Video Game Review: Ultracore

Ultracore

ININ Games

Action Sidescroller

Nintendo Switch

Usually, when a game’s production is halted for decades, you can expect to never see it again. Instead, those kinds of games become “What-if”s in the industry’s history. Still, strange things happen, and somehow Ultracore, a relic from the ’90s, is finally getting published after production was halted over 20 years ago.

From the moment the game is booted up, it is clear that Ultracore is practically a time-capsule from the early ’90s. The graphics, the atmosphere, sound effects, and even controls all play like an old Contra or Metal Slug game. Players control a cool soldier guy who is able to take down hordes of robots and other enemies by himself. Platforming and shooting consume the game’s five stages while sweet electronic music plays in the background.

Fans of ’90s action games will feel right at home while playing Ultracore. This would have been one of the best games of the genre from the era. The controls are tight (For the era) and the difficulty is right where it needs to be. By today’s standards, Ultracore admittedly feels a bit like a fossil. The lack of an interesting story paired up with the lack of some quality of life features that one would expect from a modern game holds it back. It is nice that a few modern features like (Optional) twin-stick controls were added, but these aren’t quite enough to make Ultracore compelling.

While the game isn’t too easy or too difficult, there isn’t much reason to visit Ultracore outside of nostalgia. The levels are largely repetitive, with the same enemies being recycled throughout the game. There are also a few unfair moments that require superhuman reflexes, but at least the twin-stick controls make this a bit more manageable. All of the stages are just large labyrinths that can sometimes be a chore to travel through.

The presentation is the best element of Ultracore, especially if you are prone to nostalgia. Unlike most indie games that try to emulate the retro style from the ’90s, Ultracore naturally has the elements needed to look like an SNES title. It was ripped straight from the era, and it fully embraces it. Fans looking for a classic experience will love the buff pixelated hero, the upbeat music, and the beeping sound effects.

For fans of the genre and era, Ultracore is a great addition to the library. For everyone else, this might be a pass. The game feels too clunky and uninspired to compete with modern “retro” games. Still, it can be fun in short bursts, and if you really have an action hero itch, Ultracore might be it.