Sine Mora EX Image
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70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 30 Ratings

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  • Summary: Co-developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and Digital Reality, and published by Microsoft Studios, Sine Mora is a dieselpunk shoot 'em up that provides a unique take on the genre, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with next-gen presentation, Sine Mora is aCo-developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and Digital Reality, and published by Microsoft Studios, Sine Mora is a dieselpunk shoot 'em up that provides a unique take on the genre, where time is the ultimate factor. Mixing classic shooter sensibilities with next-gen presentation, Sine Mora is a gorgeous shmup that appeals to both hardcore and casual gamers alike. Coming exclusively to Xbox LIVE Arcade, Sine Mora features over 60 combinations of planes, characters and time manipulation devices to complete every beautifully-crafted stage with scaling difficulty. All of this is set to an epic score of soaring heights, composed by Akira Yamaoka, acclaimed for his works on Shadows of the Damned and the Silent Hill series. Expand
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Oct 4, 2017
    80
    As a whole, Sine Mora EX excellently interweaves the age-old time travel trope into both its complex paradoxical plot and unique time manipulation mechanics. And all seven levels are a spectacle, hosting beautiful environments and impressive gigantic bosses. The ability to slow down bullet barrages, combined with a fair checkpoint system, makes it more approachable than others in the genre. Regardless, most won’t get mileage outside of the main campaign, which ultimately makes this a hard sell for anyone but enthusiasts. And although the Nintendo Switch edition has that trademark portability, it’s tough to justify that higher price compared to other systems’ versions. Nonetheless, it’s an exceptional experience that will offer hardcore shoot ‘em up fans a great time.
  2. Oct 23, 2017
    80
    Sine Mora EX is a tough-as-nails but engrossing shoot ‘em up that has some innovative mechanics and a pretty interesting story. While it may not be for everyone, those who are interested in the genre will find something to love with the new improvements that the EX version provides.
  3. Nov 4, 2017
    80
    Featuring a good level design, gameplay, plenty of content and good visual production values, Sine Mora EX could almost be an instant classic if it were not for a few elements, such as its subpar soundtrack and lack of variety of its vehicles but nevertheless it remains a fine game.
  4. Oct 16, 2017
    76
    Sine Mora Ex provides a forgiving entry point for those wanting to get into shmup’s, but also has plenty of challenges waiting for you when you’re ready. The game is a visual treat on the Switch and has some of the narrative hallmarks one would expect from a Grasshopper Manufacture game. There might not be a considerable amount of depth, but you won’t feel like you’ve wasted your time, the only time you’ll be losing is to the time travel machinations of Sine Mora.
  5. Nov 5, 2017
    75
    Sine Mora EX is a very interesting game inside the ‘shoot´em up’ genre and has some innovative mechanics. However, this remastered version is not enough for those who have tried the game previously.
  6. Oct 23, 2017
    70
    Embodying a modern take on the shoot 'em-up formula, Sine Mora EX sits comfortably alongside the retro offerings of the genre already on Nintendo Switch, and blazes its own path forward with impressive visuals and strong world building lore. Said lore is a little convoluted at times, and the game can be too difficult for its own good, but those seeking a strong challenge will find plenty to enjoy.
  7. 50
    As down as I am on the game, Sine Mora EX shines in its presentation. Each level has a unique theme and feels alive thanks to small touches like little men fishing or animals escaping as bullets fly. This carries over to the boss designs that range from a giant mech to an armed train. They’re a sight to behold and marginally more fun to play than the levels that house them. Sine Mora is a good-looking game and it’s clear that a lot of effort was put into making it that way. It’s just a shame that it’s not as fun to play as it is to watch in motion.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Oct 12, 2017
    10
    Played it a few years ago and loved it, but this Switch version that you can play anywhere is truly amazing. Graphics, sound, effects makePlayed it a few years ago and loved it, but this Switch version that you can play anywhere is truly amazing. Graphics, sound, effects make this a super Shmup for Nintendo's baby. 10/10 Expand
  2. Jul 19, 2018
    9
    this is an old school shooter you need to play! Instead of classic health bar, you need to kill enemy to provide time on the clock. if you ranthis is an old school shooter you need to play! Instead of classic health bar, you need to kill enemy to provide time on the clock. if you ran out of time, you die. this is a very challenging game with tough boss. You have the power to slow motion time to dodge bullet and obstacle which is very cool . Graphic,Sound gameplay, everything is perfect in this 2d arcade shooter game ! Expand
  3. Jun 2, 2019
    8
    This game perfectly combines classic vertical shoot 'em up gameplay with excellent 2.5D graphics. The game's mechanics are easily understoodThis game perfectly combines classic vertical shoot 'em up gameplay with excellent 2.5D graphics. The game's mechanics are easily understood from the very beginning. The game follows the typical shoot 'em up recipe; Play-die-learn-repeat. As it progresses, the game's challenge becomes higher and higher and if you loose all your lives it's game over; you start from the very beginning. Punishing, but this is what shoot 'em ups are for; offering a lot of challenge and replayability from it. And this game significantly achieves that. A great Switch port and the best shoot 'em up game for the Switch till now. Expand
  4. Jun 11, 2018
    6
    The game looks good and has interesting mechanics, but I fell at it's core is just a generic shooter (albeit a beautiful one). Slowing timeThe game looks good and has interesting mechanics, but I fell at it's core is just a generic shooter (albeit a beautiful one). Slowing time can become handy for players new to the genre, but overall it's a short game without much value for replayability. The story is unclear and though they tried to do a mature theme here, there's not much to it. Expand
  5. Apr 25, 2022
    6
    I love the graphics and the gameplay.. It has a cool steampunk look. This would have been a great side scrolling acrade shoot-em-up for myI love the graphics and the gameplay.. It has a cool steampunk look. This would have been a great side scrolling acrade shoot-em-up for my kids to play, but the cut scenes and attempt at bolting a serious story line that push it to an M rating are just pointless and annoying and seriously limit the game's appeal. Expand
  6. Nov 14, 2021
    6
    I agree with another review on here that said its better fun to watch than play.

    On normal mode it's quite easy but boring where the other
    I agree with another review on here that said its better fun to watch than play.

    On normal mode it's quite easy but boring where the other modes are impossible.

    I can't put my finger on what's wrong with it as it looks amazing. There's just no excitement and because you die when your time runs out rather than from getting hit, you almost don't care as much when you can't dodge a bullet.
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  7. Aug 4, 2020
    2
    Who would ever think that losing all your firepower from a single hit is a good idea? The graphics are beautiful, but the hitboxes may appearWho would ever think that losing all your firepower from a single hit is a good idea? The graphics are beautiful, but the hitboxes may appear after a while and you can easily crash into the background. I was really disappointed about the gameplay. Expand

See all 8 User Reviews