Intake similar games & best alternatives
Intake
2013
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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
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Autonomy4
"Players have control over aiming, shooting, and color switching, with freedom to choose upgrades and starting levels."
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Competence5
"The game is a challenging reflex and aiming test with increasing difficulty and skill-based progression."
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Competition3
"Includes leaderboards and score challenges against others, encouraging competitive play."
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Continuation4
"Highly addictive gameplay with players returning repeatedly to improve scores and unlock content."
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Cooperation-5
"Single-player focused with no cooperative or team-based elements."
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Creativity-2
"Gameplay follows a fixed mechanic with some customization via upgrades but limited creative expression."
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Domination-4
"No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are individual and balanced."
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Escapism4
"Fast-paced, intense arcade action with immersive visuals and music provides a strong escape from reality."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily for fun and challenge without obligation or external pressure."
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Experimenting3
"Unlocking different power-ups and modes encourages trying new strategies and gameplay variations."
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Exploration-3
"Gameplay occurs in a fixed environment with no exploration of new areas or secrets."
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Expression-3
"Limited customization mostly related to power-ups and music unlocks rather than personal expression."
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Fantasy2
"The drug and rave theme adds a stylized, imaginative layer beyond realistic scenarios."
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Fellowship-4
"Primarily a solo experience with minimal social or community interaction."
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Growth4
"Players improve reflexes and aiming skills, with measurable progress through levels and unlocks."
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Health-4
"Sedentary gameplay with intense mouse use; some risk of physical strain noted."
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Idle-4
"Requires continuous attention and fast reactions; not suitable for passive or background play."
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Intimacy-5
"No close social relationships or emotional sharing involved."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management roles present."
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Progression4
"Unlockable power-ups, music tracks, and modes provide a sense of advancement and accumulation."
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Relaxation-3
"High intensity and fast pace create tension rather than relaxation or flow."
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Sensation5
"Bright neon visuals, flashing effects, and dubstep soundtrack provide strong sensory stimulation."
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Status2
"Leaderboards and achievements offer some social recognition but limited broader status impact."
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Story-4
"No narrative or plot; gameplay is context-free and focused on score attack."
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Strategy2
"Some strategic choice in upgrade selection and power-up use, but core gameplay is reflex-based."
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Thrill4
"Fast-paced, intense gameplay with risk of failure creates suspense and excitement."
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Value2
"Generally considered good value for money, especially on sale, with replayability and unlocks."
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Violence-5
"No violent or destructive gameplay; focused on shooting colorful pills."
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Survival3
"Players must avoid failure by managing falling pills and limited lives, requiring skillful defense."
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Last update: 06/03/2026