Ultros Review for Nintendo Switch: A Psychedelic Metroidvania Experience

Ultros Review for Nintendo Switch: A Psychedelic Metroidvania Experience Ultros is the latest addition to the metroidvania genre, arriving on the Nintendo Switch and developed by Hadoque.

Known for its inventive approach and vividly surreal art style, Ultros distinguishes itself as a bold outlier amid a field of more traditional exploration games.

Released on February 13, 2024, and available through the Nintendo eShop, Ultros has quickly caught the attention of players seeking something visually and mechanically distinctive on the Switch platform. A Dreamlike Visual Journey From the very first screen, Ultros asserts its creative vision with a riot of color and detail.

Its dream-inspired palette blends bright pinks, deep greens, and striking blues, washing every scene in psychedelic energy.

The visual complexity sometimes blurs the line between background and foreground, immersing players in a surreal world that both entices and disorients.

This intricate art direction is a core aspect of the game's identity, and Hadoque’s dedication to visual storytelling is evident at every turn. Narrative Depth and Unusual Mechanics The narrative centers on a protagonist trapped in an enigmatic cosmic realm, seeking freedom while encountering similarly lost beings plagued by fragmented memories.

The story, shrouded in mystery, is refreshingly unconventional for the genre.

As players move deeper into the world, the lingering sense that time can erode both purpose and identity heightens the tension and stakes. Ultros stays true to metroidvania fundamentals with a labyrinthine, interconnected 2D world to explore.

Players move through twisting corridors, uncover hidden paths, and unlock new abilities and upgrades as they chart a sprawling map.

Save points, concealed rooms, and strategic challenges abound.

However, Ultros stands out due to a handful of unique gameplay innovations. Most notably, the protagonist possesses the unusual ability to consume fallen enemies—a mechanic that serves both to restore health and as a resource for acquiring upgrades.

This 'consume' option takes inspiration from classic genre conventions and pushes them into new territory, creating fresh tactical considerations for player progression. Gardening as Gameplay Adding to its distinctiveness, Ultros introduces a gardening mechanic.

Throughout the journey, players gather seeds and plant them at specific points in the environment.

Over time, these seeds grow into plants that can offer healing or enable new routes upon revisiting earlier areas.

Strategic placement is required, and while this feature deepens exploration, it also introduces a layer of puzzle-solving not always found in metroidvania titles. Soundscape and Performance The audio design in Ultros is another clear strength, blending understated soundtracks and expressive violin themes to create a dark, atmospheric soundscape.

This musical contrast with the game's vibrant visuals adds further depth and tension to the experience. On the Nintendo Switch, performance is generally solid, though some users might note longer load times and occasional less fluid character motion during jumps.

While these issues do not undermine the overall enjoyment, they are present factors on this hardware iteration, and further optimization could enhance the experience. Verdict Ultros is an ambitious title that dares to challenge the conventions of the metroidvania genre with daring visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics.

It is a feast for players drawn to games that refuse to play it safe.

While some ideas are more successful than others, and the busy visuals might be divisive for some, Ultros remains a standout experience on the Nintendo Switch.

If you are searching for a metroidvania that genuinely breaks from tradition, Hadoque’s Ultros deserves a spot on your playlist.

Nintendo Switch Ultros Nintendo Switch Metroidvania