SuperHot (2016)

This was easily one of the most original spins on the genre I’ve ever seen.

Superhot is a first person shooter with a highly original mechanic: time moves according to you. This is done in layers, meaning actual character movement makes things progress in real time, while standing still, for example, only moves it forward very slowly. The genius of this gameplay mechanic is that it brings a puzzle-like component into the game: in other words, each segment arena has an optimal shootout solution. That doesn’t mean it’s the only one. Far from it, and in fact, allowing you to solve engagements differently is one of Superhot's strengths. But the hook is in finding just the right combination of movement and shooting priorities to dispatch enemies as effectively as possible. Shooting, however, isn’t the only medium at your disposal. You can make use of melee, objects and even katanas to handle intentionally crafted waves of enemies that keep making your way until the level clears, and coming up with different combinations of shooting, slashing, throwing or punching was a lot more satisfying than I had initially anticipated.

This alone would’ve made the game worth it, but Superhot goes well beyond being an average game with an interesting gimmick. Visually, the game is trippy AF. It has this minimalistic, very simplistic yet stylised look, rooted in what I can only think of describing as red enemy 3D cutouts juxtaposed against clinically white backgrounds. It’s a bold choice of art design, but one that works remarkably well within the game’s tone. One thing that struck me about Superhot is that it’s surprisingly atmospheric: it features a cool, dystopian sci-fi theme worked into the notion of a game that knows - and acknowledges - that it is a game. Paradoxically, it feels like it doesn’t take itself seriously whilst at the same raising some deceptively philosophical questions about the nature of time, reality and perception.

The game can be beaten in a few hours, but some of it can still frustrate you because not only can it be pretty tough, the difficulty spike between certain levels is kind of crazy. At times, it may also feel like it’s perhaps lacking both in variety and in the depth it seems to be reaching for. Still, Superhot is a hell of a good game. Originality itself doesn’t turn a bad title into a good one, but here, its unique aspect is the backbone of an already visually and thematically enjoyable experience. So when looking at the game’s quality, it is additive rather than decisive. I had a great time with Superhot, and my guess most people will at least find the whole experience intriguing enough to enjoy it. 8/10

I was mildly curious about Superhot when I first saw it get revealed. I never got around to pulling the trigger on getting it though, as there is just so many games to play! Well Stadia gave this one away with their Pro subscription and I finally decided to jump in.

I'm really glad I did too! This game kinda caught me off guard with how much I enjoyed it. I didn't realize there was going to be a cool story to go along with it. I didn't realize there was a bunch of small details (like the start menu) that was totally gonna wow me! All those things added up, plus the gameplay being super fun and also fairly challenging, was a cookie baked to near perfection. There is stuff to do once you finish the game too, if you want, like an endless mode and trying to get some secrets and challenges to be had.

If you like trippy stories and a fun take on the FPS genre you really gotta give this a go! It's the most innovative shooter in years 😉

A surreal fps game that has made its own trademark mechanic of letting the time react as you make your move. The story won't tell about much besides you running the eponymous program on a friend's recommendation. Its addiction value speaks for itself and there are other watchers involved as you spiral down to its immersion... That's as much spoiler-free information I can reveal about the game.

It's minimalistic to the point that SUPERHOT focuses on how you handle each short level in order to overcome the outnumbering mass of the red mob. The flow is maintained through quick retries and level loads, so the pacing is consistent and parallel to your reactions. The main story can leave you dumbfounded but at least the bonus levels and other materials can keep you engaged in the peripheral lore and matrix-like onslaught. You'll have to test it out to see if this is your cup of (SUPERHOT) tea.

Over the past few years, indie games have really taken off. Some indie devs try and capitalize on nostalgia. Others try and do something simple but polished. A few try and do something new. Doing something new is the biggest gamble, and possibly the most exciting. With Bastion, we saw narration weave the story in new ways. In Terraria and Minecraft we saw story take the back seat to creativity. In Superhot, twitch reflexes are replaced with strategy in this unique shooter.

In Superhot time only moves when you do. There is no music. The story is barebones. The selection of weapons is very limited, but somehow the gameplay is still captivating. Each level works more like a puzzle than your typical fps. Instead of peaking and aiming for the head you carefully plan each shot. Every bullet counts as enemies appear. Do I shoot the guy in front of me or try and disarm him to get a new gun? If I hold onto this sword I can easily kill the enemies around me but will I be able to dodge the incoming bullets? These are the types of questions you can ponder as you methodically cut through your foes.

One of my favorite inclusions is the instant replay. After finally slaying your foes you hear the words SUPERHOT as a first-person perspective replay goes through your sequence without any of the pauses. You will feel like such as badass seeing every methodically placed bullet. Each replay looks like something from an over the top action movie.

Superhot capitalized on an interesting idea. As with many indie games, Superhot ends up feeling like it only has one idea. By the time you have mastered the stop-motion combat, the game is already over. In the last act, they add a second mechanic. However, this mechanic is never fully explored. Different types of weapons appear as you progress - but they don't significantly impact the gameplay. As a free game from twitch prime, it was well worth playing. The length and simplicity are easy to excuse at that pricetag. People looking for than a short distraction should look elsewhere.

A cool idea that comes out more like a demo than fully fleshed out game.

The game comes with two main features that distinguishes it from the crowd. That is a pretty specific white and red asthetic and the fact that time only runs when you are in motion. This makes this game more a puzzle game than an FPS or action game.

The story here is a bit weird and not completely fleshed out. In the game you play a new secret game. In it you are presented with simple premise of shooting, disarming or otherwise eliminating red characters. There seems to be no reasoning behind it. And while the starting levels make sense as they introduce the player to the time managing mechanics the following ones seem random and poorly designed. The story starts getting more meta but it lacks the meat and lack of connection between levels does not help out at all.

After a while the game gets boring as the novelty of the mechanic wears out and its just the case of doing the same thing over and over until you learn the enemies spawn points and order in which they spawn. Luckily the game is rather short and thus does not outstay its welcome.

Overall the game is pretty interesting for a while and well worth giving it a go in a spare time.