MOTORSLICE

MOTORSLICE is a visually striking 3D parkour platformer set in a massive interconnected megastructure, where players control P, a chainsaw-wielding anime-style protagonist. The game's art direction and atmospheric design receive widespread praise for their unique style and immersive environments that evoke a liminal, industrial vibe reminiscent of Mirror's Edge and Shadow of the Colossus. The soundtrack and sound design complement the mood effectively.

Gameplay focuses on traversal with wall running, climbing, and a motorslicing mechanic that lets P grind on surfaces. While the core movement and combat are initially satisfying, many players report inconsistent and clunky controls, especially in mid-air direction changes and motorslicing, leading to frustrating deaths. Boss fights are visually impressive but often marred by these mechanical issues. The story is minimalist and vague, delivered through optional dialogue and environmental cues, but many players found it unsatisfying and confusing.

Additionally, some optional "slacker" scenes featuring P have been criticized for awkward and gratuitous fanservice, which clashes tonally with the rest of the game. Despite its flaws, MOTORSLICE offers a unique and atmospheric experience, particularly enjoyable for fans of parkour and megastructure exploration.

Highlights

Players consistently praise MOTORSLICE's gorgeous art style and interconnected megastructure world, which provides breathtaking vistas and a strong sense of progression. The parkour mechanics, when functioning well, deliver some of the most satisfying traversal moments seen in recent platformers, with smooth wall running and climbing. The boss fights impress with their scale and design, evoking a Shadow of the Colossus feel. The soundtrack and audio design are also frequently highlighted as excellent, enhancing immersion. The game's minimalist storytelling and character interactions add subtle charm for those who engage with them.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the unreliable and janky controls, especially related to motorslicing and mid-air directional changes, which cause frequent unintended deaths and frustration. The camera system can exacerbate control issues, making platforming sections artificially difficult. Many players find the level design confusing with poor navigation cues, leading to aimless backtracking. The story is vague and underdeveloped, leaving many questions unanswered and failing to engage players emotionally. The fanservice and 'slacker' cutscenes are often described as awkward, gratuitous, and tonally inconsistent with the rest of the game, alienating some players. Combat is seen as simplistic and sparse, with little depth.