July 16th 2024.
Have you heard of the new indie game, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder? It may seem like just another Metroidvania, but let me tell you, it's a cut above the rest. With stunning graphics and a high level of polish, this action-packed adventure will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Sure, there are plenty of Metroidvania games out there, but it's becoming harder and harder to get excited about each new release. However, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder caught our attention during the recent Triple-i showcase. Its pixelated graphics pay homage to the 16-bit era, but are also enhanced with modern technology. And let me tell you, the gameplay is just as impressive as the visuals.
On the Metroidvania scale, Gestalt leans more towards Castlevania with its gothic visuals and RPG elements. You play as Aletheia, a mysterious fighter living in the steampunk world of Canaan. Generations ago, a mystical rift opened up, giving rise to technologically enhanced super-fighters who plunged the land into civil war. Now, a fragile peace exists, but Aletheia embarks on a quest to uncover Canaan's dark secret while battling robots and monsters.
But don't let the familiar Metroidvania formula fool you - Gestalt has a lot more to offer. Its world is filled with narrative depth, complete with plot twists and betrayals. As you progress through the game, Aletheia gains new abilities and levels up. The game features a huge abilities tree, with upgrades to health, weapons, and melee attacks. Not to mention, she also earns new abilities by defeating powerful bosses.
At first, the enemies may seem challenging, but with Aletheia's growing strength and health-restoring potions, she becomes a formidable fighter. And just when you think you've got the hang of it, the enemies become even more difficult. But don't worry, respawning enemies can actually work to your advantage, allowing you to level up more quickly.
Speaking of bosses, they are a force to be reckoned with. But they also offer diversity and require patience and strategy to defeat. You must learn their patterns and vulnerabilities, much like in games like Elden Ring. As you progress through the game, the levels become more inventive, with puzzles that will test your skills and reflexes.
Despite being an indie game, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is incredibly polished. The hand-drawn 16-bit style graphics, accompanied by great music, create a visually stunning experience. The attention to detail is evident in the animation and character designs. It's a prime example of how modern technology can enhance classic graphics.
While Gestalt may not introduce any groundbreaking ideas to the Metroidvania genre, it excels in presentation and gameplay. It offers 15-20 hours of gameplay, with a perfect balance of combat, puzzles, and storytelling. And let's not forget the impressive character progression and deep RPG elements.
Of course, no game is perfect. At times, it could use more checkpoints, and grinding for levels may not be everyone's cup of tea. But these minor flaws don't overshadow the overall quality of the game. Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is a solid 8/10 in our books.
You can play Gestalt on PC or Nintendo Switch, with a release date set for July 16, 2024. It's suitable for ages 7 and up. For more gaming content and exclusive releases, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter. And don't forget to leave a comment or email us your thoughts on the game - we'd love to hear from you!
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