As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve played my fair share of Metroidvanias, and I must admit that Gestalt: Steam & Cinder from Metamorphosis and Fireshine Games piqued my interest with its unique blend of steampunk aesthetics, intriguing storyline, and fast-paced action. However, as a gamer who values immersion and engagement, I found myself initially struggling to connect with the game’s narrative due to an overabundance of exposition delivered through lengthy cutscenes and text boxes.
I’m absolutely in love with “Steam & Cinder” from Metamorphosis and Fireshine Games! In this action-packed Metroidvania adventure, I step into the shoes of Aletheia, a fiery-haired bounty hunter who prefers to work alone. She’s a tough cookie, a lone wolf badass, prowling the outskirts of Irkalla, a city scarred by centuries of war between humans and the relentless Akhaians. This steampunk world has been ravaged by conflict, and though the Akhaians were supposedly destroyed long ago, they’ve somehow managed to come back, causing nothing but trouble ever since.
As a long-time gamer with a soft spot for immersive narratives, I found myself feeling quite disappointed with my experience playing “Gestalt.” Don’t get me wrong, the writing was sharp and witty, with dialogue that had me chuckling out loud at times. However, the story itself felt like an uphill battle for me to fully grasp.
In this 2D action game, the intriguing central mystery propels the narrative forward, and that’s sufficient to keep us engaged. As Aletheia, you delve into the shady dealings surrounding Irkalla, with assistance from a pair of elite warriors named the Vanguard. They persistently urge you to join them throughout the 8-hour storyline. However, Aletheia is no pushover; she puts the needs of the world first, but on her own terms.
As a devoted fan, I can tell you that I greatly enjoy accompanying Aletheia on her thrilling adventures! Most of the time is spent masterfully slashing through vast crowds of adversaries and an impressive roster of intimidating bosses. Equipped with a nimble sword and a trusty pistol, Aletheia’s control feels incredibly satisfying, whether I’m engaged in combat or exploring new areas.
In simpler terms, this game features a succession of stages where you advance by allocating skill points. The more intriguing capabilities are concealed until you reach the adjacent nodes leading up to them. Smaller nodes typically enhance Aletheia’s health and critical hit probability, whereas larger nodes introduce new moves for her combos or grant her special traversal abilities.
As a gamer, I find myself deeply engrossed in the intense melee combat of this game. Aletheia, my character, possesses an intriguing ability: she can dodge right through enemy attacks. Yet, this gift comes with limitations and a cooldown, so timing is crucial. The invincibility frames during attacks provide a significant advantage since there’s no parry system – only a backstep. Strangely enough, the forward roll and backward hop are assigned to distinct buttons. This quirky design choice left me confused at times, causing me to overlook the backstep for most of the game despite having unlocked an upgrade for it.
In this game, there are no penalties for engaging enemies up close with Aletheia’s rapier, encouraging players to get tactile with melee combat. The simplicity of melee fights results in a highly rewarding experience. Although more elaborate attacks will be unlocked later, the focus is mainly on functionality rather than appearance. This approach doesn’t detract from the gameplay; instead, it allows for significant differences when using accessories and enhances the overall gaming sensation without requiring players to learn intricate systems.
Visually, Steam & Cinder boasts an appealing design reminiscent of classics such as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and contemporary games like The Last Faith. With its vibrant color palette, this game outshines many retro-styled Metroidvanias. The detailed location artwork effectively differentiates each setting.
Metamorphosis Games, the developer behind Gestalt: Steam & Cinder, deserves recognition for not just ramping up the game’s difficulty solely for accolades. While the initial stages of the game present a decent level of challenge, the power progression ensures that you continue to feel powerful and confident over time. Earlier enemies may be more formidable, which could disappoint some players who enjoy Soulslike games’ extreme difficulty from the start. However, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder strikes a good balance between challenge and entertainment, making for an engaging experience throughout.
Although the map design and limited quick-menu in Gestalt: Steam & Cinder may raise some concerns, this Metroidvania game boasts an appealing aesthetic, engaging combat system, and a captivating environment that makes delving into its world a rewarding experience despite the occasional confusion about the functions of certain consumables.
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2024-07-19 11:16