Rating:

Probability Zero is a very difficult platformer that sports elements of RPGs, Shooters and Arcade games. Levels are auto-generated so you'll never play the same game twice, but it also maintains a constant high level of difficulty that frustrates beginners.

Full Review

Probability Zero is an action platformer developed by Droqen in the Python language. The player plays a character who travels deeper and deeper downwards into a maze of platforming blocks while avoiding enemies, spikes and dead ends along the way. The levels are procedurally auto-generated as you travel endlessly south in search of that high score, which also means every playthrough will be significantly different from the last.

The gameplay is novel and frustrating at the same time. The game features a level-up system that allows you to pick an additional skill every time you collect enough orbs from dead monsters you killed. The trouble with this feature is that I only discovered it on my fourth try - it would have helped ease my frustration to know I was working towards a short term goal such as the next experience level rather than the bleak emptiness of procedurally generated endlessness.

The game is also incredibly hard, and it seems to be by intention of the designer judging by the game description from the developer's GameJolt Page. I died more than 10 times during the first five minutes I spent with the game, so definitely be prepared for a challenge with this one.

The audio portion of this game really shines. It features an incredible soundtrack composed by fellow developer JMickle, which fuses with the gameplay seemlessly with the aid of a dynamic audio system that changes the music during intense battles to reflect the state of the game. Sound effects in this game isn't anything to write home about, but they work well enough to augment the action within the game.

Graphically, the game utilizes a pixel art style reminiscent of retro titles on the NES. This works well with the overall concept of the game to deliver an outworldly experience - something strange and we cannot identify with, yet oddly find familiar. Color coding is used effectively within this title, the red things are normally obstacles you would want to avoid, and the white things are good or harmless.

I recommend everyone to give the game a try, but be warned, this is not a game for everyone due to its high level of challenge and slowly apparent depth of gameplay. For daredevils who want to give this a go, download the game at this website.