Solar Shifter EX

 Xbox One
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 4 out of 11
  1. CGMagazine
    Aug 26, 2016
    80
    This vertical scrolling shoot’em up adds a number of modern refinements to the genre’s common conventions; that said your personal enjoyment of the game might depend more on your opinion of the genre as a whole.
  2. Brash Games
    Aug 21, 2016
    70
    Solar Shifter is a fun Indie game. Targeting a niche corner of the gaming community in all honesty, but if you’re feeling brave and fancy your chances then give it a go. A few issues that if they were fixed and or changed, would have warranted a higher score.
  3. Digitally Downloaded
    Aug 29, 2016
    60
    Solar Shifter EX doesn’t add anything special to its genre, but it is certainly a solid entry worth a play or two if you dare.
  5. XboxAddict
    Aug 29, 2016
    60
    More than anything, the camera issues are the biggest drawback, along with the gameplay devolving into finding 'the safe spot’ to survive more than using reflex skill.
  6. ZTGD
    Sep 7, 2016
    55
    Solar Shifter EX has some cool ideas and poor execution. I wanted to love it, I tried to love it, but in the end I simply left every session disappointed that it never really delivered on any of its ambitions. There are better shooters out there, heck, there are better shooters everywhere. Regardless of any love for the genre, I simply cannot recommend this game to anyone.
  7. The Digital Fix
    Sep 6, 2016
    50
    Some nice mechanics here but flawed in almost all aspects.
  8. ICXM
    Sep 1, 2016
    50
    Solar Shifter EX has so much potential but is let down by its ridiculous difficulty due to the choices made by the developers.
  9. XBLA Fans
    Sep 13, 2016
    40
    Solar Shifter EX is a shiny, yet boring entry into the shmup library. It offers a slightly unique mechanic in the form of teleportation that could have made for amazing gameplay, however, the game never really takes advantage of it.
  10. GameGrin
    Sep 12, 2016
    40
    A generic, bland but functional SHMUP whose technical issues make it unenjoyable and tedious to actually play.
  11. GameSpew
    Sep 11, 2016
    40
    As slick as Solar Shifter is when it comes to its style it just can’t be recommended when it comes to the gameplay. It’s a shame as the Xbox One could really do with some solid shoot ’em ups to help fill up the online store.
  12. MondoXbox
    Aug 26, 2016
    40
    Solar Shifter EX tries to follow the path of great bullet hell shooters, but fails due to a too chaotic and unreadable battlefield and a confusing rotating camera.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
3.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 3 out of 4
  1. AceoHearts
    Aug 29, 2016
    7
    Elders Games 2-D vertical space shooter Solar Shifter EX has finally made its way to the consoles thanks to Head Up Games. This wild andElders Games 2-D vertical space shooter Solar Shifter EX has finally made its way to the consoles thanks to Head Up Games. This wild and crazy bullet hell is going to test your skills, and your patience.
    You take control of your ship and try to drive off the last remains of an alien force that is threatening to destroy the sun. These aliens are bent on your destruction and will send wave after wave to try and end your quest to preserve life as you know it.
    Story aside, game play is simple, avoid incoming bullets and try to take out as many enemies as you can. When you destroy an enemy, they will drop energy that can be used to upgrade your weapons if you are able to make it through the stage. You can also use the right stick to jump to one of four different areas of the screen to instantly avoid incoming damage - this is a good thing because your screen goes from empty to saturated with bullets quicker than you can curse. The jump or shift mechanic is something that you will have to get used to using as tapping the stick in the wrong direction will certainly be instant death.
    This game doesn't just require good reflexes and aim, it demands them. You will get very frustrated fairly early into the 18 missions if you are not able to dodge incoming attacks. The missions do feature a fair amount of check points, but even taking that into account, you are going to have to memorize EXACTLY where you need to be if you are not the quickest on the stick. Even that is an iffy prospect when a few stray bullets will cause you to head right back to the last check point. There are very few spots where you can actually earn health, so you have to protect what little you do have. Unless you are playing as one of the alien ships - those things seem to be able to take a beating.
    The graphics in the game are beautiful. You will fly over 8 different environments through the course of the game, but you don't just fly bottom to top. The board will twist a bit in between sections which makes for a nice change over a lot of other shooters. There is also a wide variety of enemies to blast, and they will light up the screen with missiles, lasers and other deadly projectiles. The music is a pumping score that unfortunately gets a bit drowned out with all the cannon fire. Luckily you can adjust the sound in the options menu.
    The game boasts 12 achievements on the XB1 version and getting them all will be a testament to your skill as a player. While 8 of them can be earned by making it through the game the rest will require something special. You will have to complete 4 different levels without taking any damage, and that will be a true test of gaming prowess.
    Solar Shifter EX is available on XB1 and Steam. It has been announced as coming to the PS4. You can grab it and test your skills for $9.99.    … Full Review »
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