Great news for fans of platform and action games! Gravity Circuit is an indie gem that is now available for free on the Epic Games Store for a limited time. It’s well worth redeeming before the offer expires.
What is Gravity Circuit?
Gravity Circuit is an action-packed 2D platformer that is a clear and loving homage to the classics of the 80s and 90s, especially the Mega Man series. You take on the role of Kai, a lone war hero who uses the powers of the “Gravity Circuit” to save a futuristic world inhabited by conscious robots from the threat of the Virus Army .
The premise of the story is familiar, but where the game really shines is in its gameplay.
Gravity Circuit’s gameplay is praised for its agility and precision. Unlike Mega Man, which focuses on shooting, combat here is intensely focused on hand-to-hand fighting. Kai punches, kicks and can perform fluid combos, including throwing enemies at each other.
The hookshot is a central mechanic, serving both for movement – swinging over chasms and climbing walls – and for combat, allowing you to grab defeated enemies and throw them at other opponents. The control feel is often described as “silky smooth” and with “zero input lag”.
Visually, the game adopts vibrant pixel art reminiscent of Game Boy Color or Neo Geo Pocket graphics, with characters with large heads and hands in an “SD anime” style. The levels are themed, such as a lava-filled caldera, cyberspace and an urban center, each with its own obstacles and visual identity.
The soundtrack, composed by Dominic Ninmark, is a highlight, with energetic synthesized tracks that perfectly accompany the frenetic pace of the action, drawing comparisons with the iconic Mega Man soundtracks.
The structure of the game is very familiar to fans of the genre: a main map where you select the order of the stages you want to complete, each culminating in a battle against a unique boss. After defeating the bosses, you don’t acquire their powers directly, but you do gain the ability to buy their “Burst Techniques” – powerful special moves that consume a resource called Burst Charge.
Kai progresses through customization. By rescuing robot civilians hidden throughout the levels, you earn tokens to unlock and equip “Booster Chips”, which grant passive abilities such as double jumping, damage reduction or automatic item attraction. This system allows you to adapt the style of play to your liking.
Like any game, Gravity Circuit has its ups and downs, as pointed out by player reviews and specialized critics.
Its strengths include fluid and satisfying combat, with the feeling of control and the possibility of creating expressive combos being constantly praised. Precise controls are essential for a platform game and here they are masterfully executed. The audiovisual presentation, with its unique visual style and energetic soundtrack, are great highlights. The hook system adds a unique and rewarding layer to both exploration and combat.
Among the points to consider are the conventional story, the narrative being considered simple and functional, serving mainly as a backdrop to the action. Some sections, mainly in the optional content, can present difficulty peaks, depending on trial and error, with blind jumps or sudden obstacles. The main campaign lasts around 4 to 6 hours, which may be short for some players, although the replayable design and secrets offer some replayability.
Gameplay Analysis: Precision Shooting
Unlike Mega Man, which focuses on shooting, the combat in Gravity Circuit is intensely focused on hand-to-hand fighting.
- Fluid and addictive combat: Kai fights mainly with his fists, performing combos, throwing enemies and using a grappling hook that serves both as a ranged weapon and for movement. The control feel is often praised for being “silky smooth” and with “zero input lag”.
- Classic inspiration: The game drinks directly from the source of Mega Man X and Mega Man Zero, with stages that you can choose the order to complete, each with its own boss at the end . The agile movement, with dash and wall climbing, is also reminiscent of these titles.
- Progression and Customization: By rescuing civilian robots scattered throughout the stages, you earn tokens to unlock and equip new abilities, allowing you to customize your style of play. The main campaign offers 12 stages, with an average duration of between 3 and 8 hours, depending on how much you explore.
Despite not being very innovative, the game is acclaimed for executing its ideas masterfully. Critics describe it as “one of the best games inspired by Mega Man X/Zero”, with vibrant 16-bit visuals and an energetic synthesizer soundtrack that perfectly complement the experience.
Is it worth playing?
Pros:
- Satisfactory hand-to-hand combat with great gamefeel.
- Precise and responsive controls.
- Classic, well-executed level design.
- Great visual and sound presentation.
Cons:
- Story considered generic and unoriginal.
- The campaign is considered short by some.
How to Redeem the Game for Free
The game, which normally costs $16.99 , is free on the Epic Games Store only until October 16, 2025, until 12 noon (Brasília time) or 3 p.m. UTC. After that date, it will return to its normal price.
To redeem is simple:
- Visit the Gravity Circuit page on the Epic Games Store.
- Log in to your account.
- Click on “Get” and complete the free “purchase”. After that, the game will be yours to keep forever in your library.
If you’re longing for a 2D platformer that prioritizes pure action, precise controls and a healthy dose of challenge, don’t miss this opportunity. Gravity Circuit is a fun but intense and extremely rewarding experience that any fan of the genre should try.
Enjoy the game
