Ultracore

it's really cool that a cancelled 1994 game can get a new lease of life like this, and Ultracore is a good example of its genre. The lack of a save feature, though, is a black mark against it – we can't understand why such an option wasn't included, given other modern features (twin-stick control, the switchable soundtracks) are present and correct. Still, this is solid retro action and a fascinating "what could have been" experience. Of course, in this case, "what could have been" eventually was.

Ultracore was a jewel lost in time that luckly was rescued and returned to players. For those who grew up in the golden age of 16 bits, this title is mandatory as it will definitely evoke those nostalgic memories. With fluid and pleasant gameplay, good visuals and a soundtrack that fits the bill perfectly, Ultracore ended up having the deserved end.

There is still room for improvement, which includes a quicksave system in case you have to take off and go. It also leaves room for the want to see more of it such as a Time Attack mode or other little additions to it. If that’s not your cup of tea and you want a truly retro experience, well, here you go.

Enjoyable, fun and a reminder of days past. Ultracore is quite simple and sometimes difficult but a refreshing break from overly-bloated games of the modern era.

Ultracore is a blast from the past game that really nails what many side-scrolling shooters were like in the 90s; and coupled with modern controls, it's a game worth playing. Though there are a few oversights like getting hit and not knowing it, unlabeled special items, and low difficulty, it's worth a try.

While impressive from a technical standpoint, Ultracore carries way too many flaws from the past to be a solid recommendation, whether you are a retro fan or not. Repetitive, unpolished, somewhat unfair, and very trial-and-error-y, it's pretty evident that the game's current owner didn't really do much before porting this interesting piece of old-school history to modern systems.

If this ends up being the Vita’s swan song, then I definitely won’t mind. Ultraforce ended up being a fantastic fit for the system and I doubt I would have enjoyed it as much as I did on the Switch or the PS4.

It doesn’t offer anything new in “old school” regards, but the solid run-and-gun gameplay paired with two cracking soundtrack options should appeal to the curious.

How do I review something that I can barely play? I suppose I can start by not recommending it as that section is so brutally unfair that it’s not fun.

Granted, you could memorize levels through a lot of trial and error and become an Ultracore master. But for me at least, it's not worth the time and effort.