Ultros

Ultros is a captivating 2D action-adventure game that thrusts players into a visually stunning sci-fi world filled with mystery. You wake up stranded on The Sarcophagus, a massive alien structure drifting through space, with no memory of how you got there.

Trapped in an endless loop caused by a black hole, you must explore the bizarre landscape and battle cosmic creatures in order to uncover the truth behind your predicament.

I was immediately drawn in by the game's gorgeous, psychedelic art style and atmospheric original soundtrack by Hotline Miami's El Huervo. The contrast between the brutal, frantic combat and more relaxing world-building creates an intriguing dynamic that had me totally immersed from the very first moment.

Alien Lifeforms Offer a Massive Challenge

Fighting the various alien creatures that inhabit The Sarcophagus requires precision and skill. The intense, close-quarters battle system demands careful timing and strategy to overcome enemies that hit hard and fast.

Similar to tough fights in games like Hollow Knight or Castlevania, you have to study attack patterns and openings in order to succeed. I enjoyed the depth of the combat, especially when unlocking new skills to experiment with different playstyles. Mastering my blade to slice through crowds of enemies was extremely satisfying.

A Cyclical Mystery

The looping structure of Ultros' world and story is ingenious. Upon reaching certain points, you can choose to "loop" the world, restarting with key items and abilities retained as you peel back the cryptic lore.

It incentivizes thorough exploration, as hidden sectors of The Sarcophagus become accessible with progressive loops. Slowly piecing together the fragments of history scattered across the realm proved to be an addictive meta-puzzle. It reminds me of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's opening inverted castle twist.

To the more visual-novel-avid fans out there, though, the loop mechanic is very similar to Virtue's Last Reward's narrative structure.

Imaginative Presentation

I have to commend Ultros' art direction. The hand-drawn visuals burst with odd alien vistas and creatures that strange yet beautiful. Paired with the transcendental synth soundtrack, the hypnotic style pulls you deeper into its arcane setting.

It replicates the sensation of becoming lost in an expansive dreamscape. The environmental storytelling also stands out – abandoned laboratories, temples, and machinery tell a fragmented tale of what transpired in The Sarcophagus rather than spelling it out.

The fact that the game also manages to balance its combat with a strong environmental message is the cherry on top of the weird sundae that is Ultros. This is a Metroidvania that dares to be a bit "weird" – and the result is a memorable experience that any fan of the genre is sure to love.

Pros

• Addictive combat system
• Amazing world-building and narrative
• Imaginative art and music

Cons

• Some technical hiccups
• High difficulty early on