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MONSTER

Ultros

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ultros
Item: Ultros
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableFeb 13, 2024

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X

DeveloperHadoque

Overview

Ultros is a psychedelic metroidvania where you wake up stranded on The Sarcophagus — a cosmic uterus holding an ancient, demonic being. Trapped in the loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play...

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Praised for its surreal, philosophical worldbuilding and environmental themes, but Story of Ultros alienates with convoluted storytelling, obtuse clues, and time-loop mechanics. A cerebral, atmospheric journey for niche fans of ambiguity, yet frustrating for those craving clarity—ambitious but polarizing.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews of Story of Ultros highlight a narrative that is rich in thematic depth and imaginative worldbuilding, with many critics praising its philosophical and environmental undertones. But Why Tho? emphasized the game’s encouragement of exploration and reflection, while GameGrin celebrated its "unique and engaging sci-fi story" centered on environmental care and cyclical progression. IGN France and PlayStation Universe both praised the "dream-like" and "layered" storytelling, noting how the narrative is interwoven with gameplay, art, and music. Themes of life, death, and rebirth were frequently highlighted, with TechRadar Gaming and TRG framing the story as a meaningful exploration of environmentalism. The game’s surreal, psychedelic aesthetics and time-loop mechanics also drew praise, as seen in the descriptions from GameOver.gr and TheXboxHub, who found the mysterious, thought-provoking experience compelling. These positives suggest a game that rewards patience and introspection, appealing to players seeking a cerebral, atmospheric journey. However, several critics found the narrative’s complexity and abstract presentation to be a barrier to enjoyment. Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected criticized the "convoluted" and "opaque" storytelling, with the former calling the language "vague and 'flowery'" and the latter deeming it "slightly pretentious." Digital Trends and Jeuxvideo.com noted the dense lore and difficulty in fully grasping the plot, while Hooked Gamers and TheSixthAxis pointed to inconsistencies in the narrative structure and character motivations. TheXboxHub and Push Square also mentioned that the "enigmatic information" and "obtuse" clues left some players frustrated, with the latter noting that "clues may not fully add up." These critiques suggest that the game’s deliberate ambiguity and abstract themes may alienate players seeking a more straightforward or accessible story, despite its artistic ambitions. Overall, the critical reception of Story of Ultros is divided, with its enigmatic narrative and philosophical themes polarizing reviewers. While many praised its originality, environmental messaging, and immersive worldbuilding—particularly from outlets like GameGrin, IGN France, and TechRadar Gaming—others found it overly obscure or pretentious, as highlighted by Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected. The game’s non-linear structure and time-loop mechanics, while appreciated by some (e.g., GamingTrend and TheEnemy), were seen as confusing or disjointed by others. This duality reflects a title that prioritizes artistic expression and existential reflection over conventional storytelling, appealing to niche audiences who value ambiguity and symbolism. Despite the mixed reactions, the consensus leans toward acknowledging its ambition and unique vision, even if it doesn’t universally succeed in making its themes accessible.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ultros redefines Metroidvania with a bold fusion of time-loop mechanics and gardening systems, blending strategic combat, resource management, and plant-based puzzles. While its complex design and punishing backtracking frustrate pacing, and repetitive combat feels underdeveloped, the game’s ambition and creative loop system offer a fresh, if imperfect, genre evolution that rewards adaptability and exploration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Ultros is widely praised for its innovative fusion of Metroidvania traditions with unique mechanics that set it apart from its peers. Critics like But Why Tho? and GameGrin highlight the game’s emphasis on thoughtful combat, where players must strategize and master varied attack techniques rather than relying on brute force. The time-loop system, noted by Hey Poor Player and GameOver.gr, adds a layer of depth by forcing players to reset progress and adapt their approach, while the gardening mechanic—described as a "unique element" by COGconnected and a "strategic layer" by Softpedia—introduces resource management and environmental interaction that enrich the experience. PC Gamer and TheXboxHub commend the creative use of plant-based puzzles and the reward system tied to combat diversity, such as obtaining better loot by avoiding repetitive attacks. These elements collectively create a gameplay loop that balances exploration, progression, and personalization, offering a fresh take on the genre. However, several critics point to notable flaws that detract from the experience. Digital Trends and GamingTrend criticize the game’s "complicated design" and "frustrating backtracking," which can disrupt pacing and immersion. Hey Poor Player and Hooked Gamers note the time-loop mechanic’s downside, where losing upgrades and abilities at the start of each cycle can feel punishing, while Jeuxvideo.com and Push Square mention a lack of initial guidance and a simple, repetitive combat system that lacks enemy variety. XboxEra and TheSixthAxis describe the gameplay as "formulaic" or "slightly imprecise," with some mechanics—like the food system and plant-based upgrades—feeling cumbersome or underdeveloped. Additionally, IGN France and TheEnemy point to occasional "accidental soft-locks" and a focus on "mastery of tools" that may not always translate to satisfying or intuitive play. These issues suggest that while the game’s ideas are bold, their execution sometimes falters. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers leans toward appreciation for Ultros’s ambition and its ability to blend traditional Metroidvania elements with fresh concepts. While COGconnected and XboxEra acknowledge that combat and level design aren’t groundbreaking, they praise the exploration and the "unique loop system" that encourages reflection and adaptability. Digital Trends and TheXboxHub note that the game’s strengths—like its vibrant ecosystem and puzzle-solving—outweigh its flaws, even if it feels uneven at times. The gardening and time-loop mechanics, though divisive, are seen as defining features that add depth and replayability, as highlighted by Softpedia and IGN France. While some critics, like GamingTrend and Jeuxvideo.com, find the gameplay slightly off or frustrating, the majority agree that Ultros offers a compelling, if imperfect, experience that pushes the Metroidvania genre in new directions.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critical acclaim for Ultros’s stunning, vibrant, hand-drawn psychedelic visuals (Moebius/70s prog rock), immersing players in a dreamlike alien world, but some call the overwhelming color and detail a hinderance to gameplay clarity—a minor hiccups easily adjusted via settings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

96%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Ultros as breathtaking, vibrant, and highly immersive. Many highlighted the game’s psychedelic and hand-drawn art style, often drawing comparisons to the works of French artist Moebius and the 1970s prog rock aesthetic. But Why Tho? described the environmental design as "breathtaking and psychedelic," while GameGrin noted the "vibrant hand-drawn art style with psychedelic elements, reminiscent of the '70s." Similarly, IGN France and Push Square both emphasized the "sumptuous and psychedelic" visuals, with the latter calling it an "acid-spiked version of Hollow Knight's visual tone." The game’s environments were frequently lauded for their intricate details, with PC Gamer noting "incredible handmade details" and TheXboxHub calling the visuals "one of the most visually impressive games ever played." The overall consensus is that Ultros delivers a unique and visually captivating experience, with its art direction standing out as a major strength. However, some critics pointed out that the intense visual design could be overwhelming or even hinder gameplay. COGconnected noted that the "abundance of colors and visual energy can make it difficult to distinguish important elements," while Digital Trends and Jeuxvideo.com both mentioned that the "overwhelming" visuals might make interactive elements unclear. Hooked Gamers pointed out that "black shadow can hinder gameplay by blending foreground and background elements," and Softpedia noted that "some areas may be hard to notice for exploration." While these critiques were not widespread, they did highlight a few accessibility concerns, particularly for players who may struggle with the game’s high-contrast and densely detailed environments. Nonetheless, most reviewers acknowledged that these issues could be mitigated through in-game settings or simply by adjusting to the style. Despite the minor criticisms, the overwhelming majority of reviewers considered Ultros’s graphics and visual design to be a standout feature. The game’s art direction was consistently described as "stunning," "unique," and "immersive," with many emphasizing its ability to transport players into a dreamlike, alien world. Critics like GamingTrend and Voxel praised the "visually striking" and "well-crafted alien world," while TechRadar Gaming and TRG highlighted the "diverse and detailed environments" that encourage exploration. Even with some concerns about clarity and readability, the consensus remains that Ultros is a visually impressive and artistic achievement, with its psychedelic aesthetic contributing significantly to its charm and appeal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Ultros’s sound design and music are a masterclass in atmosphere, blending Swedish, Peruvian, and South American influences with ambient and psychedelic elements to create an immersive, emotionally resonant experience that defines the game’s identity. While a few critics noted minor issues like repetitive combat sounds or nostalgic X-Men hooks, the overwhelming consensus is that the soundtrack is captivating, hypnotic, and perfectly in-step with the game’s mystical, alien world—making it one of the game’s standout achievements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

94%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (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 Ultros as a standout element that significantly enhances the game’s atmosphere and narrative. But Why Tho? highlighted the "brilliant score combining Swedish and Peruvian music," noting its ability to elevate moments of introspection and boss battles, while Checkpoint Gaming commended composer Oscar Rydelius for creating an "extremely atmospheric" soundtrack that blends Amazonian sounds to evoke themes of regeneration and nature. Digital Trends described the score as "positively hypnotic," with a "rich soundscape" that amplifies the game’s alien and disorienting vibe, and GameGrin emphasized how the "relaxing and chill music" complements exploration and gardening mechanics, adding to the immersive experience. Other reviewers, like Multiplayer.it and PC Gamer, lauded the fusion of classical instruments with South American influences and ambient ragas, respectively, calling the music "captivating" and "perfectly in-step" with the game’s mystical, reverent tone. TheXboxHub and The Enemy also noted how the soundtrack "pulls players in deeper" and "creates a unique atmosphere," reinforcing its role in shaping the game’s identity. While most reviews celebrated Ultros’s audio, a few pointed to minor shortcomings. Softpedia acknowledged that the "combat sounds may feel weak due to similarity in blade swooshes," though they noted this wasn’t a major issue. This critique contrasts with the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the music’s creativity and immersion, suggesting that the sound design’s strengths overshadow its technical imperfections. Additionally, some reviewers, like TheSixthAxis, mentioned the use of "familiar hooks from classic X-Men cartoon theme," which, while fitting the visual aesthetic, might feel nostalgic rather than original to certain players. However, these criticisms were sparse and did not detract from the general consensus that the soundtrack was a defining feature of the game. Overall, the critical reception of Ultros’s sound design and music is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers across platforms (PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X) agreeing that it enriches the experience. The blend of cultural elements, such as Swedish, Peruvian, and South American influences, alongside ambient and psychedelic compositions, was frequently cited as a unique and effective approach to world-building. Critics like TierraGamer and Metro GameCentral specifically praised the "excellent music" and "echoing, melancholic" tones, while IGN France and PlayStation Universe emphasized how the audio "adds to the unique and strange nature" of the game. Even the minor critiques about combat sounds or thematic familiarity were overshadowed by the consensus that the soundtrack was a masterclass in creating an immersive, emotionally resonant experience. The diversity and quality of the audio design, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and GameGrin, further solidify its role as a key pillar of Ultros’s success.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Ultros' technical performance is a mixed bag: PC and PS5 shine with smooth controls and visuals, but all platforms suffer from bugs, janky mechanics, and optimization flaws—Switch's load times and Xbox's tearing highlight inconsistencies, leaving its ambitious design in need of polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Ultros varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On PC, GameGrin praised the game’s smooth controls and gameplay experience, particularly when using an Xbox controller, highlighting its responsiveness and lack of action or combat-related issues. For the PS5, TierraGamer commended the “responsive and technically impressive controls,” emphasizing a sense of control and agility, while XboxEra noted the presence of a graphics and performance mode, suggesting the game’s visual fidelity and stability are well-handled on that platform. Additionally, the Switch version, though less lauded in the positives, was acknowledged for its technical execution in some aspects, though specific details were not as prominent as on other platforms. These reviews indicate that Ultros generally delivers a polished experience in terms of control schemes and core mechanics, depending on the platform. However, technical shortcomings are evident across all platforms. On PC, Digital Trends criticized frustrating bugs such as “fragile walls not breaking properly” and “sticky wall jumps,” which disrupted gameplay. For the PS5, IGN France highlighted “accidental soft-locks due to experimental mechanics,” while Push Square and TechRadar Gaming pointed to “janky moments” and “finicky extractor tool usage,” respectively, which could hinder immersion. Pure Nintendo noted the Switch version’s “lengthy load times” and “smoothness issues in jumping,” suggesting optimization challenges. Meanwhile, XboxEra mentioned “noticeable tearing issues in larger rooms” despite a stable framerate, indicating graphical inconsistencies. These issues collectively point to a game that, while functional, struggles with polish and consistency, particularly in handling complex mechanics and platform-specific optimizations. Overall, the critics’ consensus leans toward a mixed technical performance, with platform-specific strengths and weaknesses. While PC and PS5 versions received praise for control responsiveness and visual presentation, they also faced bugs and design flaws that detracted from the experience. The Switch version’s technical limitations, such as load times and jumping mechanics, were more pronounced, while the Xbox Series X’s graphical hiccups, like tearing, raised concerns about its stability. Despite these issues, many reviewers acknowledged the game’s potential, with TierraGamer and GameGrin emphasizing its core mechanics as a foundation for a compelling experience. The recurring themes of “experimental mechanics” and “finicky tools” suggest that Ultros prioritizes ambition over polish, leaving room for improvement in future updates or patches.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Ultros' replay value is a double-edged sword: bold roguelite design and branching narratives reward persistence, but repetitive mechanics, clunky combat, and tedious backtracking may deter others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment toward the replay value of Ultros is largely positive, with many critics highlighting its innovative mechanics and structured design that encourage multiple playthroughs. Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected both praise the game’s "gardenvanias" sub-genre and persistent gardens combined with a roguelite loop, which allow players to retain progress and revisit areas for new discoveries. GameGrin and GamingTrend emphasize strategic experimentation, noting that the looping system and plant-based mechanics create opportunities for varied outcomes and deeper exploration. Multiplayer.it and IGN France specifically mention the game’s three distinct endings and narrative depth, which incentivize players to revisit the game to uncover different paths and mysteries. TechRadar Gaming and TRG also commend the hidden secrets, expansive environments, and diverse exploration elements, suggesting that the game’s world-building and mechanics reward dedicated players. TheSixthAxis and Softpedia highlight the evolving gameplay through skill unlocks and persistent upgrades, adding layers of complexity that make subsequent runs feel fresh. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that could diminish the game’s replay appeal. Hey Poor Player and Jeuxvideo.com criticize the repetitive time-loop mechanic and the loss of abilities between runs, calling it a "painful slog" and noting that the lack of guidance and clunky combat mechanics can frustrate players. PlayStation Universe and XboxEra mention that the optional second ending and backtracking feel tedious, while Voxel and Metro GameCentral express concerns about certain sections being boring or discouraging due to the game’s formulaic design and repetitive combat sequences. TheXboxHub acknowledges the game’s lingering appeal but warns that its challenges and frustrations might deter some players from returning. These critiques suggest that while the core systems are designed for replayability, execution issues and repetitive elements could alienate those seeking a more seamless or varied experience. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers leans toward a balanced view: Ultros has strong replay value for players who enjoy its unique mechanics, but it requires patience and tolerance for its flaws. The positives—such as the roguelite structure, branching narratives, and plant-based experimentation—are seen as compelling enough to justify multiple playthroughs, especially for fans of niche genres or puzzle-platforming. However, the negatives, including combat pacing, lack of clarity in mechanics, and repetitive backtracking, are frequently cited as barriers to broader appeal. While IGN France and TheEnemy argue that the game’s evolving systems and narrative depth enhance replayability, others like Hey Poor Player and Jeuxvideo.com warn that these elements may not outweigh the frustrations. Ultimately, the game’s replay value is framed as a double-edged sword: it rewards persistence and curiosity but risks alienating players who find its mechanics or structure unengaging.

TL;DR

replay value

Ultros' replay value is a double-edged sword: bold roguelite design and branching narratives reward persistence, but repetitive mechanics, clunky combat, and tedious backtracking may deter others.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment toward Ultros is overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting its visual and artistic strengths as a standout feature. But Why Tho? praises it as a "masterclass in environmental storytelling" and commends its "solid Metroidvania mechanics," calling it a "truly excellent package." Checkpoint Gaming describes it as a "stunning space ride through a trippy landscape," emphasizing its unique blend of "destruction and nurturing" within the genre. GameGrin and IGN France both celebrate its "innovative gameplay mechanics" and "bold artistic vision," with the former noting its "stunning visuals" and "relaxing soundtrack," and the latter lauding its "visual design, gameplay innovation, and narrative depth." TheXboxHub and TRG also highlight its "phenomenal" integration of art, sound, and gameplay, while GameOver.gr and Jeuxvideo.com appreciate its "fresh proposal" and "intricate level design." These reviews collectively underscore Ultros as a visually striking, thematically rich, and creatively ambitious title that offers a memorable experience for fans of the Metroidvania genre. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from its overall impact. COGconnected criticizes the "combat and exploration aspects" as "somewhat familiar" and the story as "obtuse and pretentious," while Digital Trends notes "convoluted design choices and technical issues" that create a "mixed experience." GamingTrend and Softpedia mention gameplay shortcomings, with the latter highlighting "under-explained core ideas" and "confusing systems" that require "patience and time investment." TheSixthAxis and Voxel both critique the "underwhelming combat" and "unclear objectives," with TheSixthAxis finding the "roguelike loops mechanic" more of an annoyance than an asset. Additionally, Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe acknowledge that Ultros "falls slightly short of classic status" due to its "gameplay shortcomings" and "frustrations in pacing." These criticisms suggest that while the game's creativity is laudable, its execution in certain areas—particularly combat, narrative clarity, and system design—leaves room for improvement. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for Ultros as a bold, unique entry in the Metroidvania genre. Many reviewers, including IGN France and TheXboxHub, argue that its "cohesive and distinctive package" challenges conventions and rewards players who embrace its experimental nature. Critics like GameGrin and GameOver.gr recommend it for its "fresh and immersive experience" and "compelling choice," while others, such as TechRadar Gaming and TRG, acknowledge its "meaningful story" and "fantastic art style" as redeeming qualities. However, the game’s polarizing elements—like its "complex world design" (Checkpoint Gaming) and "unconventional nature" (IGN France)—mean it may not appeal to all. While some, like Softpedia and Pure Nintendo, suggest it requires patience to fully appreciate, others, including Push Square and XboxEra, view it as a "fantastic game" worth experiencing. The critical reception reflects a balance between admiration for its ambition and artistry and frustration with its gameplay and narrative execution, positioning Ultros as a divisive but noteworthy title.

TL;DR

Ultros is a visually stunning, creatively bold Metroidvania that dazzles with artful world-building and experimental mechanics, but its underwhelming combat, confusing systems, and pretentious narrative create a polarizing, uneven experience—ideal for genre fans seeking risk-taking, yet frustrating for those craving polish.

MONSTER

Reviews

86 reviews found

TierraGamer

PlayStation 5

Mar 14, 2024