Superhot, out for public purchase as of yesterday, is a strange, fun animal. Not only is it independently developed, but the origin of its creation is entirely unique. Initially submitted as a short entry in the 2013 First Person Shooter Challenge, the game was expanded, and continued on to a Kickstarter campaign where is received ample funding for further development.
Yesterday, the game saw its two year waited released, and is playable on Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS for $25 USD. However, through a launch promotion on Steam, the game is currently 10%, marking it down to $22.49.
Not only is it being praised for its distinctive trait as a noteworthy FPS, but its (unique) key feature. Time only progresses when you move. If you don’t, everything freezes. And I do mean everything, including enemies and bullets. With this peculiar set of rules paired alongside its jarring graphics, players navigate their way through twenty plus levels, and an increasingly thrilling story.
No regenerating health bars. No conveniently placed ammo drops. It’s just you, outnumbered and outgunned, grabbing the weapons of fallen enemies to shoot, slice, and maneuver through a hurricane of slow-motion bullets.
As the game progresses, Superhot takes on an almost Portal-like visage. Players must solve increasingly difficult puzzles, where they utilize the level’s set up, and their intriguing hold over the flow of time. Like an action movie in slow motion, we can break everything down almost frame by frame and use our problem solving skills in an extremely satisfying way.
Reviewers and critics alike are giving Superhot high praise, relishing it as a game that “wraps itself in an intriguing, wry meta-layer.”
The game is so satisfying with its minimalist graphics and excellent action-oriented focus, that players have already begun recording gameplay and posting their progress on what’s being called a “Killstagram.”
Superhot, however, is an extremely short game, lasting mainly a total of two to three hours. Its replayability, though, is through the roof. Players have the option to complete levels using not only a gun, but a katana, even their fists.
Overall, Superhot is an intriguing game on many levels, from its straight forward FPS style, the action of bending time at your will, to the mystery behind what may or may not be a larger story behind the scenes.
You can pick up the game for your Xbox One or your PC/Mac today!