Beta Tested, Gamer Approved: A Review Of The Closed Beta For 'Genopanic'

Recently, I had the delightful opportunity to delve into the closed beta of Genopanic, a game that marries the charm of pixel art with the engaging dynamics of the Metroidvania genre. After immersing myself for a little over two and a half hours, I reached the extent of what the beta offered. Now, with the beta concluded, I find myself eagerly anticipating more. In this first impression review, I give you my in-depth opinions of each facet of this game.

Graphics and Visuals

The game's visuals are a pixelated wonder. As someone who appreciates the artistry in pixel graphics, Genopanic delivers exceptionally well. The protagonist exudes charisma, and the supporting characters, like LAIK the virtual talking dog assistant, are irresistibly adorable. The boss encounter featured in the beta—a colossal freight-lifting robot—strikes a perfect balance between intimidation and the game's overarching cuteness. My penchant for pixel art compels me to award this category a 4.6 out of 5.

Gameplay Mechanics

Genopanic shines with its variety of weapons and tools. The plasma sword, for instance, allows for effortless combat and barrier removal. Similarly, the plasma gun offers a ranged attack option, ideal for keeping distance from certain foes. Additionally, the GMO critter capture device, akin to a gun-fired Pokéball, adds an enjoyable element of collecting GMO critters scattered across the map.

Player health is displayed through a battery-style block system. In the beta, I had three hit points, leaving me curious about potential health upgrades in the full game. The plasma meter beneath it, which depletes with weapon use but recharges over time, adds a strategic layer to gameplay.

The game's layout adheres to classic Metroidvania design, but thankfully avoids overcomplicated mapping. It's relatively straightforward to navigate and identify when and where to utilize new abilities. This clarity, coupled with responsive controls and an engaging arsenal, makes the game a joy to play. I rate the gameplay mechanics at 4.2 out of 5.

Sound and Music

The auditory experience in Genopanic is enveloping, marked by a futuristic and somewhat solitary ambiance. The sound effects are of professional caliber, enhancing the game's atmosphere. While the beta's music showcased limited variety, it shone during boss encounters, where the tempo changes significantly, heightening the intensity of these moments. The music's chill vibe, despite its repetitiveness, did not detract from the overall experience. In this category, I rate Genopanic a 3.8 out of 5.

Story and Narrative

Genopanic begins with the main character landing on a planet to investigate a silent lab. The narrative unfolds through found memos and emails, gradually revealing a robot uprising against the lab crew. These robots form the primary adversaries in the game.

The storytelling approach, coupled with the game's humor—especially evident in LAIK's witty comments and amusing crew memos—resonates well with me. This blend of narrative and comedy elevates my rating for the story and narrative to a 4.2 out of 5.

First Impressions

Entering the beta of Genopanic with no preconceptions, I was pleasantly surprised. Metroidvania games usually aren't my cup of tea, but Genopanic strikes all the right chords with its navigable layout, entertaining arsenal, quirky characters, and captivating pixel art. Awaiting its release on Steam, I am eager to see the game in its entirety. My final impression score stands at 4.1 out of 5.

Key Takeaways

Graphics and Visuals : 4.6 - Charming characters, exquisite pixel art

Gameplay Mechanics: 4.2 - Controller support, engaging weapons

Sound and Music: 3.8 - Futuristic ambiance, could use more variety

Story and Narrative: 4.2 - Captivating with a touch of humor

First Impressions: 4.1 - Engaging, exceeds expectations

Video Content and Disclaimer

Thank you for reading my first impression review! Don't forget to check out my video review of Genopanic below.

Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this product from https://www.keymailer.co

Written by: Christopher D. Horton | Youtube Channel Link | TikTok Channel Link