Recent reviews by Progfox

The ultimate authentic Canada experience

Amazing soundtrack

So pretty, really neat little metroidvania-lite that's based on platforming

dark souls if you could jump

GOOD

IS GOOD GAME

Incredible atmosphere and vibes. However, a little difficult to recommend. Bought on release and the original mode (now titled 'Survival' mode was very gruelling and unforgiving and unfortunately I couldn't really bear to sit through a lot more of it at the time. I've recently come back with the 'Explore' mode addition and I although I find it much more bearable to play through and actually ENJOY, it's still difficult to recommend as I'm not sure the middle ground has been met with it. Ultimately, while the game has an amazing atmosphere and cool ideas, it's a little slow and, dare I say, self-indulgent with certain things that throw off the pacing as a game. I have a deep respect for it but I feel Below missed the mark just a little. I also really just can't get along with the camera, everything is super duper small and it does genuinely frustrate me quite a bit. Worth getting for the amazing ambience and music, but not for you if you're looking for really compelling gameplay, puzzles or a slightly more gripping narrative.

-Not really a review, more of a counterpoint against a lot of the criticism regarding the games systems-

As has been previously pointed out, this game is not for everyone. It does not hold your hand and the beginning hours will be frustrating because the direction of the design is a completely different direction from what most games do. After playing for a solid amount of time, I've barely scratched the surface but I understand the mechanics of the game and the idea of exploring, taking it day by day. Not to take shots at anybody who bought the game and doesn't like it but there seems to be an overwhelming amount of confusion from a majority of people who don't understand the games systems. Which, being honest, is totally fair. The game is obtuse, overly cryptic and just weird.

But it's not a Super Meat Boy platformer. It's not really a story based 'go from A to B' affair. It's a world to explore and live in, which sounds pretentious as hell, but you really have to immerse yourself in the game world and the mind of the slugcat to get the most out of this in my opinion.

I struggled to figure out if I enjoyed this for the first 4 hours, but when the game continued to craft a beautiful sprawling world regardless of my apprehensions, I've started to feel something. Something I haven't felt since Dark Souls 1. This world is alive and full of story and life. Things have happened before your time and it's gorgeous.

The gameplay felt shallow at first but there seems to be plenty of platforming upgrades to keep your fingers happy and the crest system allows you to swap between tons of different skills. The music is great and the art is lovely. Can't wait to keep playing.

EDIT: 60fps added in beta update. LITERALLY NO REASON TO NOT BUY THIS GAME.

Without a shadow of a doubt, I love this game.

The environments are gorgeous and interesting to explore; everything feels like it has an actual purpose in the world as though it truly is a real place people live in. While not really a puzzler, the game encourages in-depth exploration and rewards you for finding its very well tucked away secrets (although sometimes you find a secret area and think, "how was I really supposed to find this without stumbling on it by accident?").

The fighting is fast and exciting and once you master your movement, you'll feel like some sort of insane ninja. The aesthetic is amazing, the soundtrack is absolutely astounding and I can easily say without a doubt this is one of the best experiences I've had in a while.