Really don't know how to rate this. On the one hand, this is a wickedly smart twist on Metroidvanias on paper; instead of upgrades, you have investigation. Instead of doors, you have puzzles. It's a really cool twist and all of the puzzles are well thought out and genuinely make you feel like you've accomplished something. The art style is gorgeous at points, relishing the Lovecraftian vibes with purples and blacks that make the game pop.

Shame actually playing this thing is a puzzle in itself. I can forgive vagueness if in it's service of a greater story (i.e. Elden Ring) but there is really nothing here to latch onto. Who is Benedict Fox? We never actually find out, instead we are left watching the backstory of two people we don't know and lack a strong connection to. And then when you actually play it, you are constantly fighting with stiff controls, wonky physics, and combat that feels almost perfunctory rather then unique and engaging. I wish this was a lot better then it was cause I love the vibes but this is a misfire, sadly.