Posted on: June 1, 2021

JMB9

Games: 822 Reviews: 9

Technically & quality-wise lacking

Tested under GNU/Linux was the current (05/2021) GOG version 2.8.0.9 (intern: 5/31/2017, i.e. May 2017 while the update in July 2017 with a lot controller work never came to the Linux version on GOG) on AMD RDNA1 and Intel/Nvidia systems with Logitech Gamepad F310 (introduced more than 5 years before HLD was released!). Genre: First note is that the given genre is absolutely wrong - it is no real 'Action' game and no real RPG either (with only 6 skills about Sword and Dash: and all can be used at once, i.e. upgrades instead of character selection or even development) - but rather an Adventure focussing on Exploration (like hidden secrets) - and no replayability value ... Technical/Quality: One can experience the game freezing without any specific reason (about 2-3 times on a gaming afternoon). Additionally, the Controller did not use RS (which would be nice to aim) or let keys/buttons be assigned (not possible for keyboard or controller, so also no cursor keys). Besides that, two Gamepads F310 are not supported, thus no locCoop mode (when using two F310 only the 1st is visible; using KBD and F310 shows 2 avatars, but both controlled by F310). As locCoop had been the reason for me to buy this game, the controller problems (with a console title!) was the reason for getting a refund by GOG. Last but not least the 32 bit version shows also a lack of care for this GMS game - as a switch to GameMaker Studio 2.1.3.273 released less than 2 years after HLD) could export to 64 bit for Linux and macOS - which are both important for quality of life - and not granted for a popular and even hyped game ... PC version did not get any additions - while Switch and iOS versions added 1 outfit, 2 weapons, a new area with boss - so PC was not taken seriously. When asking devs right now resulted in a mere advertising for their new game using UE ... So only for extreme retro gamers with a love for exploration to get it on sale - and not caring for depicted deficiencies (cf. forum).

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Posted on: November 18, 2021

TomTaylor98

Verified owner

Games: 19 Reviews: 1

Could have been better

Hyper Light Drifter is the kind of solid game experience that could have been way better with a touch more effort put into it. The combat feels great, when you're drifting around enemies, crwod controlling, cutting foes in half with a speedy slash, the game feels awesome, with plenty of depth. The problem is the game doesn't really require you to play it this way, for most of it's duration. On your first playthrough you have plenty of health and most of the enemies in the game are just too slow, and predictable for a game like this. Once you get to new game+ the reduced health bar solves part of the issue but enemy variety and overall design is stilll lacking sevearly. You know the game has a problem when the only enemy in the game that felt like a real challange on my first run is the final boss, and maybe one other boss. Overall the combat is still prettty good but in dire need of more content. Exploriation is a lot weaker aspect of the game. The world doesn't feel organic enough so you mostly exploration mainly consist of finding secret rooms by trying to find transparent walls and hidden switches. It's servicable but nothing amazing. the world is nice to look at. The color palette is striking the four different areas are distinct in their shapes and colors. There is a warm yet surreal feeling to the game world, which is always nice, but overall there is just simply not enough in the game to be intriguing. The game is surreal but it doesn't really have any character to it, and by now we have seen plenty of great pixel art games that had similar visuals. Same thing with the story, which is basically nonexistent. I am kind of sorry for this game as with more polish and content this could have been on the level of Hollow knight or Dark Souls, but as it is now I still had a lot of fun. Solar ash seems like a kind of successor to this one so maybe heart machine will do these concepts justice on their second try.

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Posted on: April 5, 2016

Sioclya

Games: 67 Reviews: 1

Just unplayable

This was the first 2D game I've ever played that made me feel motion sick. Not that it's janky controls courtesy of a 30fps lock helped that any, either. Oh yeah sure it looks great. I just can't play it.

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Posted on: March 31, 2019

jaguario

Verified owner

Games: 10 Reviews: 1

Performance issues make play difficult

I have pretty strong laptop that can run graphically intense games on high settings without dropping frames or lagging. But this game, despite its simple graphics style, stutters at around 5 fps. Its nearly unplayable in its current state, and won't be fun unless it gets a fix.

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Posted on: February 8, 2021

AndCycle

Verified owner

Games: 341 Reviews: 2

zero tolerance around input timing.

this is the kind of game require precision control all the time, especially the chain dash mechanism which punish you all the time, get frustrated really soon if you are not good at this type of game.

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