Name: Simple. Looks and sounds beautiful. Awesome controls and combat. Hard but fair. Love it.
Item: Slain!
Rating: 9.5
Author: Relic D

I never could have guessed when i read thru the negative/middling reviews and bought this game regardless that it would be one of my favourite games ever but that's what's happened and it goes to show that sometimes when you like the look of the game and reviews are middling it can pay to dig a bit deeper (though in my experience, it can also often go the other way lol!)

This game is unpretentious but scratches a very specific itch for me in a way that nothing else really has and for that i have to put it in S-Tier. I'm genuinely grateful somebody made this game just like it is and cant wait for the upcoming sequel.

The game is not a Metroidvania. Its not a Souls-like or Rogue-like. Its a linear Arcade-style 2D action platformer. There's no leveling and basic skills but the controls are great and something just magical happens for me with this one.

The controls on Keyboard work great for me, very intuitive. Its sort of a twin-stick control format with the right arrow keys used to move, with 'up' to jump and the left hand controlling ur attacks, jump and roll. Its unique. It just works. I love it. I'm sure, like most of these games its probably even better on controller though i haven't tried yet. I'm certainly a fan of the challenging projectile tennis and demanding but satisfying 'perfect parry' feature.

The whole gameplay, pacing, balance of platforming/combat, difficulty/challenge/fairness, immersion/addictiveness, accessibility. Then you've got the kickass soundtrack and face-melting pixel art among the best from any game i've played.

All i'd say is that if, like me, you watched the trailer on Steam / online footage and thought "that looks like the best game ever" then you're probably right!

I think there's only two types of people who won't love this game...
1) People who were expecting something else from the game similar to others in the field with a similar look.
2) People who don't like a hard game - this one's definitely maddening - but imho very fair. Each enemy requires a little study and strategy (and many attempts) Its really simple, satisfying and well done. Satisfaction is immense.

I haven't quite finished yet but i will keep coming back to this one for a while to come because i find myself thinking about the game and music a lot and wanting to get to the next checkpoint/boss. It really is one of those games i'd always wished for without knowing - Total chef's kiss.

Slain!

Simple. Looks and sounds beautiful. Awesome controls and combat. Hard but fair. Love it.

Player Score

Relic D