Stellar 2D
" Addictive retro space arcade with varied enemies and risk-reward power-ups but clunky controls "
Stellar 2D Review
Players report that the game has been patched to fix major bugs like the menu overlay, but fundamental gameplay and design flaws remain unaddressed. The game arena is small, enemy fire is often invisible or hard to detect, and power-ups can randomly disable shooting or movement, leading to unfair deaths. Boss battles are trivial and lack depth. The visuals and UI are inconsistent and unattractive, with typos and poor font choices. Audio levels are unbalanced and sliders ineffective. Many reviews describe the game as a cash grab or a joke, with some recommending purchase only when heavily discounted for card farming. Overall, Stellar 2D fails to deliver a polished, enjoyable shoot 'em up experience and is widely considered not worth the price paid.
Highlights
Some players note that the game includes a variety of enemy types and bosses, with 15 enemy types and 5 bosses mentioned. The music and soundtrack receive occasional praise for fitting the arcade space battle theme. The power-up system introduces a risk-reward mechanic, adding some strategic depth despite its flaws. The game supports Xbox 360 controllers and offers multiple ship choices. The leveling system, where killing enemies improves the ship, is recognized as a positive feature. Trading cards and the very low price point are also appreciated by some players. Despite many issues, a few find the game amusingly bad or enjoy it as a novelty.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the game's technical problems like a persistent and obstructive main menu, unskippable intros, and broken audio controls. Gameplay is frequently described as frustrating due to invisible or hard-to-see enemy projectiles, clunky and slippery controls, and random power-ups that often debilitate the player. The graphics are low quality, inconsistent, and sometimes plagiarized, while voice acting and story presentation are poor and confusing. Levels are long with little variation, bosses are trivial, and the game lacks meaningful progression or an ending. Many players feel the game is unfinished, buggy, and not worth the price, even at a discount. The overall experience is described as unenjoyable, unpolished, and a waste of time.
Pros
- • Includes 15 enemy types and 5 bosses offering some variety in gameplay.
- • Music and soundtrack fit the arcade space battle theme well.
- • Power-up system introduces risk-reward mechanics adding strategic depth.
- • Supports Xbox 360 controller enhancing accessibility.
- • Multiple ship choices provide some player options.
- • Leveling system improves ship as enemies are defeated.
- • Very low price point makes it affordable for casual buyers.
Cons
- • Main menu bug overlays gameplay and is obstructive.
- • Unskippable intros and cutscenes delay gameplay start.
- • Audio sliders do not work; sound levels are unbalanced.
- • Enemy projectiles are often invisible or hard to see.
- • Controls are clunky, slippery, and sometimes unresponsive.
- • Random power-ups frequently disable shooting or movement.
- • Graphics are low quality, inconsistent, and sometimes plagiarized.
Rating Criteria
Stellar 2D is a retro style space arcade game, it's a 2D game in a 3D world. With an addictive, fast paced, casual game-play style.