Ultros, developed by Hadoque and published by Kepler Interactive, thrusts players into a visually mesmerizing cosmic journey aboard The Sarcophagus, a surreal space vessel housing the enigmatic Ultros. As you navigate this psychedelic realm, you’ll encounter a blend of vibrant visuals, intriguing narrative twists, and innovative gameplay mechanics. However, while Ultros excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws – here’s our review of the PlayStation 5 version.
Standing out with its unique setting, Ultros immerses players in a universe teeming with mystery and symbolism. Set within the confines of The Sarcophagus, also referred to as a ‘cosmic womb’ holding the ancient demon Ultros, the game presents a blend of themes revolving around life, death, and existential purpose. The narrative, though initially overwhelming, gradually unravels its secrets, keeping players engaged throughout the journey. However, its cryptic nature may deter some players, requiring patience to fully appreciate its depth as things aren’t always spelled out for the player.
At its core, Ultros combines elements of a roguelike with traditional Metroidvania gameplay. The loop-based mechanic, where players restart at key moments, adds an intriguing layer of strategy and exploration. Each cycle unveils new areas and abilities, encouraging experimentation and mastery of combat techniques. The gardening system, while initially daunting, offers a refreshing twist to progression, although its implementation can feel a bit cumbersome during backtracking segments.
While Ultros shines in its environmental design and narrative complexity, its combat system falls a little short. Combat encounters, while fluid and frenetic, suffer from occasional unresponsiveness and lackluster feedback – which has us just hammering buttons in the hope of success. Dodging and attacking also feel cumbersome at times, detracting from the otherwise engaging gameplay experience. Late-game abilities also disappoint, lacking the innovation found in the earlier upgrades that you unlock.
Just one look at the game is enough to realize that one of Ultros’ standout features is its visually stunning art style, characterized by vibrant colors and surreal landscapes. The collaboration with renowned artist El Huervo delivers a feast for the senses, immersing players in a kaleidoscopic journey through cosmic realms. Complemented by a captivating soundtrack composed by Ratvader, the audio-visual presentation elevates every moment, enhancing the game’s atmosphere and emotional impact and elevating this one above others in the genre.
Ultros offers a captivating odyssey through a surreal sci-fi universe, blending innovative gameplay mechanics with stunning visuals and an immersive though implicit narrative. While its combat may falter at times and late-game abilities disappoint, the game’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. With its bold artistic vision and thought-provoking themes, Ultros solidifies its place among the pantheon of standout Metroidvania titles. Whether navigating the chromatic caverns of The Sarcophagus or unraveling its cosmic mysteries, Ultros offers a psychedelic journey worth undertaking.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 