Master Key is a top-down adventure game with a strong focus on item-based exploration and secrets. Embark on a journey to discover what that key could be used for and meet colorful characters!
Players consistently praise the game's ability to encourage thorough exploration. The dense game world brims with a variety of secrets for players to uncover, from hidden areas and items to puzzles. The lack of overt guidance allows players to organically stumble upon these discoveries, creating a sense of wonder and satisfaction as they progress.
The game adopts a Metroidvania-style progression system, gradually granting players new abilities and items that unlock access to previously inaccessible areas. Reviews highlight how this structure promotes careful backtracking and re-exploration of the map, as players revisit old locations with new tools, ensuring there are always new secrets to find.
The puzzle design receives frequent praise, challenging players to think critically and experiment with the game's mechanics. While some puzzles may be obscure or difficult to solve without guidance, reviewers appreciate the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming these obstacles on their own.
The combat is generally regarded as somewhat unpolished, with some players finding the enemy encounters overly challenging, especially early on. However, reviewers note that the exploration and puzzle-solving aspects are the true focus, and many are willing to overlook the combat shortcomings due to the overall strength of the discovery-driven gameplay.
The game's nonlinear structure is widely appreciated, as it does not gate progress behind story events or arbitrary barriers. This open-ended approach encourages experimentation and player agency, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-directed progression.