Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.
The game employs a classic 2D souls-like combat system that demands precise timing and positioning from players. At the heart of the combat is a "perfect block" mechanic, where players can meticulously time their blocks to stagger enemies and leave them vulnerable to devastating counterattacks. This rhythm-based, Sekiro-like approach to combat rewards players who master the necessary skills, creating a satisfying, skill-based experience.
The RPG progression system allows players to heavily customize their playstyle. Leveling up stats, unlocking new abilities, and equipping a wide variety of weapons, armor, and spells facilitates a high degree of build diversity. Players can experiment with different strategies, whether they prefer a heavy melee focus, nimble rogue tactics, or powerful magical abilities, keeping the gameplay fresh throughout the lengthy campaign.
The interconnected 2D world, while not entirely open-ended, still encourages thorough exploration. Traversing the purgatorial realm yields valuable upgrades, powerful gear, and even optional boss encounters, providing a steady sense of progression and discovery. The gradual unlocking of new traversal options maintains engagement as players delve deeper into the environment.
Make no mistake, this game is brutally difficult, with players facing a constant threat of punishing enemy encounters and boss battles. However, the challenge is consistently fair, requiring players to master the combat mechanics through careful positioning, stamina management, and pattern recognition. While deaths will be frequent, a strong sense of personal growth and accomplishment comes from overcoming the game's obstacles.
One of the game's standout features is its seamless local co-op multiplayer, allowing players to tackle the entire campaign alongside a friend. The cooperative mode is praised for its smooth implementation, enabling players to share in the struggle and triumph of the souls-like experience together. The game also supports Steam's Remote Play Together, allowing for online co-op play without the need for both players to own the game.