ULTRAKILL

ULTRAKILL is a shooter inspired by the classics of the genre and modern action films, where the main fuel is blood. Humanity has died out, machines have taken over the planet, and now their troops are descending into the underground world in search of living beings. Arenas consist of corridors, halls and secret rooms, and at the end of the level a boss awaits with its own phases. The developers relied on pacing: there is almost no reloading, weapons are combined, and health is restored by close blows. Blood serves as both a resource and a medicine, so careful sniping doesn't work here. Blood can be drunk directly in battle, which makes aggression the main way to survive. Dexterity is rewarded separately: airborne hits provide a damage bonus. Style scores are given in letters, and for the sake of a high score, players come up with chains of techniques: throwing an enemy into the air, finishing off with a coin, unloading a shotgun at point-blank range. Secrets and hidden arenas encourage you to slow down and look around, even as the game itself pushes you forward. Completion ratings require speed and purity, so levels are replayed dozens of times. The levels are designed in the spirit of retro shooters, but the movements here are much freer: jerks, tackles and jumps turn fights into a dance on the verge of error. Updates have gradually added weapons, bosses and modes, and the community creates its own challenges. The heavy electronica soundtrack sets the pace, and discoveries like secret coins add to the excitement. For those who love speed, blood and endless attempts to pass the level beautifully, this carnage becomes a separate sport.