Developer – Nexcide

Publisher – TheGamePublisher.com

Platforms –  PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

NOTE: The following review is based on the Creator Preview Build, and may not reflect the complete game, but is a near-complete build of the game.

Beta MAX is a puzzle-platformer that merges retro-futuristic aesthetics with clever time-manipulation mechanics, creating a unique and atmospheric experience reminiscent of Portal. Just as Portal relied on spatial reasoning and tools like pressure pads and linked doors, Beta MAX challenges players to think across time dimensions. The protagonist, Max, navigates a neon-infused 80s-inspired world filled with complex puzzles, combining mechanics like rewinding and pausing time, alongside traditional platforming features such as floor switches and door triggers that Portal fans will find familiar.

The gameplay in Beta MAX takes inspiration from Portal’s emphasis on precision and environmental interaction but expands with new mechanics suited to its unique world. Players maneuver objects onto floor switches, activate wall-mounted triggers from a distance, and dodge obstacles like lasers and crushing devices. The addition of time chambers and velocity accelerators adds a fresh layer, demanding both quick reflexes and careful planning to traverse moving platforms and collapsing paths. Each level rewards exploration, offering hidden collectibles and challenges for players to beat set times, which amplifies the game’s replayability and pace.

For puzzle lovers and Portal enthusiasts, Beta MAX offers an engaging experience that challenges players to not just think with portals but to manipulate the very fabric of time and space itself. Its nostalgic visuals and synthwave soundtrack enhance the immersive retro vibe, making each victory feel like a blast from a neon-soaked past.