Genopanic is a 2D platformer with metroidvania, puzzle and action elements. We will be alone in a space station full of dangers together with our dog.
Ironically, the developers Mobirate themselves define Genopanic as a “non-metroidvania”. Even if the platform and puzzle elements are predominant, the metroidvania ones are still present and have their importance.
“It seems that not everyone understood what we meant by the word (non)metroidvania. Genopanic is more of an exploratory platformer with Metroidvania elements, with unlocking gadgets and weapons. But backtracking is still present, although not to such a large extent as in regular metroidvanias”.
These are the developers’ words written on X.
Let’s start by seeing what this prologue shows us by talking about the narrative incipit and the mechanics presented.
In Space No One Can Hear You Scream
In Genopanic our protagonist lands on the space station managed by Simbirsk. From the first steps we understand that the situation is not normal at all, so we begin to investigate. As we delve into the depths of the station in search of a missing cargo, we notice that the area has been quarantined. The situation becomes increasingly disturbing when we begin to encounter strange creatures and dangers of all sorts. As if that wasn’t enough, we encounter a strange figure, a hologram who orders us to stop. Luckily we are not alone: Laik is our dog, as well as a virtual assistant who will help us on our adventure.
Gadgets, Weapons and Mechanics
During the prologue we will unlock various gadgets that will be useful both for continuing and completing missions. Genopanic has a mostly exploratory tone where platforming has a strong importance. The map is in pure Metroidvania style, and the objectives to be achieved are clearly visible. As we explore we will find files and emails that will introduce us to some lore and which will activate main and secondary missions.
Sometimes obstacles will block our path, but we will not be forced to retreat. In fact, by jumping through certain points we will find hidden passages that are not secrets, but paths to discover to advance in the adventure. These tunnels connect the various rooms, allowing us to collect various gadgets, one of these is the gun to capture strange creatures that have escaped from containment. Others are the gun and the laser blade with which we can get rid of enemies and some environmental obstacles. Last is the jetpack which allows us to glide and extend the jump. A special mention goes to the jumping mechanics. Even though I tried little, it is very well done and the good level design enhances the simple mechanics. The save points are also well distributed, given that we only have 3 hit points and certain environmental dangers kill us with one shot.
Pixel Art, Sound and Map Design
Genopanic has well-done and eye-catching pixel art. It manages to convey both the humor and the creepy parts of which the game is composed. The animations, although simple, are well done and the inputs seem to respond well. The battle part is perhaps the weakest for now, given the passivity of the enemies. The boss fight we face in the early stages is good: although simple, it is well studied and not frustrating or boring.
The prologue of Genopanic lasts just over an hour, it also depends on the skill of the player. The story ends with the protagonist preparing to enter the laboratories. There is still a lot to understand and see, and above all mechanics and gadgets that we cannot use at the moment. This makes us think how promising this prologue is and how curious I am to try it and review it.
So this is a we’ll see you soon to our full review of Genopanic.
