Matterfall

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 52
  3. Negative: 8 out of 52

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  1. Captiosus
    Aug 15, 2017
    7
    This is a rare miss by the folks at Housemarque. Matterfall tries being one part Metroidvania and one part twin stick score attack shoot-em-up and ends up being inferior versions of each. Bosses fights are frustratingly inconsistent, the dash mechanic isn't nearly as refined or as tight as it is in Housemarque's other games like Resogun or Nex Machina, and the Metroidvania platforming isThis is a rare miss by the folks at Housemarque. Matterfall tries being one part Metroidvania and one part twin stick score attack shoot-em-up and ends up being inferior versions of each. Bosses fights are frustratingly inconsistent, the dash mechanic isn't nearly as refined or as tight as it is in Housemarque's other games like Resogun or Nex Machina, and the Metroidvania platforming is very rudimentary. While playing I couldn't help but feel that there was a lot more that could have been done. In fact, my mind kept going back to Shadow Complex and Epic Games' take on the genre back in 2009.

    The biggest issue, in my opinion, is that the game is painfully short. Three acts of three levels each. On veteran, that took a mere 3.5 hours to complete from start to finish. This is a great example of the game being stuck in-between worlds; Short gameplay based on score attack gameplay works well in games like Resogun or Nex Machina which are modern takes on old quarter munching arcade titles but Matterfall is a take on a completely different genre where "score attack" matters less than providing a solid platforming experience with satisfying progression and boss fights. The relay value doesn't seem to justify the $20 price tag and, again, made me recall when Shadow Complex launched for a mere $5 more with significantly more content and more reasons to replay besides Matterfall's score attack.

    Ultimately, I'd recommend putting this on a wish list and waiting to see if it goes on sale during one of Sony's periodic flash sales or potentially given as a "free" PS Plus game later down the line. I'd give it a 6.5 if I could but in this case I'll round it up to a 7 rather than down to a 6.    … Expand
  2. paulc8888
    Sep 9, 2017
    7
    Not bad, but nowhere near the standards set by Housemarque in Nex Machina or Resogun. It's by no means a bad game, much better than most titles, just not as good as I was hoping it would be.
  3. lydtr
    Jan 13, 2023
    5
    the game was a bit of a let down and maybe I was expecting too much out of it

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 15, 2017
    70
    An absorbing mix of ideas: an intense retro-tinged shooter with an unusual level of complexity. [Nov 2017, p.81]
  2. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 12, 2017
    75
    As a spectacular and blasting experience, Matterfall rides on reflexes of the player. It rides with intensity, speed and... is short. It is so short that you will finish it in 2 hours, then stare at the wall for 2 more. But while it lasts and doesn’t force you to chase the high-score, Matterfall is an awesome little title.
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  3. Digitally Downloaded
    Sep 26, 2017
    60
    If you can handle the uncomfortable controls, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in some good old platformer shooting fun.
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