1001 Spikes Reviews
1001 Spikes is nightmarishly tough but impossible to put down. It's a treat for retro fans and hardcore masochists.
1001 Spikes is one of the most difficult platformers out there, but finishing a level feels so much better when you overcome the challenge.
1001 Spikes will kill you, but it does so in a way that's both fair and fun.
Those willing to give 1001 Spikes a fair try will find that its mind-numbing challenge can lead to some incredibly satisfying moments. Its brilliantly crafted mechanics give players every opportunity to best the treacherous traps of Ukampa. Unfortunately, it's easy to see countless players quitting after a couple of levels, as its difficulty severely limits is accessibility.
The frustrating lack of off-TV play aside, 1001 Spikes is a spirited, fun title that exemplifies the creative indie spirit that is permeating the eShop. With tons of unlockables, several distinct game modes and a charming presentation, 1001 Spikes is highly recommended. Just be sure to do some yoga and go to your zen place — you don't want to rage-quit your GamePad at the television after that 800th death.
This is a game that will have you thinking about how intense, perplexing, and perfect it was for days. Like a tiny mouse says early in the game -- "the harder the victory, the greater the joy of success".
The impatient will probably give up just a few levels in, but the devoted will find a lot to enjoy with 1001 Spikes. It's a fitting tribute to the games of old, while embracing a challenge level that today's dedicated gamers will truly appreciate. If they don't break their controller first, that is.
Still, for those looking for a punishing experience on console or PC, 1001 Spikes definitely delivers on that promise. I died and died, yet kept coming back for more.
While 1001 Spikes' extreme difficulty may pose a barrier to some, masochists will enjoy every minute of this punishing platformer. Tight controls and massive replay value make this a brilliantly brutal experience – and one of the PS4's better side-scrollers to date.
1001 Spikes joins a growing list of retro-themed games made for modern consoles. This PSN release (also available on every other system you own) will test your resolve through a series of increasingly sadistic stages. With deadly obstacles at every step, this is one game that never lets up. But fans of this type of punishment will enjoy the clever level designs and rage-inducing traps. Good luck.
Although some players may grow to hate and fear it, 1001 Spikes is a wonderful throwback to an era when platformers didn't need lavish graphics or huge technical feats to impress. The 8-bit presentation hits the spot, and the gameplay is challenging, but not impossible. It truly is a blast from the past, even if that blast stings a little.
If you don't like being told, "You are dead", over and over again, this game is not for you. It's reasonable to veto out of a situation that brings you to a point where you want to break your controller in half. But if you are up to the task, 1001 Spikes will reward you with a sense of accomplishment only retro platformers can supply.
With a ton of levels, a bunch of unlockable characters, a few multiplayer modes and tough yet immensely satisfying gameplay, it's very easy to recommend 1001 Spikes to anyone that enjoys a good challenge that harks back to the good old days of the NES.
This game, to me, is about proving to yourself that even the small victories count, and no matter how many times you fail, you shouldn't snap your game system in half. It's just not worth the trouble. Plus, it was expensive, and you know it.
Knowing what to expect from 1001 Spikes will play a large part in whether or not it is found enjoyable. If gamers are looking for a super challenging, rage inducing but fair game, they will be quite happy with their purchase. If what they are looking for is an easy going, charming platformer, it is highly advised to look elsewhere.
The sheer volume of content on offer here is quite impressive, as is the presentation. The graphics and music feel authentically 8-bit, and even the Ninja Gaiden-style cutscenes present a story that adds an appealing texture to things. Those patient enough to tolerate 1001 Spikes' punishing design sensibilities should find a valuable treasure beneath its prickly exterior.
I don't think I've ever enjoyed a sled ride more in my life, because I've never had to work as hard for one. A task which once felt insurmountable had been met. That's not a feeling I've had with games for a long time—not even in Dark Souls. But somehow, the small scale trials found in the levels of 1001 Spikes bring me back.
Like many of the games in the same league, it's hard to recommend 1001 Spikes to those who aren't patient enough to learn its deadly and intricate ways, or to those who are prone to smashing their controller through their TV screen in frustration. But to those who live off buzz words like "rage-inducing" and "old-school hard", look no further.