Dustforce

A highly addictive platformer whose shine is marred by a few control issues. [April 2014, p83]

A fresh and entertaining action platform experience with some controls issues and a stiff difficulty level.

If you’re looking for something with that “just one more go” mentality and are willing to overlook its flaws, then grab a broom and be prepared to get swept away.

Spring cleaning has never been so entertaining in this well presented and cunningly addictive physics-based platformer.

Unique and very challenging, it's one of those games you should try before you buy. If you're a platforming fan who wants a game to play till you reach perfection, this may well be the one you're looking for.

I'd hesitate to suggest Dustforce as a must-play type of game, but for the cost of entry, you'll get some enjoyment out of it.

As a game it’s a good amount of content for a fair price, but I would advise checking out the demo before jumping in.

For those who can overlook the controls to appreciate the complicated game design behind the plain wrapper, you will enjoy your find. For everyone else, I'd recommend holding on to your money.

A perfect example of a game that is only as good as what you are willing to invest into it. If you have never really understood the need to do a speedrun or care very little about perfecting lines, chances are you will tire of its repetitive nature long before you reach the end. But, if you do enjoy learning maps and running along generally linear paths against the clock, you will find it here in spades and with enough style to possibly make it worth the $9.99 investment.

What might have been a good game is dusted by poor controls.

Dustforce may look fabulous and has some really interesting ideas but the overall execution falls somewhat short of expectation. Though still enjoyable, the fiddly controls add an unnecessary amount of challenge, barring both younger audiences and casual platformer fans.

While the retro style graphics and soothing music by chiptune artist Lifeformed turns Dustforce into a very meditative experience, there isn't much to the game beyond being simply another two-dimensional indie platformer.

Despite being won over by its personality – a catchy minimalist electronic score and simple but endearing aesthetic give it a feel all its own – I just never found my groove in Dustforce.

I never fully recovered from the wall I hit, thanks to the fidgety controls. Dustforce offers plenty of challenge and variety, but too much of that value is hidden under a layer of grime.

That beauty is just so fleeting, though. Dustforce doesn’t give you these moments enough and often it felt more like attrition instead, where the game and I just beat each other down until we were both bloody messes with me as the last one standing.