Looks and sound
This game really doesn't have good first impressions. The first area looks fairly unimpressive, but if you give it just some time you'll see some very well done pixel art with a very unique aesthetic through its art direction and setting. I can't think of any game with a similar 'vibe'. One thing I noted here was how it used multiple layers of 2D backgrounds which moved around to give depth to environments, like how Castlevania Symphony of the Night.
The music is phenomenal. Like with the visuals, the game really holds itself back at the start but as you keep playing, you will see a lot of amazing tracks that lend to the atmosphere or create memorable boss fights. The DLC specific tracks are particularly memorable.
Gameplay
I like the combat. As you progress and make your sword stronger, you get some combos and moves, though it's fairly simple. The game takes a methodical approach with your timing of when to commit to a combo or special move to gain the right position, which makes figuring out a bosses pattern a fun experience. Through various items, there's enough variety for builds and playstyle.
I don't think the bosses in general are particularly hard, but some stand out, especially towards the end.
The areas are very well-designed for traversal. This game probably has my favorite implementation of the interconnected design that is found in metroidvanias. It is a massive map and seeing it all come together so well is an experience.
I see a lot of people comparing it to a souls-like and while there are some elements to it that seem that way, I would argue that the game borrows more from Castlevania Symphony of the Night in its movement, locations, bosses etc though it polishes up on it and removes superfluous elements.
Story and Worldbuilding
Yeah, I do not know what happened here, but I am intrigued. There is a fair bit of dialogue in this game combined with a bunch of text you can read or find, but it is still a very baffling setting. Steeped in religious imagery, this is a world where the supernatural seems to be deified and venerated, while leading to seemingly negative effects too.
There is a lot I will not mention for spoilers and even more that I do not comprehend, but what I did get was an imaginative setting paired with some stellar art direction.
This game really doesn't have good first impressions. The first area looks fairly unimpressive, but if you give it just some time you'll see some very well done pixel art with a very unique aesthetic through its art direction and setting. I can't think of any game with a similar 'vibe'. One thing I noted here was how it used multiple layers of 2D backgrounds which moved around to give depth to environments, like how Castlevania Symphony of the Night.
The music is phenomenal. Like with the visuals, the game really holds itself back at the start but as you keep playing, you will see a lot of amazing tracks that lend to the atmosphere or create memorable boss fights. The DLC specific tracks are particularly memorable.
Gameplay
I like the combat. As you progress and make your sword stronger, you get some combos and moves, though it's fairly simple. The game takes a methodical approach with your timing of when to commit to a combo or special move to gain the right position, which makes figuring out a bosses pattern a fun experience. Through various items, there's enough variety for builds and playstyle.
I don't think the bosses in general are particularly hard, but some stand out, especially towards the end.
The areas are very well-designed for traversal. This game probably has my favorite implementation of the interconnected design that is found in metroidvanias. It is a massive map and seeing it all come together so well is an experience.
I see a lot of people comparing it to a souls-like and while there are some elements to it that seem that way, I would argue that the game borrows more from Castlevania Symphony of the Night in its movement, locations, bosses etc though it polishes up on it and removes superfluous elements.
Story and Worldbuilding
Yeah, I do not know what happened here, but I am intrigued. There is a fair bit of dialogue in this game combined with a bunch of text you can read or find, but it is still a very baffling setting. Steeped in religious imagery, this is a world where the supernatural seems to be deified and venerated, while leading to seemingly negative effects too.
There is a lot I will not mention for spoilers and even more that I do not comprehend, but what I did get was an imaginative setting paired with some stellar art direction.