Hyper Light Drifter

An intriguing, abstract narrative set in one of the most beautifully vivid world's we've ever seen helps provide a near flawless experience. Add in great combat and controls as well as an amazing soundtrack, and the end result is easily one of this year's must-plays. Its difficulty may scare away some, but for all who can cope, the experience is a truly rewarding one.

Although the influence of those games is clearly seen in this effort, it is far short of the high bar those great games of yesteryear set. Instead, Hyper Light Drifter reminds me more of the mediocrity that era of game would sometimes produce, with strong core gameplay, but not much else. If you want to keep your rose-colored glasses in tact, I’d recommend passing on this modern attempt at yet another throwback.