ULTRAKILL

ULTRAKILL is a lightning-fast first-person shooter developed by Arsi “Hakita” Patala and published by New Blood Interactive. Released in early access on September 3, 2020, this adrenaline-pumping game combines retro-style graphics reminiscent of early PlayStation consoles with modern movement mechanics similar to Titanfall and Doom Eternal, while incorporating stylish combat elements from action games like Devil May Cry.

Set in a dystopian future where humanity has gone extinct after the “Final War” and “New Peace” periods, you play as V1, a blood-fueled machine descending into Hell in search of blood to sustain yourself. The journey takes you through various layers of Hell, battling husks, demons, angels, and competing machines.

🔥 What is ULTRAKILL?

ULTRAKILL is a retro-inspired first-person shooter that prioritizes movement, style, and aggressive gameplay. Unlike traditional shooters where taking cover and careful planning are key, ULTRAKILL rewards players who stay constantly in motion, chaining together stylish kills and utilizing the environment to their advantage.

The game features a unique health system where players heal by absorbing the blood of enemies through close-range combat or by parrying enemy attacks, encouraging an aggressive playstyle. This mechanic, combined with the game’s emphasis on movement and style, creates a uniquely satisfying combat experience that keeps players engaged and challenged.

👉 Features of ULTRAKILL

Innovative Movement System

ULTRAKILL’s movement system is one of its standout features. Players can bounce off walls, dash past attacks, slide underneath projectiles, and perform devastating ground pounds. The ability to wall-kick allows access to secret areas and provides tactical advantages during combat. This mobility toolkit creates a fluid and dynamic gameplay experience where standing still means certain death.

Unique Weapon Arsenal

While ULTRAKILL starts with familiar FPS weapons like pistols and shotguns, each weapon has been transformed into versatile tools of destruction with primary and alternate fire modes. The game encourages players to discover unique interactions between different weapons and abilities, creating a combat system with incredible depth and variety.

Style Meter and Ranking System

Taking inspiration from Devil May Cry, ULTRAKILL features a style meter that rewards players for performing advanced and flashy moves. The game grades performance based on style, speed, and kill count, encouraging players to constantly improve and experiment with different techniques. This system adds significant replay value as players strive to achieve the coveted P (Perfect) rank on each level.

Gameplay

ULTRAKILL’s gameplay revolves around fast-paced combat encounters in varied hellish environments. Each level presents new challenges, enemy types, and environmental hazards that players must navigate while maintaining momentum and style.

The core gameplay loop involves clearing rooms of enemies while collecting blood for healing, finding secrets, and working toward the highest possible style rating. Boss fights punctuate the experience, offering challenging encounters that test all the skills players have developed.

What sets ULTRAKILL apart is its emphasis on player expression through combat. No two players will approach challenges the same way, thanks to the flexibility of the combat system and the numerous options available at any given moment.

Pros and Cons

✔️ Pros

• Thrilling, fast-paced combat that keeps players constantly engaged
• Innovative health system that rewards aggressive play
• Deep and satisfying movement mechanics with high skill ceiling
• Stylish combat with a rewarding ranking system
• Well-designed secrets and hidden content that feel meaningful to discover
• Unique parry system that allows reflecting projectiles back at enemies
• Varied environments and enemy types across different layers of Hell

❌ Cons

• Extremely challenging difficulty, even on normal settings, which may frustrate some players
• No controller support, limiting accessibility options
• Some areas can be too dark with limited lighting adjustment options
• Instant death from falling off maps can feel punishing
• Currently in early access with only Acts 1 and 2 fully released (as of April 2025)

ULTRAKILL stands as one of the most innovative first-person shooters in recent years, combining retro aesthetics with modern game design principles. Its emphasis on movement, style, and aggressive gameplay creates an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re parrying projectiles, bathing in enemy blood, or chaining together stylish combos, ULTRAKILL delivers an unparalleled power fantasy that keeps players coming back for more.