Ultros: A Unique and Stylish Metroidvania Game with Stunning Visuals
Metroidvania fans have reason to rejoice this year, as the genre continues to deliver exciting and innovative experiences. Following the success of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a new contender has emerged on the scene. Ultros, developed by a smaller publisher, has generated significant hype with its breathtaking visuals and distinct art style. This game stands out from the crowd, offering players a mysterious and player-driven story unlike anything else currently available.
The adventure begins as players awaken on a mysterious spaceship, seemingly witnessing the birth of a colossal being known as Ultros. This Lovecraftian cosmic horror poses a threat to the universe, setting the stage for an epic journey. In the first hour of gameplay, players explore a side-scrolling map, armed with a short sword for combat. Along the way, they encounter enigmatic characters who provide cryptic information, adding to the intrigue. The game introduces a skill tree, allowing players to choose a limited number of skills to retain between “loops,” although the exact meaning of this term remains unclear.
After defeating the game’s initial boss, players unravel the mystery by severing the connection between a sleeping monk and Ultros’ birth process. This action propels them into a space-time vortex, returning them to their starting point. However, they only retain the skills they previously marked for protection, and the severed monk remains disconnected. From this point, players must begin anew, traversing through different routes to locate their next monk and collect power-ups in a central chamber. This looping mechanic merges Metroidvania traditions with light roguelite elements, providing a thematic resonance that deepens as players uncover more about the spaceship’s secrets.
In Ultros, players rely on two primary tools: a short sword for combat and an Extractor, a floating robot housing navigation upgrades obtained throughout the game. Combat mechanics are simple, centered around a dodge system that leaves enemies vulnerable after a well-timed button press. However, the variety of enemies is lacking, and the game lacks a significant difficulty curve. Bosses and regular enemies pose little challenge, with navigation obstacles proving to be the main barriers.
As players defeat enemies, they collect body parts that can be used for healing and to level up four resources. This looting system introduces a unique twist to Ultros’ gameplay. Additionally, players can discover and plant seeds at designated spots on the ship, resulting in various plants that offer healing berries or new movement options. The choices players make when planting these seeds personalize the sprawling map, although the game ensures these choices do not lock players out of essential areas unless explicitly indicated. Furthermore, plants continue to grow after each loop, transforming the ship into a vibrant and flourishing environment that resonates with the unfolding story.
Ultros’ standout feature is undoubtedly its stunning art style. The game’s neon-soaked, hand-drawn visuals captivate players, presenting a visual experiment that leaves a lasting impression. While drawing inspiration from Hollow Knight, Ultros takes it a step further, infusing the subterranean world with acid-spiked aesthetics.
However, despite its visual prowess, Ultros falls short in its combat and platforming mechanics. The platforming feels slightly imprecise, and movement options are limited, making long-distance traversal a daunting task. Additionally, the game introduces a new story approach near its conclusion, requiring players to navigate through corridors and link nodes together. While this process offers some interesting moments, locking fast-travel behind it proves frustrating, leading many players to abandon the idea for a quicker resolution.
In conclusion, Ultros presents a visually stunning and unique Metroidvania experience. Its art style alone is deserving of recognition, showcasing an alien world bursting with vibrant colors and memorable designs. However, the combat and platforming mechanics do not reach the same level of excellence. Nevertheless, for those seeking a distinctive Metroidvania game with a modest 10-hour runtime (with the potential for more), Ultros is a stylish and imaginative choice that shouldn’t be overlooked.
