Ultracore Reviews
it's really cool that a cancelled 1994 game can get a new lease of life like this, and Ultracore is a good example of its genre. The lack of a save feature, though, is a black mark against it – we can't understand why such an option wasn't included, given other modern features (twin-stick control, the switchable soundtracks) are present and correct. Still, this is solid retro action and a fascinating "what could have been" experience. Of course, in this case, "what could have been" eventually was.
How do I review something that I can barely play? I suppose I can start by not recommending it as that section is so brutally unfair that it’s not fun.
Granted, you could memorize levels through a lot of trial and error and become an Ultracore master. But for me at least, it's not worth the time and effort.
Ultracore is a blast from the past game that really nails what many side-scrolling shooters were like in the 90s; and coupled with modern controls, it's a game worth playing. Though there are a few oversights like getting hit and not knowing it, unlabeled special items, and low difficulty, it's worth a try.
Decades after being cancelled at the last minute, the revived Ultracore offers a fun and tight action-packed retro experience even if it's a little unfair in various parts.
Enjoyable, fun and a reminder of days past. Ultracore is quite simple and sometimes difficult but a refreshing break from overly-bloated games of the modern era.
It's great news that Ultracore can now see the light of day, after 25 years in the dark.
Ultracore is a very solid 2D action game, if a bit unfair at times. Retro game enthusiasts would adore the deftly crafted pixel art ,and classic run and gun gameplay.
While impressive from a technical standpoint, Ultracore carries way too many flaws from the past to be a solid recommendation, whether you are a retro fan or not. Repetitive, unpolished, somewhat unfair, and very trial-and-error-y, it's pretty evident that the game's current owner didn't really do much before porting this interesting piece of old-school history to modern systems.
An enjoyable time capsule of a game that can unfortunately feel a bit unfair due to its age combined with some quirky controls. Non-stop retro action with great pixel art and two stunning soundtracks that is worth your time if it's something that appeals.
I'm very happy that a game as cool as Ultracore didn't suffer the fate of being cancelled forever as playing it is a fantastic treat.
Quite literally a blast from the past, Ultracore is a product of love, having been restored from an originally unreleased Mega Drive title by the well-known developer Digital Illusions (now known as DICE)...
Ultracore was a jewel lost in time that luckly was rescued and returned to players. For those who grew up in the golden age of 16 bits, this title is mandatory as it will definitely evoke those nostalgic memories. With fluid and pleasant gameplay, good visuals and a soundtrack that fits the bill perfectly, Ultracore ended up having the deserved end.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
There is still room for improvement, which includes a quicksave system in case you have to take off and go. It also leaves room for the want to see more of it such as a Time Attack mode or other little additions to it. If that’s not your cup of tea and you want a truly retro experience, well, here you go.
A slice of Mega Drive life, while the lack of a save system does harm it, it’s only a flesh wound & the none stop run and gun action more than makes this a title any retro enthusiast will love.
If this ends up being the Vita’s swan song, then I definitely won’t mind. Ultraforce ended up being a fantastic fit for the system and I doubt I would have enjoyed it as much as I did on the Switch or the PS4.
It doesn’t offer anything new in “old school” regards, but the solid run-and-gun gameplay paired with two cracking soundtrack options should appeal to the curious.
Ultracore is a fairly platform-oriented, exploration-focused run & gun that was programmed by DICE in 1995 and which, after being canceled in its day, finally it was released last year. 5 labyrinthine levels await you where you can destroy hundreds of enemies with improved control and an inviting soundtrack. Pure nostalgia with certain touches that suit him very well, and certain flaws that we do not understand how they have been maintained, even so, it is very much worth it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
With a wave of retro-inspired games released, it seems only fitting that an actual retro game finally gets some needed attention after all these years. Ultracore is like a time capsule of what made this genre so fun and addicting, however, the platforming mechanics didn’t age as well as the shooting action. Still, it’s clear from the first moments that this release was a labor of love and I am glad to have finally had the opportunity to play it.
The quality, fantastic score, and pulse-pounding action are the perfect throwback to one of gaming’s greatest eras. Platformers were in their prime in the 90s and Ultracore is a great example of the creativity that studios were dishing out back then. If you’ve been desperate for a slice of 16 bit quality shooters, Ultracore will absolutely scratch that itch.