Really solid foundation and I am excited to see what the finished product looks like. Not quite a throwback shooter, not quite a roguelite, not quite an rpg. This game nestles itself somewhere in between all three with a set story, but procedural levels, random weapons with different teirs and rarity levels, and a skill point system that is unlocked via a nice little platforming mini game. The shooting feels satisfying, the music (when it kicks in) is solid, which for me are incredibly important for a shooter. Level design is pretty basic, though that is likely a symptom of the procedurally gen'd levels. As far as the difficulty curve goes it feels about right. Though the early levels are very basic and that is because of the rate that they introduce new enemies. So the first few areas don't have as much variety to play with in terms of the encounters. Once you've reached the 3rd or 4th areas is when the action ramps up and gets really fun and frantic imo. On the whole if I could give a 4.5 I would because I have some small issues that can't be chalked up to bugs that will likely be ironed out, but I feel like rounding up is right in this case. Those small issues being the slow build in the early game, and the basic and sometimes very short levels. I would recommend either picking this one up or at least keeping an eye on this one as development continues.
This game is damn near perfect. It's one of those rare cases where my biggest cricism is that there isn't more of it. That said it isn't too short I just love it that much. It took me about 20 hours to 100% everything and every bit of that time was well spent. The lore is there via item descriptions and the world is just so macabre, and it leans into that macabre setting and feeling so much and owns it so well that it just becomes that much more immersive. I never thought I'd use the word immersive for a side scroller, but here we are in 2019. Long story short, if you enjoy any games that involve a lot of exploration with a non-linear layout, interesting boss fights, beautiful pixel art, great ambient music, and so much to discover and find that is findable without a guide (all the signposting is there if you know what to look for) then you really really should consider picking this one up. This game were it released in the formative years of gaming would undoubtedly held up next to the pillars of the genre. End Note: I own the Switch version of the game, but I can't leave a review there... but I haven't heard of any issues with the PC version and if you're getting it on PC get it on GOG.
The story is really what you should be hear for. The gameplay is good, except a part near the end that [Spoilers] then you're jumping and [Spoilers] which made me fall and die a lot in a way that was a little frustrating. Where it gets the 5-er is that the characters actually develop are charming as hell. By the end I can say that I was truly invested in what was happening. I can't name another game that took a silent protagonist (actually mute, not silent) and made me care enough to actually tear up a few times throughout the story.
So, I thought about a 3/5, but it earns its stars. The quality is there, and you can tell that the team behind this game put real passion into it. But for some reason it fails to grab me at almost every turn. Worst part is that it was really hard for me to figure out why. I think it is the lack of sound, in general and the overall flow of the gameplay. There is no music, and most of the sound effects don't have much oompf. Which is fine sometimes, if you're in the mood for a really chill game to explore I really do recommend this one. However, if you're looking for a world to get lost in this probably isn't it. I say that because it doesn't feel very expansive and is fairly linear. Anyone calling it a metroidvania is a little off the mark. Yes, there is exploration, but that exploration is within the bounds of a fairly linear gameplay path. Yes, you can backtrack, but it is pretty much just to finish finding collectibles, not new paths using the new powers you've unlocked, or at least not new paths that aren't pointed out to you very blatantly. So, if you kind of like exploring and want a chill game, then this is a solid buy. If you're looking at it because you're a fan of "metroidvania" games than I'd recommend watching some gameplay first and really thinking about why you love the genre. If you, like myself, enjoy getting lost in the world and having to think for yourself to find progression then you may find this one a bit lacking. This is a hard one for me to grade, its a great game, but at the same time its a great game that I I'm positive won't stick in my memory once I beat it.
Seriously, I'm pretty lucky. Some close calls, a few giant spiders almost ripping them off in two hits. This game doesn't want you dead, but it wants to make you work for everything you get. It is one of the most rewarding games I've played in a long time. Why? Because everything you do is YOUR choice, and sometimes your team can give it everything and still fail. You just keep on trying, new plans, new schemes, new adventures and NO HANDHOLDING. Join a gang? sure. Build an army and fight other nations, sure (probs not your first playthrough though). Build a thieves hideout in the swamps and make drug runs to larger cities? sure. Do what you want and live with the consequences. BTW if you want the game to look a little better, go get reshade (results may vary)
Pretty straight forward, if you like Contra you'll like this. It takes its own spin on a few things, adds a role instead of dropping through platforms (takes a little getting used to), and nails the feel for the most part. Where it lost a 5 for me is the overall length. Its real short, even with the replay value of mutliple difficulties it doesn't last too long. The other part that holds it back a little is the sheer enemy spam in one level. Just one, if you're curious its the 2nd half of the 2nd level. It comes out of nowhere and when you're playing on hardcore difficulty it makes that section the single hardest section in the whole game. Those are really more on the line of nit-picks. Bottom line is back to the top line, if you like Contra don't pass up on this one.
Not even a joke. Love this game.
If I could give a 4.5 I would. Controls are tight and responsive, music is solid, guns+ upgrades are satisfying (for the most part). Lite RPG elements and sneaky secrets add a lot of replayability. This game is awesome and whether you buy it on sale or at full price you'll get your money's worth out of it if.
