Ultros Reviews
While Ultros undeniably looks and sounds beautiful, the incredibly tedious gameplay and a time loop gimmick that leads to tiring monotony more than anything else make Ultros fail to be anything more than nice to look at in screenshots.
Ultros is a fascinating new Metroidvania where bombs and missiles are replaced with gardening tools.
More than anything, I feel amazing Metroidvanias need to strike a great balance between combat and exploration, where everything you accomplish is constantly bringing you one step closer to reaching the end of the game. I don’t feel that’s the case in Ultros. The rewind aspect of the game, combined with constantly losing platforming abilities and combat upgrades, makes the entire experience a painful slog. So even though I respect the ambition and creativity on display, ultimately, that’s not enough to elevate this game beyond its peers.
Ultros is a bold and beautiful artistic vision, but a convoluted Metroidvania.
Ultros sows some fascinating seeds into a familiar framework. Although those seeds bloomed into a visually striking game, some poor soil hinders its ability to fully develop.
There are fascinating and fun elements in Ultros, from the splashy visuals, the alien design, and the unexpectedly enticing gardening mechanic. However, most other facets of the gameplay just aren't up to par for a modern metroidvania.
Ultros offers a truly unique experience within the genre, and the creativity of the authors in conceiving certain design solutions is certainly commendable. Unfortunately, however, this alone cannot justify a title that fails to achieve any of its intentions other than showcasing a highly artistic side.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ultros is a loopy sci-fi adventure and when I say loopy, I mean that in both senses of the word. However, I can definitely say that Ultros is an unforgettable adventure which is something few indie games manage to achieve. 🌌
Ultros boasts a visual identity that deserves real recognition, a stunning vision of alien colour with design ideas that live long in the memory. Its platforming and combat can't quite match that vigorous success, sadly. Still, if you're on the hunt for a unique-looking Metroidvania game that comes bursting with ideas and a modest 10-hour runtime with the option of more if you love it, few games can match it for style.
Sometimes visuals are enough to carry a game and they certainly take Ultros far, although mediocre combat and some jankiness slightly undermines the unique vision.
It might be corny to say, but I look at Ultros as more of an experience. All the weak parts start to fade away as new locations appear, mysteries are uncovered, and a new location offers a fascinating new thing to see. Sure, it would be nice if some of the weaker points were more refined, but at the end of the day it's a 10 or so hour experience that will likely stand out for quite a while.
Ultros is an adventure of contrasts, in which its innovations shine against the backdrop of its executional flaws. The game stands out for its extravagant atmosphere, creating a unique experience that, despite its problems, is still worth exploring for fans of the genre looking for something out of the ordinary. Full appreciation of the game requires a willingness to experiment, explore, and sometimes tolerate its less refined elements.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ultros is a good journey through colors and sound effects; A relaxing journey that inspires the preservation of life and its renewal. However, it could be a memorable experience if it was better balanced in some of its aspects.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
With a gameplay approach that is as psychedelic, disconcerting, and unique as its visual style, Ultros is a constant stimulus for the senses. If you value originality and like different games, don't hesitate to give it a try.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ultros is a gorgeous hallucinatory escapade that dazzles visually as much as it impresses gameplay-wise. From the mesmerizing alien ship backdrop to the methodical combat to the taxing-yet-rewarding gardening mechanic, this game is full of surprises. If you're looking for a wholly original Metroidvania game with innovative new roguelite elements, Ultros is quite the trip.
Ultros is a stunning space ride through the trippy landscape of The Sarcophagus that will keep players wondering what secrets they will uncover amidst the captivating backdrop. Though the narrative can be hard to get your head around and the world is easy to get lost in the "gardenvania" concept brings additional magic to the Metroidvania genre. Ultros has paved the way for the genre to not play it safe and is one of those experiences that reiterates how games can still present us with unique ideas and worlds.
Ultros is a slick Metroidvania-style experience that doesn’t only introduce plenty of unique ideas but also looks absolutely breath-taking with its surreal visual style. It does a good job of getting all of the basics of the genre right, whilst the looping, eating, and gardening mechanics each add their own unique twist to the formula. Sure, these mechanics don’t always hit the mark (especially with the focus on eating GOOD body parts getting repetitive over time), but they never stop the game from being a lot of fun to play. With so many Metroidvania-style releases available, it’s nice to play one that does something that feels genuinely different to the norm – and believe me, Ultros is a game that isn’t afraid to be different.
Ultros drips style, but does not skimp on substance. The psychedelic art style and dreamy soundtrack elevate the familiar, but not quite tired, gameplay loop.
Aren't you tired of playing the same kind of metroidvanias? Then let me invite you to the colourful, psychedelic world of Ultros. Don't forget to take your hoe and shovel with you.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Ultros is a unique title set in a psychedelic world, introducing new gameplay aspects like eating the things that you kill to get stronger and gardening to progress in the story.