Replayability
Nex Machina vs. Matterfall: Which Shooter Should You Buy?
High-score chasing is the crux of Nex Machina’s long-term replayability. Because it’s such a joy to play, you’ll find yourself wanting to hang in areas longer and survive the chaos of combat just that little bit longer for extra points. Saving humans along the way, too, forms a neat optional challenge, adding extra incentive to replay levels and tick off each objective, challenging for a position on its online leaderboards in the process. Beyond those singleplayer challenges, Nex Machina also has co-op multiplayer, so you can have a buddy drop in and join the madness. So while there might only be five stages, there’s plenty to keep you amused beyond playing through its main campaign.
Replayability is where Matterfall is unfortunately lacking, as the game runs out of puff before it really turns into something worth writing home about. The main campaign is extremely short, clocking in just about three hours, and there really isn’t much else with respect to other game modes, including any multiplayer offering. There is high score chasing, but some frustrations with Matterfall’s platforming means that replaying levels often feel like a bit of a chore. Ultimately, the incentive to dive back into levels to tick off optional challenges- Matterfall has its own share of humans that need rescuing – isn’t as enticing. The game’s sheer challenge and intensity certainly push concentration levels to the extreme, but it’s a stressful experience, lacking the elegance and flow that makes you want to just hop back in and play for the joy of playing.
