If we were to look back over the last 5 or 7 years and see which genres have grown exponentially and are superior to others, it would undoubtedly be soul and metroidvania. Although in the 2000s there was a fever for open world games, these are the genres that have grown the most and have dozens of releases every month. Today we want to talk to you, focusing on metroidvania, about one of them. Join me in this analysis of Gestalt Steam and Ashes for PC.
The game It was launched on July 16 exclusively in PC via Steam, but we know that a console version should arrive this year. So, we anticipate the announcement and you will already have our opinion to help you decide to buy it on console. Developed by the studio Metamorphosis games (in fact it’s their first game, after more than 4 years of development) and published by Fireshine Gamesthe game attracts attention primarily for its aesthetics. But as we always do, let’s start with the plot that is told to us.
A story that could be told better
At the level of historythe game puts us in the shoes of Aletheia. We will be a Soldner, an elite mercenary from Irkalla, an area of the vast steam city of Canaan. Denying the authorities and, in particular, the Comitium (the supervisors of Canaan) for an event that occurred in the youth of our protagonist, we find ourselves facing a fight to save (in our own way) our land from enemy invasion.
Without wanting to spoil anything, since we prefer that it is the player who discovers the twists and turns, I must say that the plot and its pace are somewhat difficult to follow. Not because it is excessively complicated or twisted, but rather because of the way the game presents it to us, with excessive scenes with a lot of text in which, repeatedly, the same idea or concept is discussed.
The ideas hidden in the plot are good and taking advantage of the steampunk setting, you can create a very good backdrop for the plot. But in my opinion, it might have been better to tell the story in a more direct way and with a different pace. Still, I think the story is not its strong point. I can already tell you that I think the strong point is its aesthetics, but let’s see what its playability is.
A little Metroidvania gameplay
In terms of gameplay, the game “sells” like a metroidvaniabut I think that, even without ceasing to be, it is not a game that strongly fits this description. Its playable bases remain clear, based on the acquisition of new skills that will allow us to go where we could not go before. But again, the slowness with which we acquire them and the “linear” nature of the proposal make us consider a platform with 2D combats rather than a metroidvania. We insist, not because it is not the case, but because if you put all its mechanics on a scale, combat and platforming end up weighing more than going back.
So, we are waiting for fight that, although being simple (light attack, heavy attack and pistol shooting), little by little it is fleshed out and enriched thanks to a light RPG touch in which we will acquire experience by completing missions and defeating enemies. We can then apply these points in a skill tree that, although not very extensive, is complete enough for what the title demands.
Steam & Cinder Gestalt Analysis: Competent Combat and Platforming
Skills such as double jump, air run, etc. will be unlocked as we progress through the game and this will allow us to cross areas that we could not access before. We will have a map in which we will always see our icon and know where we are, but we will not have any direction indicators or guides in this regard. Just the indications that we have in our agenda in which we know where we will have to go. I believe that At first And What It’s a bit confusing as you walk through the different sections of the map, but after the first few hours you get used to the places and feel a little more comfortable.
As for fight in itself, that seems sufficient agile and attractive enough to be one of the playable bases of the game. Although the enemy patterns are quite easy to recognize and anticipate, the variety of enemies and the different bosses that we will encounter make the fight Gestalt Steam and Ashes A very enjoyable fight for any player. And I influence any player since itI found the difficulty of the title very well balanced.. Although perhaps for those who are more versed in the genre it can be a little easy, I believe that it develops in a natural way and adapted to our progression.
The visual section, without a doubt the best
Where the title shines with its own light is in the audiovisual section. Actually, more in the visual. Leaving aside a correct sound section, what will make you fall in love the most (or at least it did with me) will be its artistic section. Being quite a tribute to the games of the golden age of 16 bitsThe beautiful pixel art used never stops and is undoubtedly, as I say, its main attraction.
The animations are also very elaborate. and silly details like our protagonist holding his hat in his hand during very pronounced falls suggest the love and care the developers put into everything related to the art direction.
Steam & Cinder Gestalt Analysis: Conclusions
In conclusion, and to end this analysis of the Gestalt Steam & Cinder, I must say that the 7 to 8 hours how long can metamorphosis games game last very pleasant. If you’re looking for a full-fledged metroidvania, you might be somewhat disappointed by the heavier weight of platforming and combat. But If you don’t approach the game with a focus on genres/mechanics and all you want is to have a fun time, I assure you that you will have fun with this game.. Despite a plot that could be improved in its exposition, its good combat and beautiful visuals more than make up for the other flaws.
Pro.
- Its visual part
- The fight is entertaining and fair
- A very well measured difficulty curve
Contra.
- The way the plot is presented
- For the more experienced, this can be easy.
- The metroidvania aspect is very light
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