An artistic, simple in design, Metroidvania [reminds me of Child of Light, only in Purgatory]. Useful skills to be learned and to be used often. Can be a bit challenging, but nothing infuriating. Engaging story - played a couple of hours straight through the first time without even noticing [though I have seen some flaws in the text here and there - something I hope would get fixed, but nothing broken to that end]. Would like to see a 2560x1440 resolution, but looks great regardless [the color scheme, level and character designs are pretty impressive].
The game is a surprisingly deep Metroidvania that probably doesn't make the best first imptression with its visuals. However, I found this to be a very competent title that nails the exploration loop and some really-above-average combat. I honestly don't think I've enjoyed a combat-focused title this much since playing "Sekiro". This game isn't really a Souls-like- though it relies on rolling and jumping to avoid enemy attacks, there's no stamina bar. However, the many boss encounters really highlight the strong visual design. Each boss has a number of distinct attacks, and each one has very distinct visual or/and audio cues- and this really helps in making the tough combat feel "fair", because every single time I react the wrong way and die, I KNOW that I made a mistake. The controls are generally fluid and simple- though switching forms in order to use several abilities can throw you off
Time to complete fully for a true ending- about 28 hours on Normal difficulty (there is an easier Story mode). Music was pleasant and fitting, but not particularly memorable.
Game's negatives include a somewhat choppy translation, which can interfere with understanding the story- a lot of background information can be gleaned from speaking to NPCs, but when their dialogue isn't 100% coherent, the overall story can become muddled, if you aren't familiar with Eastern beliefs about the Afterlife and the bureaucracy that runs it.
I would also say the achievements are pretty cryptic. I get that this is to avoid spoilers, but they are mostly secret, so it would make sense t have a better description once they are attained: as is, there aren't real comprehensive guides for the game, and I suspect this could be why.
Overall, I would definitely recommnd checking this game out. It looks quite simple, but there's a lot of work behind the game's combat mechanics, and the exploration is very well-done as well.
After beating it 100%, I can say:
- It has a nice art, although most of the times the scenery is too blocky (not organic, a 'tilemap' feel, with a lots of repetition).
- The hit box sometimes feel clunky, since a lot of times I could swear I evaded an attack or obstacle, but I got hit anyways.
- Some bosses are quite fun, that kind of challenge where you die sometimes to learn their patterns and then 'dance' (Dark Souls, Hollow Knight), but some of them only gave me the feeling of 'just die already, I had enough', specially due to the already said clunky hit box.
Even with those issues I give 4 stars because the exploration and puzzles are fun, and the story, although not that original, captivated me with its world building and charismatic characters (specially the Guardians of Death). I'm a game developer myself, and love folklore aspects in games, and this one is fantastic in this aspect. The ending is beautiful and emotional as well, reminded of my already dead father.
Wow. I thought I would like the game, but I did not except to like it this much. If you like Korea, Korean history, games like Ori and Blind Forest, bit of challenge - this is the game for you. It took me 31 hours to completely finish the game and every minute of it was pleasant. I played it using Wine on Linux.
The theme of the game and it's drawn art style is really memorable. I was able to recognize pieces of Korean culture that I know from historical dramas like Daejanggeum. Hand drawn character, architecture, story animations, backgrounds are nice to look at. The theme is bleak as it should be and simple colors really fit.
The story is engaging and there is much more storytelling than in, for example, Ori and Blind Forest. There is a lot of characters you can talk to, each with different personality. They will provide more information about the story and progression. The ending was emotional and I believe there are multiple endings. The story, art style, setting and the theme are definitely high points of the game.
The game play is harder. On normal difficulty, it was pretty challenging, especially some of the bosses. You can make it easier with perks and equipment which encourages exploration. The game is controlled entirely using keyboard or you can use controller. Through the game, you will unlock special abilities that enhances your movement and you will be able to revisit areas and search for more secrets. There are multiple weapons, each with different uses. Some of them are more like tools. Saving system is in form of checkpoints you can find through the levels and active them at you will.
Overall, It is one of the best games I played. It is shame that the game is not more known. It is hidden jewel, that I will remember for long time. Long live Arum, The Guardian of Death!
This game is mostly a mix of the two best exploration-focused platformers, Guacamelee (particularly in terms of level design) and Hollow Knight (combat). As best I remember it isn't quite as hard as either of those but not easy either (story mode is supposed to be easier, I didn't try it).
The simpler level design means you won't get as lost as in Hollow Knight (no need for a walkthrough), while there is still enough exploration and hidden areas to keep it interesting. There is after a while an auditory and visual hidden area notification if you choose to gain that skill (the game doesn't mention that there is a visual part but there is).
There are a few remaining bugs as of this review (January 2022) but nothing all that bad. I noticed issues during two boss battles late in the game but they weren't all that hard to work around. Also some dialog issues and occasional minor audio glitches. Hopefully these will be fixed but I don't think it is necessary to wait for fixes to enjoy the game. Some things that didn't make sense at first did after looking more closely so don't assume that anything that surprises you is a bug.
I enjoyed the story more than most games (and more than Guacamelee or Hollow Knight), even though it isn't a story focused game; it is an interesting setting with a distinct graphics style to go with it. The ending confused me the first time but watching it again it almost all made sense. The music is decent and there was one track I really liked but as with almost all games it is very short tracks looped. More music and fixing the remaining bugs are the main things that could be improved but it is quite good as it is and one of my favorites.
Other platformers available here I'd recommend (easiest to most difficult as best I remember): A Short Hike, NyxQuest, Little Bug, Beatbuddy, 140 (main levels, it also has quite hard levels), Yoku's Island Express, (8doors goes here), Guacamelee, Hollow Knight, Cyber Hook, Blackhole.
