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This might be the trippiest Metroidvania we've ever seen
5K View2024-02-01
Metroidvanias are one of our favorite genres here at TapTap HQ. We play all of them, from gorgeous games like Hollow Knight and Afterimage to pixel-art masterpieces like Momodora: Moonlit Farewell to just plain weird stuff like Doomblade. Despite checking out everything the genre has to offer, though, we've never seen a game quite like this one.
The trailer above is for Ultros, a self-described "psychedelic Metroidvania" on its way from Swedish developer Hadoque. The game sees players crash-land on the Sarcophagus, which is described as, uh, "a giant, space-drifting, cosmic uterus holding an ancient demonic being." Huh. Yeah, that's pretty weird!
This weird world will be brought to life with art designed by El Huervo, a.k.a. Niklas Åkerblad, the Swedish artist known for creating the cover art for Hotline Miami.
As in any good Metroidvania, players will have to explore this strange setting, learning about this world and unlocking new powers as they go. Ultros also promises intense melee combat right alongside the ability to spend time planting and taking care of the natural life of this odd locale.
The strange visuals and off-the-wall setting sounds like enough to help set this apart from other Metroidvania options. If you agree, you can check Ultros out for yourself when it launches on February 13 for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The regular version of the game will cost $24.99, while a deluxe edition including a game, digital artbook, and soundtrack, will be available for $34.99.
Oh, and did we mention the shoes? Pop culture fashion label Bull Airs is putting out a pair of shoes based on Ultros, so you can have the same footwear as the game's hero. Just be warned that as nice as those shoes might look, they're gonna set you back a steep $400. Looking good doesn't come cheap.
As with most Metroidvanias, we're excited to jump into this one for ourselves and see just how weird things get. Watch out for a quick review of Ultros from one of TapTap's editors closer to that February 13 launch date.
Mentioned games
You’ve got to check out this trippy sci-fi Metroidvania from Hotline Miami’s artist
SHOULD I PLAY ULTROS?
Definitely play it, especially if you like a good adventure with a unique look. Ultros dives into a vast alien world that’s equally strange and enchanting. I got to explore vibrant caverns and alleyways, fight nasty beasts and tendril-flinging monsters, and uncover mysteries about an ancient, demonic being entrapped inside this realm. It’s a singularly great title and my favorite Metroidvania I’ve ever played.
Jay Hunter2K2024-02-12
Top 10 Upcoming Unusual Metroidvania Games - Gaming with Joy
I hope you will enjoy this list of my top 10 Upcoming Unusual Metroidvania Games. All of these games add something new to this genre or they are just plain weird, but they are unusual for sure. Alright, let's go and thanks for watching!
Make sure to subscribe to my channel if you enjoyed this review and if you would like to see more reviews of underrated Indie games.
Gaming with Joy2K2023-02-07
Review Thread of Animal Well: A Metroidvania Adventure
Game Information
Game Title: Animal Well
Animal Well
Platforms:
PlayStation 5 (May 9, 2024)
Nintendo Switch (May 9, 2024)
PC (May 9, 2024)
CGMagazine - Jordan Biordi - 9 / 10
Animal Well kept me captivated from start to finish and long after. Fans of Metroid-likes NEED to play this.
COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 80 / 100
Animal Well is a refreshing twist on the Metroidvania formula. Its tight platforming and clever puzzles make each exhilarating trek to distinct regions a blast. Although the retro-inspired art direction and odd presentation may not resonate with everyone, the originality and charm that imbues the game make this trip to the absurd a must for fans of the genre.
ayaUwU522024-05-10
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