Intake Thumbnail

Intake similar games & best alternatives

Intake

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2013

Related articles

Quick resume

Intake is the new retro-futuristic drugstep arcade shooter from Cipher Prime. In this polychromatic love child of Dr. Mario and Ikaruga, you battle a never-ending barrage of pills, pushing your skill and reflexes to the limit to avoid a lethal dosage.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Shooter, Music

Pros

  • Addictive and challenging gameplay
  • Excellent reflex and aiming skill training
  • Stylish neon visuals and immersive dubstep soundtrack
  • Variety of unlockable power-ups and modes
  • Leaderboards and achievements for competition

Cons

  • Limited music tracks and repetitive soundtrack
  • Steep difficulty spikes especially at certain levels
  • Lack of tutorial or clear instructions
  • Can cause physical strain from intense mouse use
  • No narrative or social multiplayer features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have control over aiming, shooting, and color switching, with freedom to choose upgrades and starting levels."

  • Competence
    5

    "The game is a challenging reflex and aiming test with increasing difficulty and skill-based progression."

  • Competition
    3

    "Includes leaderboards and score challenges against others, encouraging competitive play."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Highly addictive gameplay with players returning repeatedly to improve scores and unlock content."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player focused with no cooperative or team-based elements."

  • Creativity
    -2

    "Gameplay follows a fixed mechanic with some customization via upgrades but limited creative expression."

  • Domination
    -4

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are individual and balanced."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Fast-paced, intense arcade action with immersive visuals and music provides a strong escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and challenge without obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Unlocking different power-ups and modes encourages trying new strategies and gameplay variations."

  • Exploration
    -3

    "Gameplay occurs in a fixed environment with no exploration of new areas or secrets."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization mostly related to power-ups and music unlocks rather than personal expression."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "The drug and rave theme adds a stylized, imaginative layer beyond realistic scenarios."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social or community interaction."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players improve reflexes and aiming skills, with measurable progress through levels and unlocks."

  • Health
    -4

    "Sedentary gameplay with intense mouse use; some risk of physical strain noted."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires continuous attention and fast reactions; not suitable for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social relationships or emotional sharing involved."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles present."

  • Progression
    4

    "Unlockable power-ups, music tracks, and modes provide a sense of advancement and accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    -3

    "High intensity and fast pace create tension rather than relaxation or flow."

  • Sensation
    5

    "Bright neon visuals, flashing effects, and dubstep soundtrack provide strong sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    2

    "Leaderboards and achievements offer some social recognition but limited broader status impact."

  • Story
    -4

    "No narrative or plot; gameplay is context-free and focused on score attack."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Some strategic choice in upgrade selection and power-up use, but core gameplay is reflex-based."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Fast-paced, intense gameplay with risk of failure creates suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    2

    "Generally considered good value for money, especially on sale, with replayability and unlocks."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violent or destructive gameplay; focused on shooting colorful pills."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid failure by managing falling pills and limited lives, requiring skillful defense."

Similar games

    Last update: 06/03/2026