Windblown is as cute as it is violent and I’m here for it | Hands-on preview

Windblown is as cute as it is violent and I’m here for it | Hands-on preview

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that Motion Twin has truly outdone themselves with Windblown. It’s like they took all the best elements from Dead Cells and sprinkled them with a dash of Hades for good measure.


It’s clear that Dead Cells made a significant mark on both the roguelike and Metroidvania gaming categories. With its skillful, fast-paced gameplay perfect for speedrunning, dark humor, and intriguing setting, it solidified Motion Twin as a notable developer in the industry. In fact, fans were so attached to Dead Cells that they came close to protesting when the team declared they would be moving on from continually refining and expanding the game after more than five years, to create something fresh. That “something fresh” is Windblown, an action-packed roguelite offering tight, skillful gameplay in a humorous yet grim world. Kudos to them for stepping out of their comfort zone!

As a gamer, let me tell you, I’m not kidding when I say that Windblown has me hooked! Motion Twin’s creativity and craftsmanship are still shining brightly. The gameplay I’ve experienced so far might be a bit sparse, but remember, we’re still in the early access stage. There’s a world of potential just waiting to unfold as the game continues to develop!

Windblown is as cute as it is violent and I’m here for it | Hands-on preview

This story takes place on a chain of levitating islands, where warriors known as Leapers possess magical artifacts enabling them to be reborn upon death. The Leapers maintain the islands aloft by returning precious items and equipment from the perilous realm beyond, frequently sacrificing their own lives in the process. As a Leaper, you can develop and grow more powerful, swapping bodies whenever desired. It’s not just the body that matters; your soul and accumulated wisdom are what truly count. The setting is vibrant and lively, but it hasn’t yet fully delivered on the dark and gritty impression suggested in the initial promotional video – at least not yet.

In several aspects, the game’s equipment and advancement structures mirror those of Dead Cells. At the start of each playthrough, you’ll be equipped with both a primary and secondary weapon, which are randomly selected from a pool that you’ve previously unlocked. As soon as you’re launched into the world via a massive cannon, you’re free to gather various items and exchange them as needed. Additionally, you can exchange your in-game currency with a vendor to permanently add these items to your collection.

Windblown is as cute as it is violent and I’m here for it | Hands-on preview

Occasionally, during your journey, you’ll encounter a group of three mystical entities who bestow unique abilities upon you for the duration of your adventure. However, you can only select one of these abilities each time they appear. Unlike the straightforward buffs in Dead Cells, which are distinguished by colors like red, green, or purple, these powers in Hades offer a diverse array of skills and advantages.

Every time I embark on an adventure, I find myself battling hordes of foes and formidable bosses, scavenging for resources, enhancements, and in-game currency to bring back to my hub. I assist the diverse non-player characters with their tasks, like fetching items, and in return, they offer new services. This tried-and-true system, common in roguelike games, proves just as effective here.

Windblown is as cute as it is violent and I’m here for it | Hands-on preview

In essence, while Windblown might not introduce anything particularly novel, it excels at what it offers. The combat is excellent, and even the movement, boosted by a responsive dash, provides a gratifying experience. The gameplay mechanic has potential for expansion, but its unique features such as cooperative play and procedurally generated runs make Motion Twin’s work here quite impressive given the limited resources.

Much of the appeal lies in its sheer charm. For instance, the characters’ movements when they walk or the ability to play as a sword-wielding guinea pig battling hordes of deadly machines – there’s a lot of personality infused into Windblown. When combined with Motion Twin’s exceptional game design, this could create a highly effective combination.

Windblown is heading into Early Access on PC via Steam in Q4, 2024.

Read More

2024-10-03 20:16