Is solar ash anything like HLD?

[e g g]

I liked HLD for its fast, responsive, but punishing combat, but Solar Ash seems to be more Mario-Like to me.

[send_dis_pear]

Ive played a little Solar Ash, and honestly Im not getting the mario vibe. everyone has their own tastes tho when it comes to gaming and thats fine. Solar Ash is indeed fast, responsive, and punishing, but throws the twists of 3d environments, grappling, and parkour at you. so basically yeah, I feel like its definitely like HLD (especially in terms of deep writing and character beats as well), and Id suggest giving it another try if you feel up to it sometime

[Almie]

It's a different game with a similar feel. Aesthetically, it uses a lot of similar colors, and you can definitely see parallels to HLD, but it's a full-3D game rather than 2D pixel art. I'd say it's generally easier than HLD and a bit more structured. It's far more about the movement/platforming, while punctuated with specific challenges testing your mastery/efficiency with the movement systems.

I'm not completely sure how to say this. You can feel the commonalities, but it is a very different game. Solar Ash isn't trying to be a 3D HLD in any way, but it feels like it establishes a cohesive Heart Machine feel. In a world where HLD was on the SNES, I could see the same developer making Solar Ash for the N64, if that makes sense.

Notably, I've yet to finish HLD, but I finished Solar Ash. I'm nearing the end of my second play through, and plan to do a third on the unlockable Hardcore difficulty, ADD versus other games willing. Honestly, Solar Ash feels like a tech-demo for a decent, modern 3D Sonic game: a discernible "level" with free movement in the level gated by specific challenges.

It's good, if a little short. The moment-to-moment enjoyment comes from just the feel of moving through the environment, while the boss fights (and the objectives to reach them) feel more like puzzles that you're expected to try a couple times to get right. I'd guess I'd put it between Mario 64 and Ghostrunner (minus wall-running).

If that sounds appealing, go for it ♪~

[mdesaleah]

Less Mario more Sonic in terms of speed.

One of those, "more fun when you get good" kinds of games.