Imagine a game where your weapons can shoot explosive boulders, and your character might wear one ice skate and a high heel. That’s the fun and wild adventure this game offers. In this review, I’ll share my experience after playing SULFUR for several hours, focusing on the exciting gameplay, unique customization options, and quirky enemies. I’ll also cover the pros and cons and let you know whether I’d recommend it. If you love action-packed games with lots of surprises, keep reading to see what SULFUR has in store for you!
From the moment I started playing, I was hooked. The game throws you into a world filled with enemies, treasures, and the chance to upgrade your arsenal. The level of customization is staggering. I’ve modded my double-barrel shotgun to fire .50 cal bullets that explode and turn enemies into fiery corpses. This kind of creativity keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. You can truly create some bizarre weaponry, like a fully automatic shotgun that fires rockets—if that doesn’t scream fun, I don’t know what does!
Gameplay and Mechanics
The gunplay in SULFUR feels fantastic. Each weapon has a distinct feel and caters to different play styles. Whether you prefer long-range sniping or up-close chaos, the game accommodates you. The enemies are varied and can have special effects, adding an extra layer of challenge without making it feel overwhelming. You’ll often encounter ambushes that keep you on your toes, making every encounter a mix of strategy and reflexes.
The maps are well-designed, providing a mix of long-range and close-quarters engagements. You can easily guide enemies into your preferred combat style, but beware—there are plenty of ambushes waiting for you. The art direction is quirky, with a hip-hop/lo-fi soundtrack that makes the fast-paced dungeon crawling surprisingly relaxing.
Character and Customization
Customization extends beyond just weapons. The armor and trinkets you find can be as wacky as they are effective. For example, wearing a single ice skate and a high heel while sporting sunglasses might not make you the most conventional hero, but it adds a humorous flair to your adventures. Some armor boosts your speed or jumping abilities, allowing for parkour-style maneuvers, while others offer solid protection at the cost of mobility—like the Turtle Armor, which offers lots of protection but leaves you sluggish.
There are also quirky items like knee pads that let you slide across floors, which are fun but not always practical. My favorite trinket so far is the Lucky Charm, which boosts your loot chances and is perfect for farming food during runs. The variety keeps the gameplay engaging, and experimenting with different builds never gets old.
The Story and Replayability
While the story remains mysterious and a bit thin at this stage (as expected from an early access title), it does leave me intrigued. I’m looking forward to future updates that promise to delve deeper into the plot. For now, the gameplay itself is addictive enough to keep me coming back. After logging around 25 hours, I still feel the urge to replay levels and experiment with new builds. The sheer goofiness of it all makes every session feel fresh.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredible Customization – You can create outrageous weapons and builds.
- Gunplay – Weapons feel unique and satisfying to use.
- Varied Enemies – Keeps combat interesting without becoming overwhelming.
- Relaxing Soundtrack – The lo-fi vibe complements the action.
- Replayability – The game’s randomness means no two playthroughs are the same.
Cons:
- Early Access Bugs – There are some framerate drops and clipping issues, though they haven’t significantly detracted from my enjoyment.
- Horde Spawning – Sometimes the game throws too many enemies at you, making it feel unfair in tight spaces.
- Simple Story – The narrative feels underdeveloped, but updates are on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
SULFUR: Overall, SULFUR is a delightful experience that blends fast-paced shooting with quirky customization options. It’s a sandbox that encourages experimentation, making it stand out from other rogue-lites. If you enjoy games with a strong loot progression system like Risk of Rain, you will definitely find something to love here. The unique art style, engaging gameplay, and potential for future content make it a title I can wholeheartedly recommend, despite its early access hiccups. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your time—complete with bizarre weaponry and quirky characters—SULFUR is worth your attention. – Tom Henry