Magenta Horizon is a fast-paced 2D action platformer game that is heavily inspired by the Spectacle Fighter genre. Playing as a Reaper of the twisted purgatorial afterlife, push your skills to the limit to destroy the hordes of demons and epic bosses to reach your destination.
Gretel, the protagonist, boasts a responsive and versatile moveset that players can master and creatively combine. The game encourages an aggressive playstyle, rewarding players for maintaining momentum and pressure on enemies rather than playing defensively. Reviewers praise how the combat feels akin to spectacle fighter titles like Devil May Cry, with a wide variety of combos, aerial maneuvers, and abilities that allow players to string together stylish and devastating attacks.
Instead of traditional health potions, players can obtain "Healing Grenades" that allow them to heal by attacking enemies. This promotes an aggressive, high-risk, high-reward style of play, as players must strategically use the Healing Grenades to sustain themselves in the midst of chaotic battles. Reviewers highlight how this mechanic synergizes with the game's combat, pushing players to constantly engage with enemies rather than retreating to heal.
The game's diverse roster of enemies, each with their own unique behaviors and attack patterns, creates complex and challenging encounters. Reviewers praise how these enemies are carefully designed to work together, forcing players to prioritize targets and utilize their full arsenal of abilities to overcome the obstacles presented to them.
As players progress, they unlock a variety of new abilities, sub-weapons, and equipment options that allow for further customization of their playstyle. Reviewers appreciate the depth of this system, which enables players to tailor their combat approach to suit their preferences. The game's upgrade systems, including the "Necklace" system that provides additional combat modifiers, are praised for their meaningful impact on the gameplay and the player's overall effectiveness.
The game is widely acknowledged as challenging, with reviewers noting that mastering the combat system is crucial to success. However, this challenge is seen as a positive, as it creates a sense of accomplishment when players overcome the game's obstacles through skill and perseverance. The game's difficulty options, which modify enemy patterns and behaviors, allow players to tailor the experience to their skill level, ensuring that both casual and hardcore action game enthusiasts can find an enjoyable experience.