Matterfall

The story of Matterfall is generally praised for its minimalistic approach and functional setup, which some critics argue avoids overcomplicating gameplay. Several reviewers highlight that the narrative serves as a straightforward framework for the game’s action-oriented design, allowing players to focus on exploration and combat without being bogged down by excessive exposition. For instance, Gameblog.fr notes the game’s futuristic premise involving space colonies and alien technology, while IGN Italia acknowledges its simple yet effective context for the protagonist’s mission. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded praises the opening cinematic as a strong hook, even if the broader narrative lacks depth. These positives suggest that the story, though unassuming, effectively supports the game’s core mechanics without detracting from its appeal. However, the majority of critics strongly criticize Matterfall’s story for being underdeveloped, generic, and lacking emotional or thematic resonance. Multiple reviewers, including 3DJuegos and Areajugones, describe it as minimalistic to the point of being a mere backdrop for gameplay, with little character development or moral complexity. DualShockers and GamesBeat specifically call out the narrative’s reliance on just two cutscenes, which they argue feel tacked on and fail to engage players. Others, like Critical Hit, dismiss the plot as “trite nonsense,” while Gameplanet and Worth Playing criticize its overuse of clichéd sci-fi tropes. The lack of depth in themes—such as the philosophical undertones mentioned by Atomix—further underscores the story’s failure to evolve beyond basic action-driven objectives. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Matterfall’s story is a surface-level component that prioritizes gameplay over narrative substance. While some appreciate its simplicity as a non-intrusive element (CGMagazine, NZGamer), the overwhelming majority view it as a significant weakness. The game’s reliance on a thin premise—such as Avalon Darrow’s mission to combat alien technology or “Smart Matter”—fails to deliver meaningful character arcs or thematic depth, leaving players with a sense of detachment. As GameOver.gr and Vandal note, the narrative feels overshadowed by mechanics, resulting in an experience where the story is more of a functional shell than a compelling driving force. This divide between minimalism as a strength and a lack of engagement highlights the game’s uneven approach to storytelling.

The gameplay of Matterfall is widely praised for its ambitious fusion of twin-stick shooter mechanics with action-platforming, offering a dynamic and fast-paced experience. Critics like PlaySense highlight the smooth and engaging nature of the game, noting mechanics such as the boost ability, Overcharge, and scoring system that reward precision and skill. DualShockers commend the masterful design, including the unique dash mechanic and Matter Beam, while GameSpot and CGMagazine praise the tight controls and fluid combat, emphasizing the challenge of mastering its systems. The game’s emphasis on strategic weapon customization, bullet-hell sequences, and varied level design—such as zero-G areas and platforming puzzles—is frequently lauded, with The Games Machine and GameInformers noting its intensity and depth. Many reviewers, including God is a Geek, appreciate the tactical combat and score-attack elements, drawing comparisons to Housemarque’s previous titles like Resogun for its cohesive yet inventive design. However, several critics highlight significant flaws in control schemes and difficulty balancing. New Game Network and Metro GameCentral criticize the disjointed mechanics, with conflicting action-platforming and arcade elements leading to frustration. Vgames and Twinfinite point to fiddly platforming and awkward responsiveness, while GameSpot and Push Square note stiff controls and unclear cooldowns for key abilities. The game’s steep learning curve and repetitive enemy types (as mentioned by GameSpew) further detract from the experience, with GameOver.gr and XGN arguing that later stages become unfairly punishing. Issues like the lack of a dash cooldown indicator (DualShockers) and restrictive mechanics (Metro GameCentral) are recurring complaints, suggesting that while the game’s ambition is clear, its execution sometimes falls short of expectations. Overall, critics present a polarized but nuanced view of Matterfall’s gameplay. While many acknowledge its innovative design and high skill ceiling—PlaySense, DualShockers, and God is a Geek all emphasize its rewarding nature—the challenges of mastering its complex systems and the frustration caused by control issues (New Game Network, Metro GameCentral) create a divisive reception. The game’s difficulty curve and repetitive elements (GameSpew, XGN) are seen as both a testament to its challenge and a potential barrier for some players. Despite these criticisms, there is consensus that Matterfall represents a bold experiment in blending genres, with GameInformers and The Games Machine noting its potential to appeal to fans of twitch-based action and speedrunning. Ultimately, the game’s strengths lie in its ambition and creativity, even if its execution occasionally falters under the weight of its own complexity.

The graphics and visual design of Matterfall receive largely positive feedback from multiple critics, who highlight its vibrant aesthetics, technical polish, and alignment with Housemarque’s signature style. Many praise the game’s use of neon palettes, dynamic particle effects, and voxel-based explosions, which create a visually engaging experience. For instance, 3DJuegos notes the "visually striking" sci-fi environments and smooth performance on PS4 Pro at 1080p/60fps, while DualShockers calls the enemy explosions into voxels "fantastic." Critics like GameOver.gr emphasize the "stunning visuals" with vibrant colors and stable frame rates, and CGMagazine and GameSpot commend the cyberpunk-inspired environments and HDR effects. The retro-futuristic aesthetic, reminiscent of Housemarque’s previous titles like Resogun, is frequently cited as a strong point, with critics such as Vgames praising its "clean, smooth, and detailed" visuals for an indie title. Additionally, the game’s dynamic elements—like Avalon’s ghostly afterimages (COGconnected) or Zero G sections (God is a Geek)—add to its immersive appeal. However, several critics critique Matterfall for relying on generic sci-fi tropes and lacking originality in its art direction. The "generic sci-fi veneer" (Critical Hit) and "repetitive environments" (IGN Spain, Vandal) are recurring complaints, with some noting that the game’s settings—such as skyscrapers or greenhouses—feel overused. Enemy designs also draw criticism for being unmemorable, with GamesBeat calling them "aesthetically bland" and We Got This Covered pointing out that enemies rely on "palette swaps." Eurogamer Italy and Everyeye.it note the game’s reliance on Housemarque’s established style without significant innovation, while Impulsegamer describes the 2.5D graphical style as "sterile and generic." Additionally, some critics, like New Game Network, highlight issues with clarity in combat, where enemies and projectiles blend into the background, reducing immersion. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in technical execution, its visual identity struggles to stand out from its peers. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for Matterfall’s technical polish and stylistic cohesion, even as it faces criticism for derivative elements. While many praise its "stunning" visuals (GameOver.gr), "gorgeous" HDR effects (PlayStation Universe), and "impressive voxel effects" (Push Square), others argue that the game lacks the originality seen in Housemarque’s earlier work (Everyeye.it, Vandal). The balance between innovation and familiarity is a key theme: some critics, like GamePro Germany, celebrate its blend of retro-inspired aesthetics with modern graphics, while others, such as Critical Hit and GamesBeat, feel it fails to distinguish itself. Despite these contradictions, the game’s performance on PS4—stable 60fps, detailed environments, and dynamic action sequences—wins praise across the board, indicating that its visual strengths are undeniable even if its artistic ambition falls short of expectations.

The sound design and music of Matterfall received widespread praise for their energetic, arcade-style alignment with Housemarque’s signature aesthetic. Critics consistently highlighted the synth-heavy techno soundtrack as a driving force behind the game’s frenetic pace, with CGMagazine describing it as “groovy” and “bumping,” while GameSpot noted its “pulsating” nature that amplifies intensity. 3DJuegos emphasized the consistency with Housemarque’s style, and DualShockers praised the “delight” of the soundtrack, which complements the game’s fast-paced action. The retro-inspired elements, such as chip-tune influences mentioned by PLAY! Zine, further enriched the atmosphere, while COGconnected and Metro GameCentral lauded the blend of new and retro arcade-style music. Many reviewers also noted that the sound effects were functional and immersive, with Impulsegamer highlighting industrial and electronic beats that enhance adrenaline-pumping sequences. Despite these positives, some critics found the soundtrack lacking in originality or memorability. Gameblog.fr criticized the repetitive nature of most tracks, noting only the main theme stood out, while GamesBeat called the audio “typical and unremarkable,” emphasizing a lack of innovation. NZGamer described the sound design as “solid but not exceptional,” blending into the background without standing out. Additionally, PlayStation Country raised concerns about the DualShock controller’s speaker being overly loud, suggesting potential issues with balance or immersion. While most praised the music’s energy, several reviewers felt it leaned on familiar tropes rather than offering fresh compositions, and the absence of vocal elements beyond a minimal announcer voice (as noted by Worth Playing) left some wanting more variety. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Matterfall’s sound design and music effectively support its arcade-style gameplay, even if they didn’t break new ground. The techno soundtrack was universally recognized as a key component of the game’s identity, with multiple outlets like Game Informer and Twinfinite praising its “thumping” energy and alignment with Housemarque’s previous titles. While some critics, such as Gameblog.fr and GamesBeat, questioned its originality, the majority agreed that the audio elements enhanced the experience without overshadowing the action. The mixed feedback on memorability and innovation suggests a game that delivers solid, genre-appropriate sound design but may not leave a lasting impression in terms of musical creativity.

The voice acting in Matterfall is acknowledged by several critics as present but limited in scope and impact. GamesBeat notes that voice acting appears in the opening and closing cutscenes, though it feels out of place due to the game’s minimal narrative. IGN Spain highlights a female computer voice (in English) providing occasional audio cues, which serves a functional role rather than traditional character performance. PlaySense mentions a female voice in the intro film delivering a line about humanity’s mistakes, while PlayStation Universe references “soft-voiced announcements on your progress,” indicating some vocal elements are integrated into gameplay. Worth Playing also points to an announcer’s voice for multiplier notifications, suggesting that voice work is present but confined to specific, utilitarian functions. These observations collectively underscore that Matterfall incorporates voice acting, albeit in a restrained and context-specific manner. However, the criticism of Matterfall’s voice acting centers on its lack of depth, naturalism, and narrative integration. XGN delivers a pointed critique, stating that the voice-over “sounds unnatural in both tone and text,” undermining immersion and reinforcing the game’s focus on scoring mechanics over storytelling. GamesBeat similarly notes that the voice acting feels “out of place” due to the minimal narrative, while IGN Spain emphasizes its functional, non-traditional nature. Worth Playing’s observation that voice acting is limited to an announcer for multipliers further highlights its absence as a meaningful or immersive element. Critics like XGN and GamesBeat suggest that the vocal work fails to elevate the experience, instead feeling peripheral or even jarring in context. The lack of human character voices and the reliance on AI or minimalistic delivery contribute to a sense of detachment from the game’s world. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Matterfall’s voice acting is present but underdeveloped, serving more as a technical feature than a narrative or emotional pillar. While some reviewers acknowledge its existence in specific contexts—such as cutscenes, announcements, or audio cues—the majority emphasize its minimal role and lack of quality. XGN’s criticism of the unnatural delivery stands out as a significant negative, while others like GamesBeat and IGN Spain highlight its disconnect from the game’s broader design. Despite these shortcomings, the voice acting is not entirely dismissed, with some noting its functional presence. Ultimately, critics agree that Matterfall’s vocal elements are a minor aspect of the experience, neither enhancing nor detracting significantly but failing to leave a lasting impression.

The technical performance of Matterfall on the PS4 is largely praised for its stability and polish, with several critics highlighting smooth gameplay and consistent frame rates. Atomix, CGMagazine, and Gameblog.fr note that the game runs without frame drops or glitches, maintaining a steady 60fps even during intense action sequences. IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it emphasize the PS4 Pro’s ability to handle visuals and mechanics seamlessly, while God is a Geek and New Game Network describe the experience as "void of technical failings" and "technically sound," respectively. The game’s visual polish and lack of crashes are frequently cited as strengths, with critics like Gameplanet and LevelUp acknowledging minor graphical trade-offs but no major issues. These positives suggest that Matterfall leverages the PS4’s hardware effectively for a stable, immersive experience. However, several critics point to persistent control and design flaws that detract from the technical performance. Critical Hit and Digitally Downloaded criticize the clunky controls, including unwieldy jump mechanics and inconsistent dashing, which disrupt gameplay flow. Everyeye.it and Vgames highlight issues like imprecise platforming, unstable collision detection, and frustrating cooldown systems for abilities like "Strike." Long load times—noted by IGN and GameSpot—and technical hiccups such as delayed input responses (e.g., GameOver.gr) further undermine the experience. While most reviewers agree on the game’s stability, these control-related issues and design inconsistencies create friction, particularly during high-pressure moments. The lack of visual feedback for mechanics like cooldowns (Gameplanet) and unpredictable "Strike" recharge systems (Twinfinite) also draw criticism, suggesting that technical polish is uneven. Overall, critics largely agree that Matterfall delivers a technically stable experience on the PS4, with minimal crashes or graphical issues. However, the game’s control schemes and mechanical design are seen as significant drawbacks, with multiple reviewers like Critical Hit, Digitally Downloaded, and Twinfinite emphasizing how these flaws hinder enjoyment despite the hardware’s capabilities. While some technical shortcomings—such as load times (IGN) and boss battle slowdowns (Trusted Reviews)—are acknowledged, they are often framed as minor compared to the game’s broader issues. The consensus leans toward a mixed but generally positive assessment: Matterfall is technically solid but marred by control inconsistencies and design choices that prevent it from reaching its full potential. All critiques focus on the PS4 version, leaving no data for other platforms.

The majority of reviewers acknowledge that Matterfall offers several compelling elements that encourage replayability, particularly through its competitive and score-driven mechanics. Critics like CGMagazine, EGM, and Atomix highlight the game’s emphasis on leaderboards, scoring systems, and difficulty scaling, which motivate players to revisit levels for better times, higher multipliers, or mastery of challenges. The inclusion of unlockable weapons, hidden civilians, and varied abilities (as noted by Critical Hit and Game Informer) adds layers of experimentation, while the desire to conquer punishing mechanics—such as those described by Everyeye.it and God is a Geek—creates a sense of progression. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and Trusted Reviews point to hidden content and difficulty tiers as incentives for multiple playthroughs, suggesting that the game’s design caters well to speedrunners and competitive players seeking personal bests. However, numerous critics argue that these positives are overshadowed by significant limitations in the game’s structure and depth. The short campaign length—ranging from 2–6 hours (as cited by GameOver.gr, Gameplanet, and Metro GameCentral)—is a recurring complaint, with many noting that the linear level design and repetitive mechanics fail to sustain long-term engagement. DualShockers and IGN Spain criticize the lack of innovation and stale environments, while GameSpot and IGN highlight frustrating platforming segments and tedious high-score chasing as deterrents. The absence of additional modes like survival or multiplayer (mentioned by GameOver.gr, GamePro Germany, and Twinfinite) further diminishes replay value, leaving players with limited reasons to return beyond leaderboards and minor unlocks. Even the scoring system, praised by some, is seen as arbitrary or luck-dependent by Digitally Downloaded and M3. Overall, the critics present a mixed consensus: while Matterfall excels in fostering short-term replayability through its competitive focus and score-chasing mechanics, its lack of depth, brevity, and repetitive design hinder long-term appeal. Reviewers like EGM and Atomix praise its potential for mastery and speedrunning, but others such as GameOver.gr and IGN argue that the game feels incomplete or underdeveloped compared to Housemarque’s previous titles. The divide reflects a tension between the game’s niche appeal for hardcore players and its limitations as a broader experience. Ultimately, while Matterfall offers enough incentive for those seeking challenge and competition, its shortcomings in content variety and innovation prevent it from achieving sustained replayability for most players.