Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

This metroidvania surprised me! Played it on steam deck and ran flawlessly. I might go for the 100% someday, but so far this was a great game with so many positives. (+) Love the artstyle. Feels like playing a cartoon. (+) Tons of secrets and collectables (+) Controls are very responsive (minus the underwater sections) (+) Doesn't hold your hand! There were a few times where I felt completely lost and had to check a guide, but it never felt unfair or not explained. I was the one not paying attention! I really need to highlight this as it's been a while since a game left me with this feeling. That was really enjoyable. (+) So many cool references and Easter eggs (+) exploration and character progress were top notch. Loved the different effects of gear, either for combat and exploration (+) movement and platforming were awesome. Felt very "gamey"! (+) so many options due to the transformations (+) good writing for the characters, I enjoyed most of them (0) good but not memorable music (0) bosses were fun but very easy (-) as helpful as the map was, it didn't really click for me (-) Very generic story (-) the beginning of the game is terrible, it really only "clicked" for me after getting the 3rd transformation (-) backtracking and fast travel were like a chore, did not enjoy this part (-) combat was far from exciting or interesting (in direct contrast to platforming and exploration)

this game is awsome and also the grafics

I quite like the concept of the different monster forms. The art is charming and the combat is fun without being very difficult. If I have to give it a con is that the characters sometimes feels like it has soles lathered in oil when platforming.

Do yourself a favor and skip this one. Hollow Knight and the Ori games are much better

This game remind me of the wonder boy III