77
MONSTER
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...
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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79
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
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
58%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
42%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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72
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
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
29%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
71%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
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90
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
90
Positive Reviews (80-100)
96%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
4%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
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85
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
85
Positive Reviews (80-100)
93%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
7%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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64
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
64
Positive Reviews (80-100)
25%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
75%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
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.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
69
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
69
Positive Reviews (80-100)
23%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
73%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
77
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
68%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
30%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
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.
77
MONSTER
Reviews
85 reviews found95
TierraGamer
Mar 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Promising addition to the genre with the potential to become a classic in the future.
90
Multiplayer.it
Feb 12, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Memorable and captivating gaming experience that is visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.
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90
But Why Tho?
Feb 12, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
ULTROS is a masterclass in environmental storytelling with solid Metroidvania mechanics, a truly excellent package that rewards players who enjoy the journey
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90
Softpedia
Feb 15, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Ultros offers an immersive world with good core mechanics, but may not keep players engaged in the long run due to under-explained core ideas, loss of abilities on time loops, and confusing systems. Requires patience and time investment for full enjoyment.
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85
PlayStation Universe
Feb 12, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Ultros is a stunning work of art with flaws, a must-play for fans of the Metroidvania genre despite some frustrations in gameplay and pacing
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82
PC Gamer
Feb 27, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Ultros is a beautiful, circular experience that aims to change the player's perspective on the world and connections. Despite some flaws in writing and mechanics, it delivers a unique and engaging metroidvania experience.
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82
Voxel
Feb 11, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Ultros is visually stunning and engaging, with fun exploration and a smart loop system, but criticized for weak combat, unclear objectives, and limited resolution options.
80
Checkpoint Gaming
Mar 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Ultros is a stunning space ride through a trippy landscape, offering a unique experience in the Metroidvania genre with a balance between destruction and nurturing, despite a convoluted narrative and complex world design.
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80
GameOver.gr
Mar 8, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
An interesting and fresh proposal for fans of the genre, compelling choice with well-implemented time element.
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80
GameGrin
Mar 6, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Ultros is a unique and engaging sci-fi game with innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a relaxing soundtrack. Highly recommended for players looking for a fresh and immersive experience.
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