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video game reviews

Nocturnal 2: A Promising Metroidvania Experience Awaits

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Nocturnal 2 demo to review for my blog. I am grateful for the opportunity, but understand the game isn’t finished. That said, I will try to be a bit more lenient in my review, but these will still be my honest impressions of the game.

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Table of Contents

What is Nocturnal 2?

Nocturnal 2 is a beautifully drawn metroidvania coming out on Steam later this year.

Hook

Play as Ardeshir, bearer of the Enduring Flame as he explores the forgotten city of Ytash in order to break the curse that consumes his homeland. But the path will not be easy. The city has been sunk into darkness, with only his Enduring Flame to light the way. Bring as much of this city to life as you fight your way through mobs of enemies, creative bosses, and discover new abilities in between. Will his flame be enough to free his homeland from the darkness, or will it consume his very soul?

Gameplay

The demo has players go through the tutorial, but gives them a large area of exploration. This is your typical metroidvania where players are moving from checkpoint to checkpoint, collecting xp, powerups, and abilities in between. What makes Nocturnal unique is that Ardeshir’s flames can go out, and without light, he becomes powerless. Players must find ways to not only light the world around them, but sometimes find ways to keep their light alive.

Combat

Nocturnal has a traditional metroidvania feel. Players start the game with a minimal move list, but unlock new abilities as they progress through the city of Ytash. The combos get more complex as the game progress, but so do the enemies. Enemies in this game have easily telegraphed attacks and movements that players will need to learn to play around. Effectively fighting around these combos through skillful dodging can help players survive until the next checkpoint.

Impressions

I picked up Nocturnal 2 because Nocturnal is one of my favorite metroidvania. It has a cool atmosphere, solid story, and great mechanics. If you are looking for a new metroidvania while you wait for sequel, you won’t be disapointed. The demo for 2, has me excited. The game still feels like the dark epic adventure of the first, with a few solid improvements. The art is still great, combat is smooth, and it left me wanting more. It has definitely been added to my wishlist, and I can’t wait to try out the full version.

Aesthetic

One of the biggest draws for Nocturnal is its world building and aesthetic. This series has some incredible art, and I am very excited to explore more of this world. The lore in that is sprinkled throughout gives the game the mysterious atmosphere that makes the story feel even more epic than it is. My only complaint is that I didn’t get much of the story in this game, but at least I got a solid impression of what is to come in terms of gameplay.

Gameplay

First of all, this demo is playable on the Steam Deck which is the cherry on top of a solid metroidvania experience. Any game that allows me to whip out my Steam Deck outside my house is a good game, and this is looking like a good game. The Nocturnal 2 demo has smooth combat with interesting combos and interactions, a good amount of exploration, and some solid platforming. And this is coming from someone who hates platformers. At least, I used to hate them until I played Nocturnal. It does get a bit repetitive towards the middle of the demo, but it gave me enough to be excited about.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for the full release of Nocturnal 2. This is a solid demo, especially if you are in the market for a new metroidvania. I don’t think you’ll need to play the first game to understand the sequel, but the Nocturnal is such a good game, you need to play through it once. I still prefer the first game, but it is still too early to make that declaration. Until then, play through the first game, check out this demo, and don’t forget to add Nocturnal 2 to your wishlist!

You can pick up the Nocturnal 2 demo on Steam.

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Review of Dragon is Dead: A Captivating Metroidvania Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Dragon is Dead to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

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What is Dragon is Dead

Dragon is Dead is a dark fantasy 2D Metroidvania out now on Steam.

The black dragon is dead, and now an unholy force spreads across the land. You are his successor, and it is up to you to get rid of it. Using the powers granted by the gods, fight against the Corruption and restore the peace this world once new. Your journey will be one full of death, but luckily, you are able to learn from death and come back stronger. Can you be the successor this world needs?

Gameplay

Dragon is Dead is a 2D action platformer with roguelike tendencies. Players Journey across a linear 2D map, fighting off its monsters and bosses. Unlike most games in the genre, there are no save points. On death, the player resets at in the starting town of Cliffshire, keeping all their loot, gear, and runes accumulated during the run. While the loop can feel repetitive, it does start getting better the more experience a player gains throughout a run. Combat and and platforming is what you’d expect from the genre, with a unique build system. Players have a good amount of choice when building their character through a run. I am sure there is a meta for this game, but I had fun exploring the different builds and finding something that fit my play style. I like that players can reset the build between runs so there is always a bit of variety.

Review

If you don’t have Dragon is Dead in your library, it needs to be. This is definitely the most fun I’ve had with a Metroidvania, and I will recommend it to everyone. I love how diverse the skill tree is, and how each weapon feels different. While I did eventually settle on a group of skills and weapon types, I never felt like I chose the wrong path. There is a grind, and it can feel repetitive, it doesn’t feel too bad. Leveling and gearing feels impactful. It is nice to earn a weapon or level and seeing how much more effective it is against enemies.

I would argue that Dragon is Dead is a more casual entry to the genre. I like that the game didn’t force me to find my way through a dungeon in search of save points because I have a terrible sense of direction. I also like that I didn’t lose leveling and gearing progress on death because it made having to redo whole sections of the map feel less bad. The bosses are fun, flavorful, and creative, but they aren’t impossible. You can definitely over level and defeat them if all else fails. There is a story, but it does feel like I can pick up this title at any time and not be lost, especially if I just want a quick Metroidvania fix.

My only real complaint is the with the Steam deck experience. The game works great on the Steam deck, and I will only play this game on one, but the words are too small. The game does warn players that the words are too small, and there is a magnifying feature. The magnifying feature on the Steam Deck is too much trouble, I will just ruin my eyesight or invest on a real magnifying glass if it comes to it.

Aside from that small detail, this game is awesome. Dragon is Dead has great art, fantastic flavor, and a fun loop that any player will enjoy. If you are looking for a new game to play, I don’t think it gets much better.

You can pick up Dragon is Dead on Steam.

video game reviews

Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark Review

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I was sent a free copy of Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest opinions of the game.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark?

Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark is a 2D action Metroidvania adventure out now on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation.

The castle has been invaded and Lord Maxim is dead. It is up to Kirika and Masha to make their way through the castle and revive their lord. Fight through waves of demons and their bosses, collect helpful tools and abilities, and prove why you are the best pair of demon maids Do you have what it takes to reclaim your home and save your master?

Gameplay

Gal Guardians is your typical classic metroidvania. Players crawl through the 2D dungeon, collect new items and abilities, and beat everything in their way. What makes Gal Guardians unique is the coop mechanic. Players can play this game solo, or team up with a friend to control one of the two maids. Coop allows for some interesting interactions between the players. Playing solo allows players to switch between the two maids and their abilities, as well as revive them when they go down. The game also showers the player with loot and allows for a good amount of customization and playstyles.

Review

I really wanted to like Gal Guardians: Shadows of the Dark, but it doesn’t do enough to stand out against the genre. I love the art and flavor, there is some solid voice acting, but the gameplay sort of falls flat.

What I like about the gameplay is the amount of customization. Aside from the main weapon, players can mix and match abilities to find a build that works best for their playstyle. Unfortunately, there are some absolute garbage items that will flood your inventory. Aside from that, combat is kind of boring. It is no where near the worst of the genre, but it does leave a bit to be desired. This is especially noticeable during the boss fights which can be challenging, but aren’t really worth the trouble.

I had high hopes for the game because I enjoyed the demo, but once I got deeper in the game, it didn’t do enough. It had decent writing, the voice acting is great, and the art is good, but the gameplay didn’t do it for me. Gal Guardians isn’t the worst Metroidvania I’ve played this year, but I will forget I ever played it. If you’re looking for a new Metroidvania, you simply have better options.

You can pick up Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark on Steam, Switch, and PlayStation for $29.99, but I would wait for a sale.

video game reviews

Is Inaya – Life After Gods Worth Playing?

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I was sent a free copy of Inaya – Life after Gods to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Inaya – Life after Gods?

Inaya – Life after Gods is a metroidvania out now on Steam.

Inaya was orphaned at a young age. She was raised by an old monk who taught her to use her how to defend herself. Now, years later, she must find what is left of her tribe and fight anyone that stands in her way. Travel across the remnants of civilization the gods left behind, fight unique monster and bosses, and unlock the power of your father’s gauntlet. What secrets will you uncover? Will Inaya ever find her tribe?

Review

I typically have a gameplay section, but if you’ve played a metroidvania game, you’ve probably played a better one. Let me start with the good, because the game isn’t horrible or unplayable. Inayah has some very beautiful hand drawn art with a unique world and cool looking monsters. The skill tree system is expansive, giving players access to a wide variety of play-styles. I personally like how it has three distinct weapons that feel different, and each has a good amount of customization. That said, you have better options.

One issue I have with the game is with the voice acting. The voice acting is bad, and it distracts from the story. There is a clear attempt at creating a compelling story, but I didn’t have it in me to sit through any of the dialogue. I recommend you play the game with the volume off.

As for the gameplay, its okay, but there is nothing that you should be rushing to play. Especially at this price. It feels smooth, and there is a good amount of jumping puzzles, but its boring. Even when I bought upgrades, there were no abilities or skills that had me excited, and everything feels slow. There was also some noticeable stuttering that never killed me, but made me not want to play the game.

If you love the genre and are looking for a new game for your collection, I would try out the demo first. I think Inaya is one of those games you’ll forget because of the gameplay isn’t interesting enough. Even if you are the type of person that plays every metroidvania, I would wait for the sale. The devs are still working on the game and releasing updates, so there is hope that game will get better. Unfortunately, in its current state, it is hard to recommend because there are simply better options.

You can pick up Inaya – Life after Gods for $24.99 on Steam.

video game reviews

Is Morkull Ragast’s Rage a Good Metroidvania?

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Morkull Ragast’s Rage to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity. I won’t it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Morkull Ragast’s Rage?

Morkull Ragast’s Rage is a metroidvania out now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch for $17.99..

Morkull Ragast’s Rage is a powerful demon locked away in a video game. The only way to get out is to play the game, and win. Fight your way through a game as it is being made. Make your way through this digital dungeon, fight off scores of enemies, and reprogram a bit of the code along the way. Can you beat the game and let Morkul out? Is it a good idea to get set him free?

Review

If you’ve played any other metroidvania game, you’ve played Morkull Ragast’s Rage. You fight your way through a dungeon, unlocking new abilities along the way. The only difference is the game has a stylized flavor that is fun, but doesn’t do enough to hide the fact that the game isn’t very fun. Morkull Ragast’s Rage isn’t a bad game, it just doesn’t do enough to stand out against the rest of the genre. Had this been my introduction to the genre it would have fared a little better, but its not. When it comes to Metroidvania, you have better options.

The biggest issue I have with the game is that the combat is boring. Movement, combos, and the parry system all feel stiff. The enemies look cool, but they aren’t fun to fight. The grind feels bad, and I found very little reason to keep making it. I had little reason to keep coming back, especially considering how I have better options sitting in my library.

I appreciate the humor of the story. There are fun wall breaks and the flavor and artstyle are interesting. Unfortunately, they don’t do enough to distract from the fact that the game isn’t all that impressive. If you’re looking for a metroidvania game, there are better options. If you like the look and flavor of the game, I would wait for a sale because it still feels like a demo. There is a demo available, but I don’t think it fares any better.

You can pick up Morkull Ragast’s Rage on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch for $17.99.

video game reviews

Souno’s Curse is a cute Metroidvania, but not Very Good

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I was sent a free copy of Souno’s Curse to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.

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What is Souno’s Cures?

Souno must travel through a cursed cave and uncover its secrets. But his journey is full of perils and powerful creatures that want Souno Dead. Avoid traps, fight monsters, find treasures, and uncover the mysteries behind Souno’s curse. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Souno is a classic 2D platformer. Players move from checkpoint to checkpoint fighting monsters, avoiding obstacles, and collecting experience for upgrades. Occasionally, players will fight powerful and creative as they piece together the truth behind Souno’s curse.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, but the experience isn’t much better than the PC version, but it is playable. Everything is visible and works good enough, but the game has flaws that make it difficult to recommend.

Review

Souno’s Curse is a beautiful game with a unique art style and world. Unfortunately, it isn’t a good Metroidvania. The biggest issue I have with the game feels too clunky. Movement feels okay for the most part, but the dodge mechanic is a bit too cumbersome. It never felt like it worked right, but that could also be an issue with the hitboxes.

The hitboxes make Souno’s Curse feel like a luck-based game rather than a skill-based one. If the enemy begins to move away from you, you’re going to miss. If it starts moving towards you, you’re taking damage. If you try to dodge and end up near an enemy hitbox, you’re taking damage. Even if you grind, upgrade efficiently, and play cautiously, you’re taking damage for no reason.

Combat itself is too simple. Souno has two attacks, a kick and a magic attack that seems too expensive to upgrade. Players can upgrade Souno to learn a third attack, but there isn’t enough variety to make combat stand out against other titles in the genre. It isn’t the worst combat system I’ve played through, but it is too clunky and boring to recommend.

Unless this game gets a few performance fixes for smoother and tighter gameplay, there is no reason to choose Souno’s Curse over other Metroidvania games that have just hit the market. Unfortunately, the art, flavor, and story are not enough to save this game from obscurity. I would skip it for now.

You can pick up Souno’s Curse on Steam for $12.99.

video game reviews

Awaken: Astral Blade is the best Metroidvania of the Year

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I was sent a free copy of Awaken: Astral Blade to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

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What is Awaken: Astral Blade?

Awaken: Astral Blade is a beautiful Metroidvania out now on Steam and PS5.

Tania is a bionic girl sent to rescue a missing investigation team deep in the rainforest of the Horace Islands. This won’t be an easy task. A strange energy seems to be warping the wildlife, mutating it into aggressive, blood-thirsty mutations. Using her various abilities and any upgrades she earns along the way, Tania must fight her way through this hostile forest and find the truth behind the disappearance. What will she uncover?

Gameplay

Awaken: Astral Blade is an incredibly stylized Metroidvania. Players must fight through a dungeon, moving from save point to save point. Players will unlock and find new upgrades for Tania’s mobilities and attacks. The skill tree, upgrades, and customization are vast enough for players to find a build that works with their playstyle. While I am sure there is a correct way to build Tania, I found something that made the game fun for me.

Players will fight through monsters with creative flavor and readable attacks. Occasionally, a giant snake will chase Tania to create some intense platforming. Eventually, Tania will fight the various creative bosses scattered throughout the dungeon. These fights are tough, but leave a rewarding feeling after completion.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Awaken: Astral Blade is a fantastic Steam Deck game. Everything is visible at the native aspect ration, the native control scheme is comfortable, and the game is responsive without any tinkering. These types of games to play on the go, but I enjoyed being able to fight my way through the forest while sitting on my couch. While there is nothing wrong with the PC experience, I preferred playing this game on the Steam Deck.

Review

I’ve been on my Metroidvania kick lately, and Awaken: Astral Blade is my favorite. The game looks amazing with a solid story and flavor to keep things interesting. Most importantly, the mechanics are tight and responsive. Nothing is worse than playing an unfinished Metroidvania where poor coding kills you more than a lack of skill. I am happy to say that every time I died in Awaken, it was because I wasn’t good enough.

As far as skill level goes, it is adjustable but normally offers enough of a challenge to keep things interesting. I am speaking of course as a filthy casual, but the difficulty can always be adjusted. I particularly enjoyed the creative boss fights and how rewarding it felt when I finally beat them. None of the big fights felt like a slog because I was always busy trying to memorize actions and master the required mechanics.

Awaken: Astral Blade is a fantastic entry into the Metroidvania genre. Whether you’re trying to find a good place to start or looking for a new title to add to your collection, you can’t go wrong with Awaken.

You can pick up Awaken: Astral Blade on Steam for $19.99 and $24.99 on PS5. There is also a Steam Demo if you don’t believe me.

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Looking for a new Metroidvania? Why not PROJECT TACHYON?

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I was asked to cover PROJECT TACHYON on my blog. I’ve been on a Metroidvania kick lately, so I figured, why not? Since the game is still a demo, I will be a bit more lenient. Regardless, these will be my honest impressions of the demo.

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What is PROJECT TACHYON?

PROJECT TACHYON is a cyberpunk action roguelike coming to Steam.

Project OMEGA was created as was designed to be the Tamageria Republic’s ultimate defense against their enemies. Unfortunately, the advanced AI has other plans for the republic. A massive uprising led by OMEGA spreads across the planet, and the only solution seems to be to nuke the planet.

A few of the smartest minds left believe they have an alternative, Project Tachyon. Project Tachyon allows select users to return to a single point in time after deft, undoing any mistakes they’ve made along the way. Through this technology, they hope to learn all they can about Project OMEGA and defeat the AI without sacrificing innocent people. Only one member is compatible with the Project Tachyon technology. Will she be enough of the world for annihilation?

Gameplay

PROJECT TACHYON is a 2D action platformer where players fight their way through a dungeon filled with enemies using an advanced arsenal of weapons. These weapons can be changed and upgraded throughout the run.

Players start their run at Project Tachyon headquarters where they can use resources they gather during their runs to buy upgrades. Sigma will then run through the same level to shut down OMEGA. Because Sigma can reset the timeline after death and remember its details, all maps, and encounters will be the same between runs. Memorizing maps and encounters along with the upgrades players purchase throughout their run help her get farther each time.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes it does, and I can’t wait for the full version. Everything is visible at the aspect ratio, and although there is some roughness to the DEMO, it works well enough to get me interested in a full version. Aiming is a little awkward, but that might be more of a personal issue than an issue with the game. I will need the full version for further testing.

Impressions

The Demo is a little rough. The game has a few missing elements and a few mechanics that don’t always work, but it is a solid demo regardless. My biggest issue was with the aiming. It felt awkward and made some encounters harder than they needed. The game does offer an auto-aim feature that seems good enough for casual play, but I found it lacked the efficient accuracy needed for the harder fights. Regardless of these issues, the demo works well enough to have me curious about a full version.

If you enjoy the Metroidvania genre, you might want to consider looking into PROJECT TACHYON. The game has cool art, a solid story and flavor, fantastic voice acting, and interesting gameplay. Until we get news on a more complete version, I recommend you at least try the Steam Demo. Don’t forget to add it to your WISHLIST!

I’ll be working on getting a full version. Stay tuned for that.

video game reviews

Voidwrought is a Beautiful Game, but It didn’t Leave an Impression

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I was sent a free copy of Voidwrought to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Voidwrought?

Voidwrought is a beautiful 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania out now on Steam and Nintendo Switch

You have been tasked with collecting the blood of the gods. Fight your way through the depths and fend off against Eldritch horrors. Uncover secrets, learn new techniques, and find the playstyle that works best for you. How deep can you make it before the darkness consumes you? What secrets will you uncover?

Gameplay

Players crawl through a large 2D dungeon, fighting monsters and bosses and collecting resources. Players start with a limited selection of skills but can unlock more through exploration and an extensive skill tree. There is some freedom in how a player can approach this game, but there is an optimal build. At the end of the day, Voidwrought is just another Metroidvania. If you enjoy the genre, it might be worth considering.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

You can’t go wrong with Metroidvania games on the Steam Deck, and Voidwrought is no exception. Everyhthing looks good at native, and the game runs well enough. Whether or not it is worth getting depends on how much you enjoy the genre. Please read blow.

Review

Voidwrought is a beautiful game with a fantastic hand-drawn art style. Unfortunately, the game does little do leave an impression. It isn’t a bad game, but I am going to forget I ever played it.

My biggest issue with the game is with the performance. The game feels clunky. Combat and platforming look cool, but it isn’t as smooth as it needs to be. While the game demands a good amount of skill, I felt the difficulty came from the game’s lack of polish. It isn’t a bad game, but when compared to other games in the genre, it doesn’t do enough to set itself apart. Unless you love the genre and want to collect all of them, there is no real reason to choose Voidwrought over other better titles in the genre.

You can pick up Voidwrought on Steam and Nintendo Switch for $19.99, but I would wait for a sale.

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An Amazing Wizard is Looking Like a Very Promising Metroidvania

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I was sent an early copy of the An Amazing Wizard demo to cover on my blog. Since the game is still in development, I will be a bit more lenient but honest in my impressions. If you want to stay up to date on all the news, make sure you join the official Discord!

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What is An Amazing Wizard?

An Amazing Wizard is a fast-paced 2D action RPG coming to PC. The demo is available, so make sure you head over to Steam and try it out.

In a world full of wizards and magic, you are the only one without it. Instead of casting spells in the traditional sense, magic hands cast them for you. The prophecy says you are destined for greatness, but a mysterious force has stolen your memories before it can be realized. Travel across a dangerous plane as you recollect your memories, fight monsters, and try to uncover the truth behind your powers. Will you be strong enough to live up to your legend?

Gameplay

The demo allows players to fight their way through procedurally generated levels as they learn the fundamentals of the game. The wizard always starts with a basic magic spell and collects random ones during each run. The spells unlocked throughout a run are random, and the RNG seems fine. The full game will feature over a hundred spells for an insane amount of customization.

At certain points of a run, players can combine spells to create new ones. There is always a chance that the fusion will fail, but a successful fusion grants the player a new more powerful spell. This ensures that a run will never be the same, and things are going to get crazy.

Combat is a fast-paced Metroidvania-style loop. Players fight their way through a 2D dungeon, killing monsters, farming materials, and finding more powerful spells. Players have access to a basic spell, three swappable spells, and a swappable weapon. This is more than enough to keep things fun and exciting.

Between deaths and levels, players can trade in materials they gather for power-ups. This gives players access to new abilities and powers, and makes each run easier. The upgrade tree is pretty expansive. While I am sure there will be a correct way to build it out, I recommend you buy for your playstyle.

The full game will have a story, but the demo is only limited to the roguelike dungeon to get players hooked on the gameplay.

Impressions

I need more of this game. The art is fantastic, the flavor is great, the music is amazing, and the gameplay is a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a new Metroidvania game, An Amazing Wizard is looking very promising. The game features an interesting combat system, cool enemies, and a ton of customization for that added replay value. Obviously, I am going to need to see a completed version, but I am excited.

I did run into an issue where the dungeon generated a way forward, soft-locking my progress. I would have to rest the run and lose my progress, but it didn’t happen enough to cause any real concern. The demo works fine for the most part, but there will be some instances of roughness as they continue to iron out the kinks. Other than that, this game is very fun and I recommend you try it for yourself and get equally excited.

Please go check out the An Amazing Wizard demo on Steam, and don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!