65
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.
50
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.
50
As a historical document, Ultracore is an interesting 2D run-and-gunner on Switch. It’s just a shame that modern takes on the genre have bested it at its own game. Do seek out the Strictly Limited Games CE, though.
7
I have had a lot of fun playing this game. As advertised, it genuinely looks and feels like a 90's shooter that would have been a huge hit had it been released on the Genesis or Amiga 500. The levels have all been thoughtfully designed - they are large, action-packed, and chocked full of secrets - similar to the level designs of the Turrican games. Using the right thumbstick to aim and shoot your gun also works really well. The graphics are authentic and the music does an excellent job at reinforcing the retro vibe. Ultrcore does have some flaws - there are some fiddly platforming sections, levels 1-4 all look pretty similar, and the final level (5) is much more difficult than the first 4. Most of this doesn't really matter if you are prepared to use the cheat code. You can use it as often as you like to reset your lives to 30, which means anyone can comfortably beat the game. I'm sure I will return to Ultracore several times over the next few years. I picked it up on sale for only $3 and I am really pleased I did!
Ultracore (2020)
Released On:
Jun 23, 2020
Metascore
Mixed or Average
65
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Metascore
Mixed or Average
22% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
78% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
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Jun 29, 2020
80
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.
Jun 25, 2020
75
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.
Jul 9, 2020
70
Keeping most of its early 1990s sidescrolling action conventions and tropes intact, it's a good throwback for fans of similar efforts but it also feels that it's stuck in its original development age at too many moments. Fortunately the control system works like a charm and the experience is overall fluid and smooth. As such, Ultracore can be forgiven if some of its pillars seem outdated.
Jul 5, 2020
70
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.
Aug 5, 2020
65
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.
Jul 30, 2020
50
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.
Jul 24, 2020
50
As a historical document, Ultracore is an interesting 2D run-and-gunner on Switch. It’s just a shame that modern takes on the genre have bested it at its own game. Do seek out the Strictly Limited Games CE, though.
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SummaryUltracore is a run-and-gun title developed by Digital Illusions.
Rated Tfor Teen
Platforms:
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation Vita
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X
Initial Release Date:Jun 23, 2020
Developer:
Publisher:
