Author: Mike
Date: 8/28/2023
Platform: PS5
A Bumpy Arcade Experience with Mixed Results
MatterFall thrusts players into a fast-paced side-scrolling shooter that emphasizes frenetic action and precise timing. Developed by Housemarque, known for their arcade-inspired titles, the game aims to deliver an adrenaline-fueled experience set against a futuristic backdrop.
While MatterFall promises an engaging experience, the lack of a substantial story is immediately apparent. The narrative is essentially non-existent, leaving players with little context or motivation as they navigate through the game’s challenges. This absence of storytelling undermines the potential for emotional investment and robs the experience of a deeper layer of engagement.
One of the most glaring drawbacks of MatterFall is its remarkably short length. The brevity of the game becomes evident as players quickly progress through the levels, leading to an experience that feels disappointingly fleeting. The truncated length limits the potential for the game to fully develop its mechanics and engage players in a more meaningful manner.
The difficulty curve of MatterFall is also uneven, creating a divided experience. The first half of the game leans towards being too easy, failing to provide a satisfying level of challenge for players seeking engaging gameplay. However, the latter portion of the game takes a sharp turn, becoming annoyingly difficult and potentially frustrating. This inconsistency can lead to frustration for players who are caught off guard by the sudden spike in difficulty.
Adding to the frustration is the final boss encounter, which can feel unfun and exasperating. A frustrating final boss can tarnish the overall experience, leaving players with a sour taste after investing time and effort into overcoming the game’s obstacles.
The controls in MatterFall can be a source of irritation, feeling clunky and unintuitive at times. These control issues can impact players’ ability to execute precise movements and actions, which are crucial in a fast-paced action game. Such control limitations can lead to moments of unnecessary deaths and hinder the fluidity of gameplay.
The gameplay screen can become cluttered with various elements, from enemies to projectiles, leading to moments of visual confusion. The cluttered visuals can impact players’ ability to accurately assess their surroundings, potentially leading to frustrating deaths and a sense of chaos on-screen.
On a positive note, the soundtrack of MatterFall is a saving grace. The music adds an energetic and immersive layer to the gameplay, enhancing the sense of action and intensity as players navigate through each level. The well-crafted soundtrack contributes positively to the overall atmosphere of the game.
In terms of graphics, MatterFall falls within the realm of decent. While not groundbreaking, the visuals serve their purpose without detracting from the gameplay experience. The game manages to deliver a visual style that complements the futuristic and chaotic setting.
Collectible augments add an element of customization to the gameplay, offering players the opportunity to enhance their abilities. However, the effort required to search for these collectibles doesn’t always yield a worthwhile payoff. The potential benefits of the augments may not be significant enough to motivate players to diligently search for them, diminishing their overall value in the game.
In conclusion, MatterFall is a mixed bag of arcade-inspired action. The lack of a substantial story and the game’s short length leave players wanting more engagement and context. The inconsistency in difficulty and the frustrating final boss can sour the overall experience, while clunky controls and cluttered visuals detract from the fluidity of gameplay. On the bright side, the soundtrack provides an energetic backdrop, and the graphics maintain a decent standard. Collectible augments, while cool in concept, may not be worth the effort to search for. Overall, MatterFall offers moments of excitement but struggles to deliver a consistently satisfying experience.
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