HyperParasite

HyperParasite is a top down roguelike twin-stick shooter with perma-death mechanics. The game can be played in single player or in local co-op. Players play as an alien parasite who needs to possess humans to survive. Without a human host the alien parasite is weak and easily defeated.

The game has over 60 different humans to possess and collect. All of them have unique attacks and traits that help the player. The unlocked characters are kept even after death. Furthermore, levels are procedurally generated making the objectives and the amount of enemies, upgrades and items different every run.

After World War III, the planet Earth is threatened by a parasitic alien organism capable of controlling humans as living hosts and using them to destroy Earth. To combat the alien parasite martial law is declared starting a global hunt to destroy the parasite.

HyperParasite is developed by Troglobytes and co-published by Hound Picked Games. The game was first released on the steam platform as an early access game in 2019. After a successful early access launch it was announced that the following year the game was to be released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on 3 April 2020.

Most voice acting was done by actors Vincent van Ommen and Joey Sourlis. With Van Ommen voicing the title of the game, the stage names and various characters. And Joey Sourlis voicing President Ray Gunn.

HyperParasite has received "mixed or average" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received fair approval, being recommended by 44% of critics. Critics praised the gameplay, uniqueness and presentation, but criticized the steep difficulty level for casual gamers. Many critics praised the game for its addictive gameplay.

B. McCarthy of PSX Extreme rated HyperParasite a 7.8/10, concluding: "HyperParasite is a frenetic, fast-paced roguelike that is not for the faint of a casual's heart. Its uncompromising action keeps you on a razor's edge, and the sixty characters ensure every playthrough is not the same. But most importantly, it is a pitch-perfect love letter to the 1980s."