Analysis of the empty forge

The supporters of metroidvanias They must be happy because many offers come to them every month to satisfy their hunger to play more games like this. Aside from being the preferred genre of many new developers getting started with video games, it is one of the genres that may have lower barriers to entry (unless it’s very difficult) due to its easy understanding of the mechanisms. Come with me and I will tell you my analysis of Forged in a Voidanother metroidvania to watch out for.

I guess it won’t be the first, but Forged in a Void he wants to become strong in his proposal in the style of HP Lovecraft and his cosmic horror. The decor will therefore not be trivial and the elements so characteristic of this type of game will not be lacking. In terms of history, we will be a simulacruma creature born from a strange egg and which gives birth to a rather complex tradition. The world we find ourselves in will not be known in advance but rather we will discover it little by little and where the importance of the First Civilization and the Red Star (you will discover) will be crucial.

Areas by HP Lovecraft

Obviously, the comparison with the work of HP Lovecraft seems short, as almost always, but it is good to point out that the world is pretty well made and it draws the player in as soon as they pay attention to what is being said on the screen. Let’s see if the gameplay is good.

What he offers us Forged in a Void It is, as we said, a classic development of a metroidvania. Therefore, we will be a skillful character who can use jumps, attacks, (limited) healing skills, etc. from the start. As we progress in the game we will of course unlock other skills. Among them highlights the hook which allows us to access high areas and adds a plus to combat, double jump, etc. An ability has caught our attention by which we will transform ourselves into a kind of ball that will help us adhere to the scene and thus access places that we could not otherwise enter.

As for the explorationthis will thank the player for the number of hidden areas that we will have, but it is true that as the hours go by it seems somewhat repetitive. The platform part is somewhat challenged in its difficulty thanks to our skills often superior to the challenge posed by the scenarios.

Voidwrought: A fight well fought

Regarding the strugglethis one feels nimble and fast. The movements of our character as well as enemies and bosses seem well measured and contribute to the classic dynamism of this type of game. Although I do not consider myself an expert, I must say that I believe that In terms of difficulty, this game will be a level below. I’m not saying it’s a walk in the park, I’m just saying that because of the possibility of healing, I think it leaves the door open for a strategy based on “go for it” and healing that eliminates many obstacles posed to us by enemies.

In addition to the two main pillars analyzed, combat and platforms/exploration, the game adds a third mechanic based on the management of a sect. Players can recruit followers and expand their sanctuary. Of course, this mechanic still seems somewhat superficial, in addition to not directly impacting our gaming experience.

To finish with the gameplay, I emphasize once again that we are faced with one of those games in which take advantage of what has already been established by the greats of the genre as Hollow Knight. Its combat and exploration seem nimble and well-executed, but the lack of new playable features can weigh on more than one.

An audiovisual section with great sound weight

Concerning the audiovisual section, I must say that here it is The game is incredible and both the sound effects and the ambient music immerse you in its world.. It’s a pleasure to hear, for example, our impacts on enemies and scenarios. Its soundtrack will help you with this immersion that you will not regret.

As for the technical aspectthe game was tested on PC and Steam Deckbeing on Valve’s consolidated PC where we played almost the entire experience. It works natively and the frame rate has been pretty stable for us. throughout the experience. Obviously, due to the type of game it is, you won’t need a large machine to run it on a PC. At the moment there is no confirmation of the Xbox version, but as it happens in countless cases, it is not surprising that we will see it sooner rather than later.

Voidsmith Analysis: Conclusions

In short, and as conclusions from this analysis, Forged in a Void are a metroidvania based on the classic mechanics of the genre and that, despite the effort to add some new mechanics, it does not stand out. Perhaps its own identity comes from the game’s set and story, which will remind you of HP Lovecraft although it hasn’t reached his height. THE 7 or 8 hours which can last you (several more if you opt for all the collectibles and all the secondary missions), they are fully enjoyable. Yes indeed, As soon as you already have a background in metroidvanias, you may notice a certain lack of “oomph”, because there is little innovation.