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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

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch

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

Ultros garners mixed reviews; praised for its rich, exploratory narrative and environmental themes, but criticized for convoluted storytelling and vague delivery. Critics highlight its captivating sci-fi world and player agency, yet warn that its dense lore may alienate those seeking clarity. It’s a game that rewards patience and exploration, appealing to some while frustrating others.

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 opinions regarding the story of Ultros reveal a diverse range of positive sentiments among critics. Many reviewers appreciate the game's encouragement of exploration and discovery, with But Why Tho? highlighting the intriguing characters and the reflective nature of the narrative. GameGrin echoes this sentiment, praising the unique and engaging sci-fi story that emphasizes environmental care and features a psychedelic world setting. Critics such as TechRadar Gaming and TRG commend the meaningful storytelling that revolves around environmentalism and the cyclical nature of life and death, suggesting that the narrative is not only engaging but also thought-provoking. The game’s non-linear narrative structure, as noted by GamingTrend and Multiplayer.it, allows for player agency and consequences, which adds depth to the overall experience. However, the critiques also reveal significant negative sentiments regarding the story's accessibility and clarity. Checkpoint Gaming expresses frustration over the convoluted and vague delivery of the narrative, which some feel is overly pretentious, as noted by COGconnected. Digital Trends and Hooked Gamers point out that the dense lore and intentionally obscure elements can make the story difficult to fully comprehend, leading to a sense of confusion rather than enlightenment. The use of "flowery" language, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming, can alienate players who may struggle to grasp the underlying themes, further complicating the narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ultros presents a complex and ambitious narrative that is both captivating and challenging. While many reviewers, such as PlayStation Universe and IGN France, appreciate the layered storytelling and dream-like qualities, they also acknowledge the potential barriers to understanding the plot fully. The juxtaposition of engaging themes with a convoluted delivery creates a divide in reception, leaving some players enthralled while others feel frustrated. Ultimately, Ultros appears to be a game that rewards patience and exploration, appealing to those willing to delve into its depths while potentially alienating those seeking a more straightforward narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ultros impresses critics with its innovative blend of Metroidvania gameplay, featuring strategic combat and a unique gardening mechanic that enriches exploration. However, it faces criticism for unclear visuals, frustrating backtracking, and a simplistic combat system that may lead to repetitiveness. While the game offers a distinctive experience, its complex mechanics could alienate players seeking straightforward gameplay. Overall, Ultros stands out for its creativity, but some design choices may hinder broader appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Ultros has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly for its innovative mechanics that blend traditional Metroidvania elements with unique features. Reviewers like But Why Tho? and GameGrin highlight the thoughtful design of combat mechanics that encourage strategic play rather than mindless button-mashing. The incorporation of gardening, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Jeuxvideo.com, adds a refreshing twist, allowing players to cultivate their environment to unlock new areas and abilities. Additionally, the time-loop mechanic mentioned by GameOver.gr and Hey Poor Player introduces an intriguing layer of complexity, challenging players to adapt their strategies and think outside the box. However, Ultros is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including Digital Trends and GamingTrend, point out issues with unclear visual design and frustrating backtracking that can detract from the overall experience. Critics like IGN France and Push Square note that while the combat system is simple and accessible, it lacks depth and variety, which may lead to repetitiveness. Additionally, some players may find the mechanics, such as the time loops and gardening, divisive or confusing, as indicated by Softpedia and Metro GameCentral, which could hinder enjoyment for those preferring more straightforward gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ultros successfully merges innovative gameplay mechanics with traditional Metroidvania elements, creating a unique experience that stands out in the genre. While many appreciate the depth and strategic nature of the gameplay, there are notable concerns regarding clarity and combat variety that could affect player engagement. Critics like PC Gamer and TRG emphasize the potential for enjoyable exploration and combat, yet caution that the game's pacing and design choices may not resonate with all players. Ultimately, Ultros presents a compelling mix of ideas that may appeal to fans of the genre, albeit with some caveats.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Ultros dazzles with its breathtaking, psychedelic visuals, earning praise for its vibrant colors and hand-drawn art style that fully immerses players. Critics commend its captivating atmosphere but warn that the overwhelming intricacy can obscure gameplay elements, hindering clarity. Despite these concerns, Ultros is hailed as a visual spectacle that enhances the gaming experience, making it a standout title.

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 graphics and visual design of Ultros have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising its breathtaking and psychedelic art style. Reviewers from various platforms, such as But Why Tho? and IGN France, highlighted the game's vibrant colors and intricate details, describing the environments as both stunning and immersive. Critics like GameGrin and TechRadar Gaming emphasized the unique hand-drawn aesthetic, which evokes a sense of wonder and exploration. The art direction, led by Niklas 'El Huervo' Åkerblad, has been noted for its ability to create a captivating atmosphere that resonates with the game's narrative, as seen in the remarks from PlayStation Universe and Metro GameCentral. Overall, the visual design is celebrated for its ability to transport players into a fantastical world filled with organic and alien elements. However, while the majority of reviews are positive, several critics pointed out notable drawbacks in the visual design. COGconnected and Digital Trends mentioned that the abundance of colors and intricate patterns can sometimes overwhelm players, making it difficult to distinguish important interactive elements. This sentiment was echoed by Jeuxvideo.com and PC Gamer, who noted that although the visuals are stunning, they can hinder gameplay clarity and exploration. Critics like Hooked Gamers highlighted that the blending of foreground and background elements due to shadowing can obscure essential gameplay mechanics, suggesting that while the visuals are striking, they may pose challenges in terms of readability. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Ultros excels in delivering a visually rich and engaging experience. The majority of reviews emphasize the game's artistic achievements, with many describing it as a feast for the eyes. Critics such as XboxEra and TRG reinforce the notion that the vibrant and psychedelic design not only enhances the gameplay but also contributes to the game's unique identity. Ultimately, while there are some concerns regarding clarity and accessibility, the prevailing sentiment is that Ultros offers an impressive visual journey that captivates players and elevates the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The sound design and music of Ultros have received high praise for their immersive qualities, blending Swedish and Peruvian influences to elevate gameplay. Critics highlight the "brilliant score" and atmospheric soundtrack, though some note minor issues like weak combat sounds and a lack of voiceovers. Overall, the audio experience is deemed exceptional, enhancing the game's dream-like narrative and captivating atmosphere, making it a key component of Ultros's allure despite a few areas for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

93%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Ultros have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the game's atmospheric and immersive auditory experience. Reviewers like But Why Tho? highlight the "brilliant score" that blends Swedish and Peruvian influences, enhancing both introspective moments and intense boss battles. Similarly, Checkpoint Gaming commends the original soundtrack by Oscar Rydelius for its atmospheric qualities, effectively incorporating sounds from the Amazon to evoke themes of regeneration and nature. Critics such as Digital Trends and Multiplayer.it also emphasize the captivating nature of the soundtrack, with Digital Trends describing it as "positively hypnotic" and Multiplayer.it noting the successful blend of classical instruments with South American influences. Overall, the music is seen as a significant contributor to the game's immersive experience, with many reviewers affirming that it elevates the gameplay. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics have pointed out minor shortcomings in the sound design. For instance, Softpedia mentions that while the soundtrack blends well with the environment, combat sounds may feel weak due to a lack of variety in the blade swooshes. Additionally, while the absence of character voiceovers is noted by some, it is generally not considered a major issue. TheSixthAxis also comments on the ambient soundtrack, suggesting that while it enhances the mysterious atmosphere, it may not offer enough variety to keep players engaged throughout the experience. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Ultros are exceptional and play a crucial role in creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. Reviewers such as IGN France and Metro GameCentral emphasize how the audio complements the dream-like narrative and visual presentation, enhancing the overall experience of the game. Critics like PlayStation Universe and TierraGamer further reinforce this sentiment by noting how the music draws players deeper into the game world. In summary, while there are a few areas for improvement, the majority of critics agree that Ultros delivers a compelling and immersive sound experience that significantly enhances gameplay.

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 shows potential with smooth controls and performance across platforms, but suffers from significant technical issues. PC players face frustrating bugs, PS5 users deal with accidental soft-locks and janky mechanics, and Xbox Series X gamers encounter graphics tearing. Critics agree: the game needs serious refinement to reach its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In analyzing the technical performance of Ultros across various gaming platforms, it is evident that there are some positives to highlight. On PC, GameGrin praised the smooth controls and overall gameplay experience when using an Xbox controller, indicating that the game performs well in terms of responsiveness and action execution. For the PS5, TierraGamer noted the responsive and technically impressive controls, which contribute to a sense of agility and control during gameplay. XboxEra also acknowledged the presence of a graphics and performance mode on the Xbox Series X, which suggests that the game is designed to cater to different player preferences in terms of visual fidelity and performance. However, there are notable negatives associated with each platform that detract from the overall experience. Digital Trends reported frustrating bugs on PC, such as fragile walls not breaking properly and issues with sticky wall jumps, which can significantly impact gameplay. On the PS5, multiple critics pointed out various issues, including IGN France's mention of accidental soft-locks due to the game's experimental mechanics, and Push Square's frustrations with janky moments and fast-travel mechanics. Additionally, TechRadar Gaming and TRG both highlighted the finicky nature of the extractor tool, which can lead to gameplay disruptions. XboxEra also pointed out noticeable tearing issues in larger rooms, despite an overall stable framerate. The overall consensus among critics indicates that while Ultros has potential and some solid technical aspects, it is marred by a range of technical issues across all platforms. The PC version is hindered by bugs that affect gameplay, while the PS5 version suffers from mechanics that can lead to unintended gameplay obstacles and frustrations. The Xbox Series X version, although it offers performance modes, is not free from its own technical hiccups. Critics like IGN France and Digital Trends emphasize the need for improvement in technical performance to enhance the overall player experience. As such, while the game shows promise, it clearly requires further refinement to fully realize its potential across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Ultros boasts innovative mechanics and strong replay value, with critics praising its unique gardening elements, multiple endings, and strategic gameplay. However, concerns about repetitive time loops, unclear combat systems, and tedious backtracking may frustrate players. Overall, it offers a mixed experience that rewards deep engagement but can leave some feeling bored or lost.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Ultros reveal a generally positive sentiment towards its innovative mechanics and structure. Many reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and PC Gamer, highlight the game's unique gardening mechanics and roguelite elements, which provide players with opportunities to explore different paths and unlock various abilities. Critics like IGN France and TechRadar Gaming emphasize the potential for multiple endings and hidden secrets, suggesting that players who invest time in exploring the game’s intricacies can significantly extend their gameplay experience. The inclusion of strategic gameplay decisions, as noted by GameGrin and GamingTrend, further enhances the replay value, encouraging players to experiment with different approaches to achieve optimal outcomes. However, several critics also point out notable drawbacks that may detract from the overall replayability of Ultros. Hey Poor Player and Jeuxvideo.com express concerns about the repetitive nature of the time loop mechanic, which can lead to a frustrating experience for some players. Additionally, the lack of clear guidance and depth in combat mechanics, as mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com and Softpedia, may hinder players' enjoyment and engagement. Critics like Hooked Gamers and Metro GameCentral also note that while the roguelite elements add replay value, the backtracking required for progression can feel tedious and may deter some players from fully embracing the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ultros offers a mixed but generally promising replay value. While many praise its unique mechanics and potential for exploration, there are significant concerns regarding the repetitive gameplay and lack of clarity in certain systems. Critics such as Digital Trends and Voxel acknowledge that while the game provides a compelling experience, it can also lead to moments of frustration and boredom. Ultimately, the game's appeal appears to hinge on player patience and willingness to engage deeply with its mechanics, suggesting that those who do may find a rich and rewarding experience, while others may be left wanting.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding "Ultros" from various critics is predominantly positive, highlighting its stunning visuals, unique gameplay mechanics, and ambitious narrative themes. Critics such as But Why Tho? commend the game for its "masterclass in environmental storytelling" and solid Metroidvania mechanics, while GameGrin praises its "innovative gameplay mechanics" and "stunning visuals." Many reviewers, including IGN France and TechRadar Gaming, emphasize the game's artistic vision and thematic depth, noting that it offers a "meaningful story about environmentalism." The blend of exploration and gardening mechanics is frequently mentioned as a fresh take on the genre, with critics like Jeuxvideo.com and TheSixthAxis recognizing its potential for an engaging experience. However, despite the accolades, several criticisms emerge regarding gameplay and narrative coherence. Critics such as COGconnected and Hey Poor Player point out that while the visuals are impressive, the combat and exploration can feel familiar and unoriginal, detracting from the overall experience. The narrative is often described as convoluted or pretentious, with Digital Trends and Softpedia mentioning technical issues and confusing systems that may hinder player engagement. Additionally, some reviewers express that the gameplay mechanics, particularly the roguelike loops, can be frustrating rather than enjoyable, as seen in the critiques from Voxel and TheSixthAxis. The overall consensus among critics is that "Ultros" is a visually stunning and ambitious title that pushes the boundaries of the Metroidvania genre, though it is not without its flaws. Many reviewers agree that while the game showcases creativity and a unique artistic style, it struggles with gameplay balance and narrative clarity. Critics like Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe suggest that despite its shortcomings, "Ultros" remains a must-play for genre enthusiasts, particularly for those who appreciate its artistic merits and innovative mechanics. The game is seen as a promising addition to the genre, with the potential for greater acclaim as it evolves and addresses its current limitations.

TL;DR

"Ultros" dazzles with stunning visuals and innovative gameplay, earning praise from critics for its environmental storytelling and artistic depth. However, it faces criticism for familiar combat, convoluted narrative, and frustrating mechanics. Overall, it's a visually ambitious Metroidvania that, despite its flaws, is a must-play for genre fans who appreciate creativity and unique experiences.

MONSTER

Reviews

85 reviews found

TierraGamer

PlayStation 5

Mar 14, 2024