Star of Providence

Developer: Team D-13
Release: Jun 7th 2017
Platforms:
Action
Indie
Addictive
Challenging
Polished
Creative
Cryptic
Star of Providence Poster

" Addictive action roguelike shooter with diverse weapons and smooth controls but steep difficulty curve "

Star of Providence Review

Star of Providence is a highly acclaimed bullet-hell roguelike that has captivated players with its tight, fast-paced, and addictive gameplay. Praised for its challenging yet accessible difficulty curve, the game offers extensive replayability through multiple playable characters, diverse weapons, and gameplay modifiers. Developed by a small, dedicated team, it showcases remarkable polish and streamlined mechanics after years of continuous updates. The game's worldbuilding is subtle and cryptic, encouraging player interpretation, while the retro-inspired soundtrack complements the intense action. Players appreciate the maneuverable dash mechanic replacing traditional focus controls, enhancing fluidity in combat. The game’s resolution and close-quarter encounters heighten the tension and engagement. Its infinite progression system, featuring multiple layers of final bosses unlocked through run completions, keeps the experience fresh and rewarding. With over 200 hours of gameplay reported, Star of Providence stands out as a gem in its genre, appealing even to those usually averse to bullet-hell games. Overall, it is a testament to what a passionate indie team can achieve.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the game's addictive and challenging bullet-hell mechanics, highlighting the smooth and responsive controls. The variety of characters, weapons, and modifiers enriches gameplay depth. The innovative dash mechanic replaces traditional focus movement, adding a unique layer to combat. The retro-style graphics and soundtrack receive positive remarks for fitting the game's intense atmosphere. Story and lore are cleverly woven in a cryptic, interpretive manner, enhancing immersion without overwhelming players. The endless progression system with multiple final bosses motivates continued play. The polish and lack of bloat after years of development are also frequently celebrated.

Criticisms

Some players compare Star of Providence unfavorably to genre benchmarks like Binding of Isaac, suggesting it might benefit from more content layers or deeper narrative elements. A few recommend purchasing the game on sale rather than full price, implying perceived value concerns. The small gameplay resolution might not appeal to everyone, and the lore’s cryptic nature could be a barrier for those preferring clearer storytelling. Though rare, some players find the difficulty curve steep or the game less accessible initially. There is minimal mention of bugs or technical issues, indicating a largely stable experience.

Pros

  • Addictive and challenging bullet-hell roguelike gameplay with high replay value.
  • Smooth, responsive controls with a unique maneuverable dash mechanic.
  • Multiple playable characters and diverse weapons enrich gameplay variety.
  • Cryptic and engaging lore that encourages player interpretation.
  • Retro-style graphics and soundtrack that complement the intense action.
  • Infinite progression system with multiple layers of final bosses.
  • Polished and streamlined design after years of dedicated development.

Cons

  • Some players find the difficulty curve steep and challenging initially.
  • Lore’s cryptic nature may alienate players seeking clear storytelling.
  • Small gameplay resolution might not suit all player preferences.
  • Perceived value suggests buying on sale rather than full price.
  • Less content depth compared to genre leaders like Binding of Isaac.
  • Limited narrative layers may reduce long-term story engagement.
  • Some players desire more varied content and complexity.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Star of Providence is a top down action shooter with procedurally generated elements. Explore a large, abandoned facility in search of incredible power, fighting dangerous foes and gaining new weapons and upgrades as you progress.

Release Date Jun 7th 2017
Publisher Team D-13, Bigmode
Developer Team D-13
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (2,439)
97% Positive 3% Negative