One of the best games I've ever played. Top-tier in terms of design and mechanics. I can't think of many games that revolve around maximizing your aggression to the extent that Hyper Demon does.

This game is unique for many reasons. Perhaps the most unique is the fact that you're losing points for each second you aren't killing enemies as fast as humanly possible. This small detail will push your split-second decision-making skills to the limit. You must be fast; a bolt of lightning in the dark, a ray of light in the creeping void which surrounds you. Hyper Demon is a test. A test to see just how quickly you can kill everything that shows its ugly face, and to see how long you can maintain that state of maximum aggression.

It is overwhelmingly difficult to survive long enough to catch a glimpse of the final boss, let alone beat it. From the few hours I have played Hyper Demon, I can already see this isn't a game for everyone. This game is hardcore, but it offers a unique experience I haven't seen anywhere else in the myriad of arena shooters, roguelikes, and adrenaline-fueled high-score chasing games I have played.

That said, the game's mechanics go pretty deep. There are many techniques to play with and master. The basic mechanics the game gives you can build on each other and combine to allow you to do things that look impossible to beginners.

I might update my review later on. For now, however, I will be carving out a place for myself among the legends who have achieved 400. (Currently I'm at 327 😝)

P.S. The ability to see 180 degrees around you via spherical FOV (while also being able to see behind you) is one of the most creative and trippy things I have ever experienced. Additionally, the graphics and visual design is some of the best eye candy I have ever witnessed. The soundtrack is phenomenal as well, despite consisting of only two songs.