“Ultros is a bold and beautiful artistic vision, but a convoluted Metroidvania.”
Pros
- Psychedelic art
- Fantastic music
- Unique gardening system
Cons
- Unclear visual design
- Underexplained systems
- Tedious backtracking
My bloody quest to kill a grotesque demon is about to reach its climax when I stop to do a bit of intergalactic gardening. Testing out a mysterious new tool, I uncover a whole new view of nature. Birth. Death. Rebirth. This cycle of life is the cornerstone of Ultros, a new Metroidvania by Hadoque. Behind its dense sci-fi lore and complex gameplay systems, lies a spiritual journey about the unknowable cycle of life and death. Although it can be a frustrating journey due to incomprehensible game mechanics, Ultros immerses players in the distinct art and soundscapes inspired by the work of French artist Moebius, offering a fresh experience unlike any other.
A psychedelic trip
In Ultros, I take on the role of an astronaut in a slick red coat who crash-lands on a massive vessel, The Sarcophagus. The ship is not just a colorful, alien biosphere, but also home to the demonic entity, Ultros. Battling Ultros leads me through different technological biomes within the ship, all of which takes place in a black hole. Throughout the story, the cycle begins anew, making me feel like I’m in a constant state of rebirth.
Despite its confusing narrative, Ultros communicates effectively through its art style and gameplay systems, offering a unique visual experience unlike any other digital world. The outstanding art, inspired by Moebius, and the rich, surreal soundscape by composer El Huervo, presents a blend of organic and otherworldly elements. It creates visual, auditory, and thematic depth, though it doesn’t come without design challenges. The dizzying detail on screen can overwhelm and cause confusion to players, making it challenging to navigate through the game’s complex world.
Struggling to reinvent
Ultros presents bold creative swings, such as its time-loop twist, that disrupt the traditional 2D action-adventure formula. I find myself lost in the labyrinthine world, struggling with unclear visual design and tedious backtracking. Exploring the game is a pain, compounded by frustrating bugs, and unclear visual elements. Despite these challenges, Ultros stands out with its creative 2D combat and most unique aspect: gardening, offering a fresh take ending the exploration element and the spiritual journey to life and death drawn out through a gardening system.
Out in the garden
My journey through Ultros is imbued with the unique gardening system, adding a compelling layer to its gameplay. The system is metaphorical and transformative, weaving intricate themes into my interaction with the alien world. Despite its practical challenges and lack of clear guidance, gardening emerges as the most unique and auspicious aspect of Ultros. It visually and symbolically embodies its philosophical themes and offers moments both puzzling and poignant.
Its most powerful moment is a gameplay twist, turning the second half of Ultros into a much more compelling puzzle platformer, showcasing how all life is connected. This moment, even in the midst of confusion, illustrates the promise and potential of Ultros. It not only offers a creative concept, but a metaphorical one that carries deeper meanings. Despite its challenges, Ultros offers something powerful and compelling in the journey of life and death, sharing a unique experience unlike any other game in its genre.
