My most-anticipated Metroidvania of 2024 is a trippy cosmic adventure that's already threatening to give me an existential crisis

GamesUltrosMy most-anticipated Metroidvania of 2024 is a trippy cosmic adventure that’s already threatening to give me an existential crisisWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesUltrosMy most-anticipated Metroidvania of 2024 is a trippy cosmic adventure that’s already threatening to give me an existential crisisWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Hadoque) I cannot, will not stop talking about Ultros. This upcoming metroidvania enraptured my attention when Isampled its trippy wicked action at Gamescom 2023, where I found developer Hadoque’s debut effort to be both startlingly confident in its ideas and staggeringly deliberate with its execution. So much so that anytime anybody asks me about the video games I have on my radar for 2024, I’d immediately kick off on a tirade about needing to return to The Sarcophagus – the cosmic uterus which Ultros' strange time loops unfurl throughout. A rule was put in place on the group thread that there would be no more Ultros talk until they could all also play it – fair is fair, right? Wrong. As Ultros puts it every time you succumb to one of the haunting mysteries of its world: The Cycle Begins Anew. GamesRadar+ is exploring the most anticipated video games of the year withBig in 2024, with new articles dropping every day throughout January. GamesRadar+ is exploring the most anticipated video games of the year withBig in 2024, with new articles dropping every day throughout January. GamesRadar+ is exploring the most anticipated video games of the year withBig in 2024, with new articles dropping every day throughout January. GamesRadar+ is exploring the most anticipated video games of the year withBig in 2024, with new articles dropping every day throughout January. GamesRadar+ is exploring the most anticipated video games of the year withBig in 2024, with new articles dropping every day throughout January. GamesRadar+ is exploring the most anticipated video games of the year withBig in 2024, with new articles dropping every day throughout January. That’s because I recently had a chance to play a couple of hours of Ultros ahead of its release on February 13 for PC, PS5, and PS4, and I’m more convinced than ever before that it could be something really special – much to the chagrin of my long-suffering friends. So, what is it about Ultros and its psychedelic science-fiction design that has burrowed so deeply into the depths of my mind? The maddeningly creative visual aesthetic for sure, but there’s more to it than that. The blend of weighted action and tightly-timed platforming, the esoteric narrative concepts carefully woven throughout the wider tapestry, and the option to take a break from the headtrip to indulge in a little gardening. Into the unknown (Image credit: Hadoque) Earning a green thumb isn’t necessarily something I’ve come to expect from this genre, but it works perfectly within the world of Ultros. As protagonist Ouji begins to push further through the Sarcophagus, carefully dissecting enemy creatures in combat, harvesting their organs for health and improved ability spreads, it quickly becomes clear that progression isn’t always measured through traditional cycles of exploration. Think of thebest Metroidvania games, from Metroid Fusion to Hollow Knight, where an increasing powerset traditionally unlocks new avenues of exploration, but in Ultros it’s the various seeds you plunge into the soil, and cultivate across loops, that allow you to move deeper into the world – a vine may eventually grow large enough to poke through once-obscured sections of the map, for example, or wither if left unattended for too long. (Image credit: Hadoque) In fact, creative director and art director Niklas ‘El Huervo’ Åkerblad says that Ultros will have plenty to say on the nature of life and death, growth and rebirth, should you want to go looking for it. “There are quite a few things I hope to evoke. But these are mainly complex emotions of existential nature, and really something I hope the players will experience within themselves and make their own interpretations from. The themes for these musings evolve around shortsightedness, something I feel we humans are inexplicably prone to when facing grand, existential questions like the environment, conflicts, and concerning society as a whole,” he says. “Another major theme is how to find constructive solutions to conflicts where we tend to use violence. Strength and hardness are death’s companions, whereas openness and vulnerability are essential for growth… Life, in general, is a lot about breaking cycles of habits in order to change and evolve. I would say that in the face of the philosophical implications explored in Ultros, this is a metaphor the player can explore through the game.” Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more The Cycle Begins Anew (Image credit: Hadoque) Ouji has her own part to play in the Sarcophagus. Whether it’s to prevent the birth of a demonic being, or to inadvertently allow its release as you work to escape the loop of a black hole, remains unclear from my time with Ultros. Even if you aren’t quite ready on your personal journey through the cosmos for a little existential introspection, there is still plenty to wrap your head around. The organs you harvest from creatures, appearing in your inventory in various states of disrepair depending on how cleanly you execute a kill, translate into a variety of resources – each used to fuel progression across a branching skill tree, improving everything from the scope of your combos to your proficiency in world navigation. (Image credit: Hadoque) That isn’t to say thateverythingchanges between cycles. Rare items hidden throughout the world will let you ‘lock a memory in place’ which effectively lets you retain a skill on the tree for the next cycle, which in itself changes the direction in which you’re able to approach unlocks the next time around. “Talking about semantics like loops and cycles in a game context will nowadays invite the idea of a game being a roguelike. While we don’t consider Ultros a roguelike, we still had to take this notion into consideration,” says Brüggeman. “So, I see it more as if the game flirts and plays with roguelike mechanics without them being the core of the experience. Ultros instead focuses on the exciting parts of retreading familiar ground, but with new knowledge and priming of situations in previous cycles.” Brüggeman continues: “The loop mechanism comes more out of philosophical ideas than mechanical. Spiritually, we’ve thought about the cycle as karmic, where the actions you make in one loop may affect what comes in the next one. Tending to gardening is also about cycles, or seasons. What you plant at one point can either grow larger or die during the course of a season. These two aspects tie together how we see the cycle. Much like plants, while some things stay the same, other things may have evolved as a cycle begins anew. So, the cycle in the game functions as a tie-in to the story themes, and as a tool for the player to work with to evolve the game world over time.” See more Games Features More about games"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki": 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be"We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs": 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogsLatest26 years later, Codemasters’ Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about games"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be"We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs": 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogsLatest26 years later, Codemasters’ Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► More about games"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be"We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs": 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogs More about games “Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be"We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs": 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogs “Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be “Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be “We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs”: 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogs “We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs”: 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogs Latest26 years later, Codemasters’ Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest 26 years later, Codemasters’ Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters’ Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters’ Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” See more latest► Most Popular"This is incredibly rare”: How Mouthwashing quietly became 2024’s breakout horror hitI’m no Grinch, but will someone please direct me to the good Christmas games?This canceled Netflix fantasy series was one of the best shows of 2024 – and deserves a second chancePatton Oswalt and Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - 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REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”