Mini Review: Hypercharge: Unboxed (PS5)

Hypercharge: Unboxed, a dynamic toy soldier-themed shooter, has finally arrived on the PlayStation 5 after its initial debut on PC in 2020 and subsequent release on Xbox last year. Despite the long wait, the game maintains its charm with a visually stunning aesthetic that, unfortunately, offers limited engagement to keep players hooked for long.

Set in a miniature universe, Hypercharge immerses players into the tiny boots of a plastic action figure, navigating through expansive environments scaled up to enormous proportions. Whether you’re dashing through a lush garden, a cluttered kitchen counter, or a toy store aisle, the game’s design captures a delightful sense of scale and wonder, thanks to Digital Cybercherries’ meticulous attention to detail.

The game’s overall tone evokes a nostalgic Saturday morning cartoon vibe, which is reflected in its marketing and presentation. The core gameplay revolves around 14 missions that essentially function as a tower defense experience. Whether playing solo or cooperatively with up to four players, your goal is to defend hypercores from relentless waves of toy-themed adversaries.

Adversaries include bright green plastic soldiers and even spinning tops reminiscent of Beyblades. For those who grew up creating imaginary battlefields with their favorite toys, engaging in combat against these foes can evoke a sense of childhood joy and catharsis. Additionally, Hypercharge offers a competitive multiplayer mode where two teams of four toy figures face off in inventive arenas. This mode is suitable for quick, casual matches and benefits from the DualSense controller’s immersive haptic feedback.

However, this is where the game’s appeal begins to wane. Hypercharge lacks substantial gameplay depth or mechanical complexity. While exploring its charming environments, weaponry, and enemy designs is enjoyable initially, the novelty quickly diminishes. Once the initial excitement fades, there’s little to sustain long-term interest. The gameplay mechanics are overly straightforward, the AI is notably inept, and the game misses the energetic spark that characterizes most major shooters. We found ourselves captivated by the aesthetic appeal but ultimately unfulfilled by the gameplay experience.