ODDCORE

ODDCORE is a uniquely stylized, fast-paced first-person roguelike shooter that combines intense combat with a compelling time-management mechanic. Players race against a ticking clock, balancing aggressive play with strategic decisions about when to buy upgrades or extend their run. The game's atmosphere is deeply immersive, featuring surreal, liminal space-inspired arenas and a distinctive retro-horror aesthetic that sets it apart visually and thematically.

The gameplay loop is enhanced by a hub world containing mini-games like skee-ball and slot machines, which offer meta-progression through tokens and unlockables. The weapon variety, gadget combinations, and stackable upgrades provide players with diverse playstyles and encourage experimentation. While the game is still in early access, it showcases polished mechanics, satisfying gunplay, and a dynamic soundtrack that even allows players to sync their own music. Overall, ODDCORE delivers an addictive and exhilarating experience, though some players note room for improvement in balance, content variety, and tutorial clarity.

Highlights

Players praise ODDCORE's fast, kinetic combat and fluid movement mechanics, often comparing it favorably to games like ULTRAKILL and Risk of Rain 2. The game's unique liminal space and weirdcore art style create a captivating, unsettling atmosphere that enhances immersion. The dynamic soundtrack, which can incorporate players' own music and affects gameplay, is highly acclaimed. The hub world's arcade mini-games add enjoyable variety and meaningful meta-progression. Additionally, the wide range of weapons and gadgets allows for diverse builds and playstyles, keeping runs fresh and engaging.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a perceived lack of content variety, with some players finding runs repetitive due to limited enemy types and level designs. Balance issues are noted, particularly regarding difficulty scaling and weapon effectiveness, leading to some feeling the game becomes either too easy or frustratingly hard. The upgrade system and item synergies are sometimes described as shallow, reducing strategic depth. Tutorial and onboarding could be clearer, as some mechanics like weapon swapping and alternate firing modes are not well explained. Wall jumping controls and micro-management during runs also received mixed feedback.