Introduction
SUPERHOT is a unique first-person shooter (FPS) video game developed by the SUPERHOT Team, originally released in 2016. What sets it apart from traditional FPS games is its innovative time–manipulation mechanic: time moves only when you move. This transforms the gameplay into a strategic, almost puzzle-like experience, blending fast-paced action with thoughtful decision-making.
The game’s minimalist art style—featuring stark red enemies against a white and gray backdrop—further enhances its distinct identity. The story is delivered in a cryptic, surreal manner, revolving around a hacker who becomes obsessed with a mysterious game that blurs the line between reality and virtuality.
How to play
Core Mechanic
- Time moves when you move: Time slows to a crawl when you’re stationary, giving you the chance to plan your next action. When you move, shoot, or throw something, time speeds up to normal. This mechanic is key to mastering the game.
Objective
- Each level pits you against a group of red, humanoid enemies armed with guns, melee weapons, or fists. Your goal is to eliminate all enemies while surviving their attacks.
Controls
- Movement: Use W.A.S.D to move your character.
- Aiming: Mouse to look around and aim.
- Attack: Left-click to shoot or swing a melee weapon.
- Interact: Press E to pick up weapons or objects.
- Throw: Right-click to toss your current weapon.
Gameplay
- Start small: Levels begin with you unarmed or holding a basic weapon (like a pistol). Enemies are scattered around the environment.
- Assess the situation: Stop moving to freeze time and survey enemy positions, incoming bullets, and available weapons or objects (e.g., bottles, bats, guns).
- Act decisively: Move, dodge, or attack. For example:
- Shoot an enemy with a gun.
- Punch an enemy to stun them and steal their weapon.
- Throw your weapon to disarm an enemy, then grab a new one.
- Chain actions: Combine moves—like dodging a bullet, grabbing a dropped shotgun, and blasting multiple foes—to clear the level efficiently.
- Survive: You die in one hit, so precision and timing are critical. If you fail, the level restarts instantly.
