PGC NEWS

The world of PC gaming is rife with threats, from sophisticated hacker traps to the tempting click of a dubious link. While cautious browsing is key to protecting your digital fortress, have you ever wondered how antivirus software tackles these threats? Exception, a vibrant action platformer from Traxmaster Software, offers a unique, gamified glimpse into this process. Available on Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Exception lets you become the digital warrior, purging malicious code and restoring order to a compromised laptop.

Exception – Gameplay Screenshot

A Symphony of Speed and Style

In the crowded indie game landscape, originality is paramount. Exception stands out with its innovative gameplay, captivating visuals, and pulsating soundtrack. Whether you’re playing on Xbox One, PS4, Switch, or PC, the game plunges you into the digital world of a virus-infected laptop. The premise is simple: a hapless user clicked one too many questionable links, and now it’s up to you, as the antivirus program, to clean up the mess.

Exception’s core gameplay revolves around two key elements: speed and dynamic level design. From the tutorial level onward, the emphasis on speed is apparent. Achieving a one, two, or three-star rating often hinges on mere fractions of a second. The levels themselves are more than static mazes. Colored blocks scattered throughout the environment trigger transformations, shifting platforms and reshaping the entire level in real-time, including diagonal shifts. This constant flux demands quick thinking and adaptability.

Exception – Gameplay Screenshot

The combination of speed and dynamic level design creates a thrilling, challenging experience. The controls, however, require some getting used to. While the core actions are simple – running, jumping, sliding, and attacking – mastering the complex level transformations and enemy encounters requires precision and timing. As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities, such as ranged attacks and advanced movement techniques, adding depth to the gameplay.

The game’s visual and auditory presentation amplifies the fast-paced action. Exception boasts a vibrant, energetic aesthetic, with levels that explode with color and geometric shapes. The electronic soundtrack is equally compelling, driving the action forward with its infectious rhythms. The fusion of dynamic visuals and pulsating music creates an immersive and exhilarating experience.

Room for Improvement

While Exception excels in its core gameplay and presentation, certain aspects could benefit from refinement. The control scheme, while functional, can feel cumbersome at times. Performing actions like wall jumps requires specific button combinations, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay. The combat, while visually impressive, lacks impact. Enemies often shatter with little feedback, diminishing the sense of accomplishment. Boss battles, while not overly challenging, also feel underwhelming, lacking the depth and complexity of the core levels.

Exception – Gameplay Screenshot

A Unique Digital Adventure

Despite its shortcomings, Exception offers a unique and engaging experience. The combination of fast-paced action, dynamic level design, and vibrant presentation creates a compelling gameplay loop. While the controls and combat could be refined, the game’s core strengths lie in its innovative approach to platforming and its captivating aesthetic.

Exception – Gameplay Screenshot

Game Information

• Developer: Traxmaster Software
• Publisher: Traxmaster Software
• Genre: Action Platformer
• Release Date: August 13, 2019
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PS4

Minimum System Requirements (PC)

• OS: Windows XP SP2+
• Processor: 2.4 GHz Dual Core Processor
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: Dedicated graphics card – AMD 5750 or Nvidia GTS 250 equivalent with 512MB VRAM
• Storage: 4 GB

Test System (PC)

• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K @3.6 GHz
• RAM: 16 GB
• VGA: ASUS ROG Strix RTX 2080 OC 8GB
• SSD: Samsung EVO 970 MVMe 1TB