Oh boy, a review!

I saw this game on PS4 and decided to wait out the PC port, as that'd get more mileage. It's basically a neat little mash-up of Dark Souls & Castlevania (or a "Metroidvania")! I mean, that's how I went in to it and that's what I got. It definitely scratches all the right itches, if that's up your alley.

So, when folks say it's a Dark Souls-like, there helps explain some mechanics quickly:
-There's a stamina bar
-There are "bonfires"
-You get "Estus flasks". Don't worry about needing to grind for healing stuff if you're in a rough patch
-Level-ups are governed by "souls" (referred to as "salt" in this)
-Movesets are very similar. ie, parrying, rolling, choosing to two-hand a weapon, etc
-Equip load controls and limits your movement and rolling/tumbling/flopping ability
-It's easy to die. Things hurt. They also don't really like you?? It's very rude

The Castlevania vibe comes from a few things. Largely because it's 2D, but I think the label also applies itself because this is a 2D world with lots of vertical movement. Y'know, scaling several "screens" and stuff.

It's a fresh world, though! Story is given through item descriptions (DRINK UP THAT ~~LORE~~, FOLKS), as well as very sparse NPCs. Salt is also a heavy item of reference, as you will quickly find. The primary use? For leveling. Now, there are primary stats in this, but they are tied to/governed by a skill tree/web. Think FFX's sphere-grid and there you go.
"Choose this to learn how the hell to use a hammer. It also gives you a point of strength."
"This icon has a horse. It also gives you endurance for some reason"

The game itself is rather lightweight and looks wonderful in spite of this (~500mb at the time of release). I will say that the character faces look... Bad. I just gave my dude shaggy hair and a gigantic beard to cover it up. The Grizzly Adams look worked well until I found a hat.

One thing I will mention, though, is that the game doesn't *tell you* much. Like, I get that it's the "Dark Souls Thing," but remember the Estus-equivalent (red potions in this)? For example, from what I'd seen so far, the game never tells/shows you that your little red potions are refilled at sanctuaries. I died at a boss, thought I wasted them, and noticed I had gained them back.

Anyhow, it's a good game so far! I recommend it if the above appeals to you!

Oh boy, a review! I saw this game on PS4 and decided to wait out the PC port, as that'd get more mileage. It's basically a neat little mash-up of Dark Souls & Castlevania (or a "Metroidvania")! I mean, that's how I went in to it and that's what I got. It definitely scratches all the right itches, if that's up your alley. So, when folks say it's a Dark Souls-like, there helps explain some mechanics quickly: -There's a stamina bar -There are "bonfires" -You get "Estus flasks". Don't worry about needing to grind for healing stuff if you're in a rough patch -Level-ups are governed by "souls" (referred to as "salt" in this) -Movesets are very similar. ie, parrying, rolling, choosing to two-hand a weapon, etc -Equip load controls and limits your movement and rolling/tumbling/flopping ability -It's easy to die. Things hurt. They also don't really like you?? It's very rude The Castlevania vibe comes from a few things. Largely because it's 2D, but I think the label also applies itself because this is a 2D world with lots of vertical movement. Y'know, scaling several "screens" and stuff. It's a fresh world, though! Story is given through item descriptions (DRINK UP THAT ~~LORE~~, FOLKS), as well as very sparse NPCs. Salt is also a heavy item of reference, as you will quickly find. The primary use? For leveling. Now, there are primary stats in this, but they are tied to/governed by a skill tree/web. Think FFX's sphere-grid and there you go. "Choose this to learn how the hell to use a hammer. It also gives you a point of strength." "This icon has a horse. It also gives you endurance for some reason" The game itself is rather lightweight and looks wonderful in spite of this (~500mb at the time of release). I will say that the character faces look... Bad. I just gave my dude shaggy hair and a gigantic beard to cover it up. The Grizzly Adams look worked well until I found a hat. One thing I will mention, though, is that the game doesn't *tell you* much. Like, I get that it's the "Dark Souls Thing," but remember the Estus-equivalent (red potions in this)? For example, from what I'd seen so far, the game never tells/shows you that your little red potions are refilled at sanctuaries. I died at a boss, thought I wasted them, and noticed I had gained them back. Anyhow, it's a good game so far! I recommend it if the above appeals to you!