Hyper Light Drifter

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 403 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 315 out of 403
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 403
  3. Negative: 34 out of 403

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  1. Mandulum
    Nov 18, 2016
    7
    Five Word Review: Challenging throwback to Link's days
    Favorite Thing: Some nice and challenging boss fights.
    Least Favorite Thing: The unfun timings on dash and attack.

    Playtime: ~ 8h
    Enjoyment: 7/10
    Recommendation: Yeah, it's a solid game.
  2. Underpants158
    Jun 28, 2016
    7
    This isn't my cup of tea. When a game is billed as being difficult over anything else that is usually an indicator that it is not for me. It is hard, believe me, but there are frequent checkpoints so it's never punishingly so. The enjoyment comes from being frustrated by defeat then basking in the light of victory. The west boss literally had me shaking after I bet him.

    Negatives: -The    This isn't my cup of tea. When a game is billed as being difficult over anything else that is usually an indicator that it is not for me. It is hard, believe me, but there are frequent checkpoints so it's never punishingly so. The enjoyment comes from being frustrated by defeat then basking in the light of victory. The west boss literally had me shaking after I bet him.

    Negatives:
    -The abstract telling of the story leaves a lot to be desired.
    -The mini map sucks. It doesn't display exactly where you are. It's like there are invisible sectors and your icon will remain stagnant until you change sectors then the icon will remain stagnant in that sector. It makes trying to find the pink triangles (story!) needlessly annoying.
    -Upgrades are largely ineffectual. Double dash is the only thing I found useful.    … Expand
  3. andrew9
    Feb 15, 2022
    7
    good game .
  4. rodericrinehart
    Aug 7, 2017
    6
    I really tried to like the game, but I found it rather empty and boring. I do give it points for great atmosphere, good pixel graphics, and excellent soundtrack. I just found the combat boring and the world lifeless, so as a game, it fell short for me. I see a lot of other people really like it, so that's great.
  5. ilnik
    Aug 16, 2019
    5
    This game was too damn hard 4 me. It has really climatic and nice looking graphics concept and fairy-like but crooked, dark world.
  6. QuatokyTonberry
    Jan 25, 2019
    7
    Gameplay: - Good
    Story: - Bad
    Visual: - Amazing
    Music and sound: - Very Good
    Average time: - 11H
    Score: - 7 (Good)
  7. Wrathzo
    Mar 24, 2022
    6
    Hyper Light Drifter is a 2D action role-playing game developed by Heart Machine. The player controls the Drifter, a character that has access to technology that has long been forgotten by the inhabitants of the game's world and is suffering from an unspecified illness.
  8. RadiationGamer
    Jan 30, 2022
    7
    I remember that I really enjoyed playing this game, but I always felt that there was a big deficiency in this game. There is a story in this game, yes, but the narration of this story with pictures is quite weak during gameplay if you ask me. During the game, sometimes I had a hard time understanding what I was fighting for, why I was going somewhere and stopping. It has a strong conceptI remember that I really enjoyed playing this game, but I always felt that there was a big deficiency in this game. There is a story in this game, yes, but the narration of this story with pictures is quite weak during gameplay if you ask me. During the game, sometimes I had a hard time understanding what I was fighting for, why I was going somewhere and stopping. It has a strong concept and gameplay, but I didn't quite get the feeling I wanted. This is the highest rating I can give this game.… Expand
  9. Luigichief
    Jul 5, 2020
    7
    I liked this game and it was really worth it for its price. The combat is deep, fun, unique and. The exploration of this game is very tasty and rarely very 'complex', I'm not an open world fan but I liked this one. The story is well understood, something I personally don't like. The soundtrack is one of the weakest points of the game unfortunately, it is relatively 'unique', but I find itI liked this game and it was really worth it for its price. The combat is deep, fun, unique and. The exploration of this game is very tasty and rarely very 'complex', I'm not an open world fan but I liked this one. The story is well understood, something I personally don't like. The soundtrack is one of the weakest points of the game unfortunately, it is relatively 'unique', but I find it very difficult for someone to like it. I personally liked the graphics. I recommend it only if you like the gameplay.… Expand
  10. Djehutix
    Apr 6, 2021
    5
    Well, the game is not hard at all. Don't know why people keep saying this. But it's also not fun at all. Was ok at the beginning, but the lack of progress is just boring. Most of the upgrades you can buy are useless and so you don't feel like your character is getting better at all. The worst about this game are the controls: Imprecise, unsatisfying and so slow. You feel like you struggleWell, the game is not hard at all. Don't know why people keep saying this. But it's also not fun at all. Was ok at the beginning, but the lack of progress is just boring. Most of the upgrades you can buy are useless and so you don't feel like your character is getting better at all. The worst about this game are the controls: Imprecise, unsatisfying and so slow. You feel like you struggle more to actually do the attack moves than learning enemy patterns and reacting to them. If you had the precise and fair controls of Hades, the game would be over in an hour.… Expand
  11. GameReviewJrnal
    Jun 18, 2016
    7
    Gorgeous artwork and a soothing soundtrack to counter the intense combat, it has all the elements to be a great game. However navigating the map can be frustrating since there is no way to grind, and a wrong decision is very costly. What I mean is going to the same place or backtracking offers no rewards in regards to EXP, and this happens quite a bit. Boss battles are incredibly fun andGorgeous artwork and a soothing soundtrack to counter the intense combat, it has all the elements to be a great game. However navigating the map can be frustrating since there is no way to grind, and a wrong decision is very costly. What I mean is going to the same place or backtracking offers no rewards in regards to EXP, and this happens quite a bit. Boss battles are incredibly fun and creative, I just wish there was more of it.… Expand
  12. c3p
    Apr 17, 2016
    6
    I'm left with really mixed feelings.
    Pro: it's provides a unique style and good gameplay.
    Con: You have to wall-hug pretty much the entire time to miss no secret passage, because you have no way of telling where they are hidden, time-consuming and boring. When you are stuck in a part the map is not helpful, it would be great to leave notes or mark closed doors. In conclusion i would    I'm left with really mixed feelings.
    Pro: it's provides a unique style and good gameplay.
    Con: You have to wall-hug pretty much the entire time to miss no secret passage, because you have no way of telling where they are hidden, time-consuming and boring. When you are stuck in a part the map is not helpful, it would be great to leave notes or mark closed doors.

    In conclusion i would say that old-style Zelda fans should try it, but probably check out a few reviews first. (And beware of the Hype)    … Expand
  13. Keskin
    Jul 20, 2020
    7
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  14. BigTanuki
    Apr 3, 2016
    7
    Beautiful art. Very difficult combat. I don't think the rewards you get are satisfying enough, you don't feel like you're progressing that much, and then suddenly the game's over.

    Overall I'd say, wait for a sale. Not enough content to warrant $20 at the moment.
  15. GodOne
    Apr 27, 2016
    5
    A game with a crappy music, a crappy graphic, a crappy story(really there is not a story at all).
    A funny game for few hour but there are tons of better games on snes with better graphic and gameplay.
    If you are over 30 and you find this graphic beautiful then you have serious problems...
  16. The_D4RknesS
    Aug 17, 2023
    7
    The game is good, the gameplay is fluid, tasty and fun but the game is difficult especially on the bosses which requires a good reflex so that you can progress in the campaign .
  17. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    7
    Gorgeous and atmospheric game that is hard carried by its art design and environments. It's mystery is captivating and the gentle synth tones of its soundtrack are unforgettable. Gameplay doesn't really live up to that level, its serviceable and simple but no more.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best PC Game of 2016
51
#51 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
16
#16 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 47
  3. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. GameGrin
    May 15, 2017
    90
    Hyper Light Drifter is unique, it highlights the issues of a real person in an abstract way. This game plays very smoothly, and offers stunning visuals and rigid difficulty. Hyper Light Drifter is a lot of fun, and it's beautiful too. It’s a memorable experience, and can keep you interested the whole way through.
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  2. Easy Allies
    Dec 1, 2016
    80
    Hyper Light Drifter places high value on your efforts and sense of discovery. The impressionistic storytelling, inexplicit clues, and tough challenges, place the emphasis on your journey as a player. Things are never clearly laid out for you, but in the end, it’s both beautiful and satisfying.
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  3. Riot Pixels
    Oct 14, 2016
    75
    A worthy heir to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It compensates for its narrative shortcomings with immersive atmosphere, top-notch combat system and flawless pace.
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