Voltage High Society Review Summary

Its unique atmosphere, innovative gameplay, and satisfying combat shine, though frequent bugs, softlocks, a short linear campaign, and clunky janky fights hold it back.

Unique and atmospheric style: Many players praise the game's distinctive, bizarre style and its deeply atmospheric world. The combination of bleak, grungy visuals with a strong sense of place creates a one-of-a-kind experience.

Satisfying and fun combat: Combat is frequently described as satisfying and enjoyable, with tactile feedback and a unique dual-hand system. Once players acquire upgrades, the combat mechanics become even more engaging.

Unique and innovative gameplay: The gameplay is relatively unique and innovative, blending first-person action with exploration and Metroidvania progression.

Strong exploration and map design: Exploration is rewarding, with a lot to discover and map design that encourages player agency without hand-holding. The Metroidvania-inspired progression unlocks new areas as abilities are gained.

Environmental storytelling and mystery: Environmental storytelling effectively builds a sense of mystery and makes locations feel like they have stories to tell. This approach enhances immersion and player engagement.

Bugs and softlocks are common: Players encounter numerous bugs, including softlocks that force reloads. Issues range from minor glitches to game-breaking problems.

Game is too short and linear: The game is criticized for being very short, linear, and lacking exploration. Many feel it doesn't fulfill the metroidvania promise.

Combat feels clunky and janky: Many players report that combat is clunky, with janky and loose feel, lacking polish and depth. Some note that combat works but needs more complexity.

Map is unclear and hard to navigate: The map is frequently criticized for being unclear, lacking player position markers, and making navigation frustrating. Players often get lost and find backtracking cumbersome.

Game feels unfinished and in early access: Many reviewers state the game is clearly incomplete, not ready for release, and lacks content. It has been in early access for a long time with little progress.

First-person exploration and map: Players highlight first-person perspective and map exploration. The game requires navigation through a city and world traversal. Clusters 1 and 5 are merged because they describe the same core exploration and first-person experience.

Hand-to-hand brawling combat: The game features bare-fisted melee combat with left and right punches. Dual-hand controls assign each hand to a mouse button. Clusters 2 and 10 are merged because they both describe the punching combat system.

First-person platforming and Metroidvania: Platforming and parkour are the main progression methods. The game blends first-person exploration with Metroidvania elements.

Scrap collection and economy: Scraps are collected along the way and used to replenish health and energy. Scrap also serves as currency for upgrades and purchases.

Combat and exploration core loop: The gameplay alternates between combat mechanics and exploration. Both elements are central to the experience.

Steam Deck performance issues: The game fails to reach 60fps on Steam Deck, particularly in the first locations, and runs poorly overall on the platform.

Mouse stuttering on high-end PC: Mouse stuttering occurs when turning, even on a Ryzen 5600x with 64GB RAM and RTX2070; attempts to fix via vsync and refresh rate adjustments were unsuccessful.

Freezes and low FPS at camp: Constant freezes and framerate drops to 25fps occur in the camp and all locations tied to it, severely impacting playability.

Persistent stutter in second area: A persistent stutter occurs every 10 seconds in the second area, and it is not resolved by restarting the game.

Performance issues at campsite and digsite: Significant performance problems, including low framerates and stuttering, affect the campsite, digsite, and surrounding areas.

Highly recommended overall: Many players easily recommend the game, calling it a definite must-have and highly recommending it. They praise it as a unique project of passion.

Early access caution: Some advise caution or waiting until the game is out of early access. The game's future depends on the developer's motivation.

For niche atmospheric games: Recommended for fans of niche, strange, and atmospheric games that make you uncomfortable or overstimulated. It's not for everyone.

Worth a try: Some reviewers say it's worth a try, especially if you can get past the initial barrier. It offers a unique experience.

For Tetsuo fans: Fans of Tetsuo The Iron Man and similar body horror will love this game. It appeals to those who enjoy surreal and gritty aesthetics.

Community fair range: $9.99 - $19.99.

Game completion: 5.0h.

Story completion: 3.0h.

Session length: 1.0h.

Players consistently call the first hour and early island exploration fun, but the experience later drops into meh pacing, repetitive mob combat, and trial-and-error platforming.

Friction: Combat feels boring and shallow; No enemy-handling tutorial; learning by trial; Souls-like currency loss can stall maximum-health upgrades; Repetitive mob fights; Pacing issues acknowledged by the developers.

Unlock drivers: Finding new cybernetic abilities enables backtracking and unlocks previously unreachable areas; Newly acquired powers reveal shortcuts, hidden collectibles, and secrets, making revisiting rewarding; Distinct enemy attack patterns prevent battles from becoming repetitive; Progression system rewards thorough investigation of every area; Second patch made combat more readable.

Surreal Cyberpunk Aesthetic Pilgrim: First-person exploration and melee combat used as a vehicle for the bizarre industrial aesthetic. Motivation: To experience the game's surreal cyberpunk and body-horror atmosphere as an homage to Tetsuo and Electric Dragon. Stance: buy.

First-Person Metroidvania Explorer: Methodical map exploration, shortcut unlocking, and completion-oriented discovery. Motivation: To explore a first-person metroidvania city, unlock paths, and discover secrets and achievements. Stance: buy.

Melee Brawler and Parkour Action Fan: Aggressive close-range hit-and-run, dodging attacks, and using fists or fragile weapons. Motivation: To play a visceral first-person brawler with parkour movement and no-gun melee combat. Stance: buy.

Linux and Proton: Based on one review, the game is playable through Proton, but the user reports a possible Proton-related mouse/UI input problem and below-60 FPS performance on Steam Deck. There is no evidence of launch failure, anti-cheat blocking, DRM issues, or heavy workaround requirements, so Linux/Proton friction appears limited to these mostly playable but noticeable issues.

Early access status: The game is currently in early access and has been for the past two years. It receives ongoing updates but is not yet fully released.

Comparisons to other media: The game is compared to various films and games such as Chronicles of Riddick, Condemned, Zeno Clash, and Silent Hill. Its style evokes PS1 graphics and surreal cyberpunk.

Tetsuo: The Iron Man inspiration: The game is heavily inspired by and pays homage to Tetsuo: The Iron Man, with stylistic comparisons and references. It also draws from Electric Dragon 80.000V.

Short playtime: The game offers around 4-7 hours of content, with some reviewers finishing in under 3 hours. Initial early access content is only about 30-60 minutes.

Unique and inventive experience: Reviewers praise the game as unique, fresh, and inventive, with nothing else quite like it. Its distinctive style and atmosphere set it apart.