minor gripes, the majority lauded the excellent sound design and haunting soundtrack, emphasizing its seamless integration into gameplay. Overall, Hyper Light Drifter's audio elements captivated players and solidified its status as a standout indie title.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics praised Hyper Light Drifter for running smoothly at 60fps. Critics like Nintendo Life, Nintendo Insider, and Nintendojo highlighted the game's stability and robust performance on the platform. DarkStation even mentioned that the Switch version runs at 60FPS with almost no slowdown, even in intense moments. Additionally, Nintendo Enthusiast noted that the special edition runs smoothly at 60 frames-per-second in both docked and handheld modes, making it the definitive version for the platform. On the flip side, some critics did point out issues with the Nintendo Switch version of Hyper Light Drifter. God is a Geek mentioned experiencing performance drops or erratic behavior in certain areas, preferring the option to lock the framerate to 30fps in specific situations. Trusted Reviews noted occasional framerate dips, while Nintendo Insider highlighted unique bugs like music stopping or cutting out, expressing hope for patches to address these issues. Overall, the consensus among critics for Hyper Light Drifter's technical performance is generally positive across all platforms. The game was commended for its smooth gameplay experience, with critics like TheSixthAxis emphasizing a buttery smooth experience on the Nintendo Switch without frame rate drops or freezes. However, there were some minor technical hitches reported by various critics, such as sensitivity issues, occasional framerate drops, and bugs like combat responsiveness issues or music cutting out. Despite these drawbacks, the game was mostly well-received for its technical performance, with GameGrin summarizing it as a smoothly playing and well-made title.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics rave about Hyper Light Drifter on Nintendo Switch, praising its smooth 60fps performance with minimal slowdown. While some noted minor issues like framerate dips and bugs, overall consensus is positive for its buttery smooth gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Hyper Light Drifter highlight several positive aspects. Many reviewers praise the game for its hidden secrets, challenging combat, and exploration elements that contribute to its replayability. For instance, Critical Hit mentions the difficult New Game Plus option, while Digitally Downloaded appreciates the exploration and different combat strategies that keep players engaged. Additionally, GameSpot expresses a desire to continue exploring the game's world, indicating a sense of intrigue and potential for replay value. The addition of new content in special editions, such as new items and outfits, as noted by Nintendo Enthusiast and Nintendo Life, also adds to the game's replayability by offering fresh experiences for returning players. On the other hand, some critics point out certain drawbacks that may impact the replay value of Hyper Light Drifter. GameCritics and GameSpew mention limited incentive to revisit the game after completion, with GameSpew specifically highlighting slow character progression as a potential hindrance. Metro GameCentral notes that the game's difficulty level, especially in boss battles, may limit its audience, potentially deterring some players from replaying the game. PC Gamer also mentions difficulty spikes and grueling boss fights as factors that could discourage certain players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hyper Light Drifter offers significant replay value due to its challenging gameplay, hidden secrets, and exploration opportunities. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Easy Allies appreciate the additional content and challenges introduced in special editions, enhancing the game's replayability. While some critics mention drawbacks such as limited incentives for replay and high difficulty levels, the majority of reviewers acknowledge the game's strengths in providing a compelling experience that encourages players to revisit its world and uncover its mysteries. Ultimately, Hyper Light Drifter seems to strike a balance between offering engaging gameplay elements that entice players to replay the game while also presenting challenges that may not appeal to all audiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Hyper Light Drifter for its engaging gameplay, hidden secrets, and challenging combat, boosting its replay value. Some highlight drawbacks like limited incentives and high difficulty levels, but overall, the game offers a compelling experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on the overall verdict of Hyper Light Drifter, it is evident that the game received widespread praise for several key aspects. Critics such as Critical Hit, Digitally Downloaded, and Push Square highlighted the game's strengths, including solid gameplay, captivating visuals, impactful music, and a rewarding combat experience. The game was commended for its enchanting aesthetic direction, theme of heroism and self-sacrifice, and its ability to immerse players in a mysterious post-apocalyptic world. The unique visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and challenging combat were consistently lauded by reviewers across different platforms, with Nintendo Insider emphasizing the captivating world and perfect packaging of the game. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Hyper Light Drifter. Metro GameCentral and IGN mentioned the game's punishing difficulty level, especially in boss battles, which could potentially limit its audience. EGM expressed disappointment, considering the game a mediocre attempt at a throwback compared to classic titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Arcade Sushi and Slant Magazine criticized the lack of a clearly defined story and intuitive exploration, with the latter highlighting the disconnect from the narrative and the non-linear approach to the game's zones. These critiques suggest that while Hyper Light Drifter excels in various areas, it may not be without its flaws, particularly in terms of accessibility and storytelling. Overall, the majority of critics viewed Hyper Light Drifter favorably, emphasizing its status as a must-play title with a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. The game's stunning visuals, engaging combat, and atmospheric world design resonated positively with reviewers, leading to high praise from outlets like GameSpot, Game Informer, and The Escapist. Despite some criticisms regarding difficulty spikes and narrative shortcomings, the overall consensus among critics was that Hyper Light Drifter stands out as a standout indie game that offers a challenging yet captivating experience for players who appreciate its distinctive blend of action, exploration, and atmosphere. The game's ability to evoke a sense of mystery and discovery, coupled with its artistic direction and gameplay mechanics, contributed to its widespread acclaim and solidified its position as a noteworthy title in the action-RPG genre.

TL;DR

Critics widely praised Hyper Light Drifter for its solid gameplay, captivating visuals, impactful music, and immersive combat experience. The game's enchanting aesthetic, theme of heroism, and post-apocalyptic world drew accolades. However, some critics noted its punishing difficulty, lack of a defined story, and non-linear exploration as drawbacks. Despite mixed reviews, Hyper Light Drifter was hailed as a must-play indie game with unique gameplay and atmospheric design, appealing to those seeking a challenging and intriguing experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

114 reviews found

100

We Got This Covered

Apr 3, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyper Light Drifter is praised as a near perfect action-adventure game that stands with the titles it draws inspiration from.

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100

The Escapist

Apr 12, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyper Light Drifter is described as enthralling, captivating, and a breathtaking experience that transcends being just a video game. Highly recommended.

100

DarkStation

Nintendo Switch

Sep 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyper Light Drifter is an incredible game with a wonderful look and feel. It's challenging but worth it.

Game Informer

Apr 6, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyper Light Drifter is a challenging game that never feels unfair. It is positioned as one of the best experiences of the year and the reviewer highly recommends it.

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Cubed3

Nintendo Switch

Sep 17, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition is a must-own for anyone who enjoys a quality action title. It pays homage to 2D Zelda games while refining combat and challenge.

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GameSpot

Apr 6, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Hyper Light Drifter's artistry, gameplay mechanics, and exploration, while acknowledging some minor issues with the visuals. The game is described as masterful and enjoyable.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Oct 5, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition is described as a delight to play, with stunning visuals and music. The reviewer recommends the game despite its challenging nature.

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Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Aug 3, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyper Light Drifter is praised for its solid gameplay, enchanting aesthetic direction, and theme of heroism and self-sacrifice, making it a game that enriches players' experiences.

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

Jul 29, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hyper Light Drifter is an incredible game with a near flawless experience. It is a must-play with great combat, controls, visuals, and soundtrack. The difficulty may scare away some, but it is a rewarding experience for those who can cope.

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Nintendo Insider

Nintendo Switch

Oct 22, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised for its unique visuals, captivating world, and perfect packaging. It is recommended despite similarities to other 2D action-RPGs.

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