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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

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, PlayStation 5

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...

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Ultros dazzles with its unique, thematic narrative and rich exploration of life, death, and environmentalism, garnering praise for its immersive world and engaging characters. However, critics are split—while some applaud its ambitious storytelling, many find the plot convoluted and opaque, leading to confusion and frustration. The game’s dense lore and vague language can alienate players, creating a mixed reception where its captivating themes enthrall some while leaving others feeling lost in the complexity.

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 notable appreciation for its unique narrative structure and thematic depth. Critics like But Why Tho? and GameGrin highlight the game’s encouragement of exploration and discovery, praising its intriguing characters and psychedelic world. The narrative is often described as engaging, with themes of life, death, and environmentalism resonating throughout the gameplay. For instance, TechRadar Gaming and TRG both commend the meaningful story that revolves around preventing an evil being from being unleashed, emphasizing the game's environmental message. Additionally, the non-linear and time-looping aspects of the narrative, as noted by GamingTrend and Hooked Gamers, contribute to a rich, immersive experience that invites players to reflect on their actions and the consequences that ensue. However, the critics also express significant concerns regarding the accessibility and clarity of the story. Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected both describe the narrative as convoluted and opaque, with the latter finding it slightly pretentious. Many reviewers, including Digital Trends and IGN France, note that the dense lore and complex themes can make the story difficult to fully comprehend, leading to frustration for some players. The use of vague and 'flowery' language, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming, adds to the confusion, making it challenging for players to connect with the narrative. Critics like Hooked Gamers also point out that the intentionally mysterious and surreal elements might leave players feeling disconnected from the storyline. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a divide between those who appreciate the game's ambitious storytelling and those who find it overly obscure. While many reviewers, such as PlayStation Universe and TierraGamer, laud the thoughtful and layered narrative that unfolds through gameplay, others express frustration with its complexity and lack of clarity. The game’s exploration of profound themes like environmentalism and mental health is recognized as a strong point, yet the execution leaves some players feeling lost. Ultimately, Ultros presents a captivating narrative experience that may resonate deeply with some players while alienating others due to its challenging storytelling approach.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ultros impresses with innovative mechanics like a gardening feature and time loop system, blending engaging exploration with fast-paced combat. However, critics note issues like unclear visuals, frustrating backtracking, and simplistic combat that detracts from the experience. While it shows promise in the Metroidvania genre, many agree it needs refinement to truly shine.

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 mixture of praise for its innovative mechanics and engaging design elements. Critics like But Why Tho? highlight the traditional Metroidvania platforming combined with precise timing and secret paths, which enhances the exploration aspect. The incorporation of a gardening mechanic, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin, adds a unique dimension to the gameplay, allowing players to balance destruction and nurturing. Furthermore, the time loop system, discussed by GameOver.gr and Hey Poor Player, challenges players to think creatively and strategically, promoting a thoughtful approach to combat and progression. Critics like PC Gamer and TechRadar Gaming also commend the fast-paced combat and combo mechanics, which contribute to a dynamic and engaging experience. However, the gameplay of Ultros is not without its criticisms. Multiple reviewers, including Digital Trends and GamingTrend, point out issues with unclear visual design and frustrating backtracking, which can detract from the overall experience. The combat system has been described as simplistic by several critics, including PlayStation Universe and Push Square, with limited enemy variety and attack options that may lead to a lack of engagement over time. Additionally, some critics, such as IGN France, mention that certain mechanics can lead to accidental soft-locks, further complicating the gameplay experience. The overall pacing has also been flagged as an issue, with some players feeling that it hampers the flow of exploration and combat. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that while Ultros presents a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre through its innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay elements, it suffers from notable shortcomings in combat depth and design clarity. Critics like COGconnected and Multiplayer.it recognize the game's potential, but many agree that the execution leaves room for improvement. The combination of exploration, gardening, and combat creates an intriguing experience, yet the frustrations with backtracking and combat mechanics suggest that the game may not fully realize its ambitious ideas. Ultimately, Ultros is seen as a title with a solid foundation but one that could benefit from refinement in its gameplay systems.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Ultros dazzles with its breathtaking, psychedelic visuals that critics rave about for their vibrant colors and immersive alien environments. While the hand-drawn art style enhances the atmosphere and draws inspiration from artists like Moebius, some reviewers caution that the overwhelming design can obscure gameplay elements, complicating navigation. Despite these concerns, the consensus is clear: Ultros is a visually stunning achievement that captivates but may challenge players in clarity.

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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Ultros is overwhelmingly positive among critics, who praise its breathtaking and psychedelic aesthetic. Many reviewers, including But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming, highlight the game's vibrant color palette and cosmic art style, which contribute to an immersive experience. Critics like GameGrin and Hey Poor Player appreciate the hand-drawn visuals and the unique alien world that the art style creates, noting how it enhances the game's atmosphere. The intricate details and environmental storytelling are frequently mentioned, with Digital Trends and PC Gamer pointing out that the visuals are inspired by notable artists like Moebius, adding depth and artistic value to the game. Despite the acclaim, some critics have raised concerns about the overwhelming nature of the visuals. COGconnected and Jeuxvideo.com note that the abundance of colors and intricate designs can sometimes obscure important gameplay elements, making it challenging for players to navigate the environments. Critics like Hooked Gamers also mention that the blending of foreground and background elements can hinder gameplay clarity. This sentiment is echoed by Multiplayer.it, which points out map clarity issues that may affect exploration. While accessibility settings are available to help alleviate these concerns, the visual complexity has been recognized as a potential barrier to a seamless gaming experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Ultros boasts an impressive and captivating visual design that significantly enhances the gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers agree that the vibrant and psychedelic art style is a standout feature, with many praising the unique environments and immersive atmosphere. However, there are notable critiques regarding the clarity of gameplay elements amidst the rich visuals, which some players may find challenging. Overall, the game's artistic direction, led by Niklas 'El Huervo' Åkerblad, is celebrated as a major achievement, making Ultros a visually stunning title that invites players into its mesmerizing world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Ultros boasts a stunning and immersive soundtrack that blends Swedish and Peruvian elements, enhancing the game’s dreamlike atmosphere and player experience. Critics praise its originality and hypnotic qualities, though some note minor issues with combat sounds and familiarity in ambient tracks. Overall, the sound design is hailed as a key strength, elevating the game's rich auditory landscape.

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 overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's ability to enhance the player experience through its rich auditory landscape. Reviewers like But Why Tho? praised the "brilliant score" that combines Swedish and Peruvian musical elements, effectively elevating both introspective moments and boss battles. Similarly, Checkpoint Gaming noted the atmospheric quality of the original soundtrack by Oscar Rydelius, which incorporates sounds from the Amazon to create a unique blend of familiarity and the unknown. Critics also appreciated the hypnotic nature of the score, as mentioned by Digital Trends, and the relaxing, immersive music that complements the game's exploration and gardening elements, as highlighted by GameGrin. The diverse and captivating soundtrack has been recognized for enhancing the dreamlike experience of exploring the spaceship Sarcophagus, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and Multiplayer.it. Despite the overall acclaim, a few critics pointed out some shortcomings in the sound design. For instance, Softpedia mentioned that while the soundtrack blends well with the environment, combat sounds may feel weak due to their similarity, particularly in blade swooshes. This suggests that while the music is generally well-received, certain sound effects may not have the same level of impact. Additionally, while the ambient soundtrack was praised for enhancing the mysterious atmosphere, some critics like TheSixthAxis noted that it features familiar hooks, which could detract from its originality for some players. However, these criticisms are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the music and sound design. In summary, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Ultros significantly contribute to the game's immersive experience. Most reviewers, including PC Gamer and IGN France, emphasized how the soundtrack enhances the mystical and dreamlike atmosphere, pulling players deeper into the game's world. The variety and quality of the sound design, as noted by TierraGamer, further solidify the game's auditory appeal. Overall, while there are minor critiques regarding specific sound effects, the majority of critics agree that Ultros delivers a compelling and atmospheric audio experience that complements its visual design beautifully.

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 impresses with smooth controls and stable framerates across platforms, but suffers from critical technical issues. PC players face frustrating bugs, while PS5 users encounter potential soft-locks and janky mechanics. Xbox players enjoy stability but deal with graphical tearing. Overall, the game shows promise but needs significant refinement to enhance the gameplay experience.

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 notable strengths. On PC, GameGrin praised the smooth controls and overall gameplay experience, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of using an Xbox controller, which suggests that the game performs well in terms of input responsiveness and fluidity. On the PS5, TierraGamer commended the game for its responsive and technically impressive controls, which contribute to a sense of agility and control during gameplay. Additionally, while XboxEra noted some graphical and performance options, they acknowledged that the framerate remains stable overall, indicating a solid performance despite some minor issues. However, there are several technical shortcomings that critics have pointed out across the platforms. Digital Trends raised concerns about frustrating bugs on PC, such as fragile walls not breaking correctly and a sticky wall jump mechanic that negatively impacts the gameplay experience. On the PS5, IGN France mentioned potential accidental soft-locks due to the game's experimental mechanics, which could lead to frustrating gameplay moments. Push Square echoed this sentiment by noting janky moments and frustrations with the fast-travel mechanics. Moreover, both TechRadar Gaming and TRG highlighted issues with the finicky extractor tool, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay and complicate combat scenarios. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Ultros showcases promising technical aspects, particularly in terms of controls and framerate stability, it is marred by a variety of technical issues that detract from the overall experience. The PC version appears to have a mixed reception, with both praise and criticism for its performance. The PS5 version, while lauded for its responsive controls, suffers from significant bugs and gameplay obstacles that could frustrate players. Xbox players may enjoy stable performance, but they too face graphical tearing in larger rooms. Collectively, these opinions suggest that while Ultros has the potential for a great gameplay experience, it requires further refinement to address the technical flaws that have been identified across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on Ultros's replay value. While its innovative gardening mechanics, roguelite structure, and multiple endings offer enticing exploration and depth, concerns about repetitive time loops, shallow combat, and tedious backtracking could dampen the experience for some players. It’s a unique ride for those ready to dive deep, but frustration could hold others back.

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 highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal. Many reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected, praise the game's innovative gardening mechanics and roguelite structure, which allow players to retain progress and explore secret areas, thus encouraging repeated playthroughs. GameGrin and PC Gamer emphasize the game's multiple cycles and the strategic decisions players must make, enhancing the overall experience and providing opportunities for experimentation. Additionally, IGN France notes that the game offers around ten hours of gameplay, with the potential for multiple endings and deeper mysteries to uncover, suggesting that players who engage with its mechanics can extend their adventures significantly. However, several critics also point out notable drawbacks that may hinder the game's replay value. Hey Poor Player expresses concern about the repetitive nature of the time loop mechanic, which can lead to a tedious experience for players. Jeuxvideo.com and Multiplayer.it echo similar sentiments, mentioning the lack of guidance and depth in combat, which could result in repetitive sequences that detract from the overall enjoyment. Critics like Softpedia and XboxEra highlight that while the game offers opportunities for exploration and discovery, the backtracking and formulaic gameplay can frustrate players, potentially limiting immersion and engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ultros presents a mixed bag in terms of replay value. While many reviewers, such as TechRadar Gaming and The Enemy, appreciate the hidden secrets, expansive levels, and evolving gameplay mechanics that enhance replayability, others caution that the game's repetitive elements and lack of fluidity in combat may detract from the experience. Ultimately, Ultros appears to offer a unique and enjoyable experience for those willing to invest time and effort into its mechanics, but the potential for frustration and tedium may deter some players from fully embracing its replay value.

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 surrounding "Ultros" is largely positive, with many critics praising its stunning visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics. Reviewers like But Why Tho? highlight the game's masterful environmental storytelling and solid Metroidvania mechanics, suggesting that it rewards players who appreciate the journey. Critics from GameGrin and IGN France also commend the game for its unique artistic vision and thematic depth, emphasizing its captivating soundtrack and engaging exploration elements. The game’s blend of gardening mechanics with traditional Metroidvania gameplay has been noted as a fresh approach, with multiple reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and TRG, recognizing its potential to become a standout title in the genre. However, despite its strengths, "Ultros" is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers point out issues with the gameplay, particularly in combat and exploration mechanics. COGconnected describes the combat as somewhat familiar and lacking imagination, while Hey Poor Player notes that the game struggles to balance its various gameplay elements, leading to a frustrating experience. Additionally, several critics, including Digital Trends and Softpedia, mention convoluted narrative elements and under-explained core ideas that may leave players feeling lost. Technical issues and gameplay shortcomings have also been highlighted by critics like GamingTrend and Hooked Gamers, suggesting that these flaws detract from the overall experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that "Ultros" is a visually striking and ambitious title that offers a unique experience within the Metroidvania genre. While many reviewers, such as PlayStation Universe and TechRadar Gaming, acknowledge its artistic merits and innovative gameplay, they also caution potential players about its shortcomings in combat and narrative clarity. Overall, "Ultros" is recommended for fans of the genre who are willing to invest time into navigating its complexities, as it presents a distinctive package that challenges conventional gaming norms.

TL;DR

"Ultros" impresses with its stunning visuals and innovative gameplay, earning praise for its captivating environment and unique blend of gardening and Metroidvania mechanics. However, critics highlight significant flaws in combat, exploration balance, and narrative clarity, suggesting it may frustrate players. It's a visually ambitious title worth exploring for genre fans, but be prepared for some bumps along the journey.

MONSTER

Reviews

85 reviews found

TierraGamer

PlayStation 5

Mar 14, 2024