Review: Ultracore (PlayStation 4)

Ultracore is an authentic Run ‘n Gun 16-bit game, a true love letter to classic 2D action games with intricate level design, tons of secrets to discover, and numerous mid- and end-bosses.

Pros:

• Crisp pixel art graphics.
• 980.7mb download size.
• Platinum trophy.
• Local leaderboard.
• Cheat code support.
• 2D platformer shooter gameplay.
• Five levels.
• Upgrade and pick up new guns as you find them.
• Can jump on enemies and not take damage.
• 180-degree aiming arc. Once you start and continue to press shoot you stay at that angle and can’t change it.
• Secret rooms to find, hidden items in walls.
• Chiptune soundtrack.
• Proper retro atmosphere.
• Clear Hud that shows health, lives, coins, score, and time.
• Restart exactly where you died.
• Cool little interactions with survivors.
• Terminals-interact with to see a map.
• Big boss fights.
• 3 continues.

Cons:

• Difficult.
• No bonus menus or work.
• The slowdown happens a lot.
• The shooting is not fun and clunky with the whole locked in direction and inability to use or move on a lift if firing.
• Can get lost a lot.
• Hard to see what is debris/shrapnel and what is an actual enemy.
• Music is one that can repeat itself.
• No way to know the controls.
• Navigation of menus is not straightforward and you can easily press no on the continue screen.
• No online leaderboards.
• Little to no replay value.