When comparing Time Rifters vs Dustforce, the Slant community recommends Dustforce for most people. In the question“What are the best games on Steam with a level editor?” Dustforce is ranked 23rd while Time Rifters is ranked 28th. The most important reason people chose Dustforce is:
In order to perfect a level there needs to be a lot of abuse beforehand, a lot of deaths. But once it all falls into place there is no better feeling of mastering a level.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Rarely seen gameplay mechanic that combines multiple playthroughs
Each level is played through multiple times with every new playthrough adding previous playthroughs alongside current one. This is done 4 times trying to complete as much of the level as possible. It essentially creates a solo co-op experience and allows for lots of strategical planning forward.
Pro Vibrant aesthetic
The game has simple, clear, blocky levels and uses bright colors. There's an Iron Man inspired hud, but that can mostly be ignored unless you want to check out the score. Important information such as enemy count is displayed on the walls of levels and there's no need to keep track of health or ammo.
Pro Good weapon variety
The game has 6 different weapons that each has a progression system associated with 5 upgrade categories - Spread, Focus, Rapid, Punch and Acid. It adds another level of strategical depth as weapon upgrades have to be planned for.
Pro Level editor and Steam Workshop support
You can create your own levels to challenge yourself and your creativity. It feels really cool playing through levels you made, although you know what to expect.
Pro Keeps player coming back for more
In order to perfect a level there needs to be a lot of abuse beforehand, a lot of deaths. But once it all falls into place there is no better feeling of mastering a level.
Pro Concise tutorial
Dustforce has a very detailed tutorial that teaches the player all of the ins and outs of the gameplay.
Cons
Con Abandoned support
Currently the game does not work with the retail version of the Rift, a DK2 (beta Rift model) and older drivers will be necessary to play the game. There has been no word from the developer if this will be fixed.
Con Short
While there's definitely potential for multiple playthroughs to try and get a better score, the base game has just about 2 hours of gameplay.
Con Only local multiplayer
Sadly the multiplayer aspect of Dustforce is local only. For PC gaming to exclude online multiplayer (when there are multiplayer modes) is an odd choice as the platform lends itself better to online play more so than sharing a single monitor.