HyperParasite
A top-down roguelike twin-stick shooter with perma-death and body-swapping.
HyperParasite is a roguelike shooter from Troglobytes Games, which also handled publishing. Early versions of the game were available through Steam’s early access program in 2019. It launched on 3 April 2020 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with a physical edition for the Switch following on 19 February 2021. Critics generally responded well, highlighting its originality and design while noting its challenging difficulty.
**Gameplay** The game is a top-down, twin-stick roguelike with permanent death. It supports single-player and local co-op. Players control an alien parasite that must take over human hosts to survive; without one, the parasite is vulnerable. There are over 60 human characters to possess and collect, each with distinct attacks and traits. Unlocked characters remain available after death. Levels are procedurally generated, so objectives, enemy counts, upgrades, and items shift with each run, offering near-endless replayability.
**Plot** Following World War III, a parasitic alien organism threatens Earth by taking control of humans as living hosts. In response, martial law is declared, triggering a global hunt to eliminate the parasite.
**Development** Troglobytes developed the game, with co-publishing by Hound Picked Games. It first appeared on Steam as an early access title in 2019. After a successful early access period, a full release for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One was announced for 3 April 2020.
**Voice actors** Most voice work was performed by Vincent van Ommen and Joey Sourlis. Van Ommen voiced the game’s title, stage names, and various characters, while Sourlis voiced President Ray Gunn.
**Soundtrack** The original synthwave soundtrack, composed by Van Reeves and Joe Kataldo, was designed to match the game’s 1980s aesthetic. It was released on Steam as downloadable content on 3 April 2020, containing 13 tracks in MP3 320 kbit/s format.
**Reception** According to Metacritic, HyperParasite received “mixed or average” reviews. OpenCritic found it fairly well received, with 44% of critics recommending it. Reviewers praised the gameplay, originality, and presentation, but criticized the steep difficulty for casual players. Many called the game addictive. B.
Quick Facts
- Title
- HyperParasite
- Developer
- Troglobytes Games
- Publisher
- Troglobytes Games / Hound Picked Games
- Programmer
- Matteo Alessandrini · Nicola Loglisci · Luciano Iurino
- Composer
- Joe Kataldo · Van Reeves
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One
- Released
- 3 April 2020
- Genre
- Multidirectional shooter, bullet hell
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
HyperParasite is a top-down roguelike twin-stick shooter with perma-death mechanics, playable in single player or local co-op. Players control an alien parasite that must possess humans to survive; without a host, the parasite is weak and easily defeated. The game features over 60 different humans to possess and collect, each with unique attacks and traits. Unlocked characters are retained even after death. Levels are procedurally generated, making objectives, enemies, upgrades, and items different each run, creating near limitless replayability.
The plot is set after World War III, where Earth is threatened by a parasitic alien organism capable of controlling humans as living hosts. In response, martial law is declared, starting a global hunt to destroy the parasite.
Development was handled by Troglobytes, with co-publishing by Hound Picked Games. Early prototypes were distributed through Steam's early access program in 2019. After a successful early access launch, the game was announced for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, releasing on 3 April 2020. A physical release for the Switch followed on 19 February 2021.
Reader's Guide
HyperParasite is notable for its unique body-swapping mechanic, which allows players to possess over 60 different human hosts, each with distinct attacks and traits. This design, combined with procedurally generated levels, was praised by critics for its freshness and addictive gameplay. The game's synthwave soundtrack and retro graphics, created by Van Reeves and Joe Kataldo, were also highlighted as fitting the 1980s aesthetic. However, the steep difficulty level and perma-death mechanics drew criticism for being too harsh for casual gamers. Review aggregator Metacritic rated the game as 'mixed or average,' while OpenCritic found it received fair approval, recommended by 44% of critics. Notable reviews include Matt Gardner of Forbes naming HyperParasite his indie game of the year for 2020, and B. McCarthy of PSX Extreme giving it a 7.8/10, calling it 'a pitch-perfect love letter to the 1980s.' Screen Rant gave it 3 out of 5 stars, noting its fresh and vibrant feel but cautioning about the difficulty. The game's legacy lies in its creative premise and tight twin-stick shooting, despite progression issues noted by some reviewers.
Did You Know?
- HyperParasite was first released on Steam as an early access game in 2019.
- The original soundtrack was created by Van Reeves and Joe Kataldo and released as DLC on 3 April 2020.
- Most voice acting was done by Vincent van Ommen and Joey Sourlis, with Sourlis voicing President Ray Gunn.
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