Recent reviews by Monte Phallus

First of all, I appreciate that a solo dev has made this game, and I like to support indie devs. It is a huge achievement.
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the game, I enjoyed exploration and overall some new experience in gaming. It's a game I've been aware of for some time, and I was waiting for the release.
Now for the things I dislike. Too many times I've asked "is this the intended solution? this can't be the intended solution... no, I don't see another way". So what happens is that a lot of the times the solutions I find aren't satisfying, or it's not clear if the solution is intended. There's a good counterpart to this complaint, which is that the world seems less like a platforming puzzle and more like an exploration game, where you're not certain if you can get through at all.
I dislike the level design of Ancient Cistern. I think it's objectively bad, there's no satisfaction to the first 3/4 of the level. Feels like auto-generated filler.
The last level is just bad, and it's the reason I even bothered to write this review. It uses a new game mechanic, which doesn't get enough practice, and that game mechanic really doesn't mix well with the level design.
On top of not having enough practice and mismatched level, you are now working on a strict timer. Did you know the developer enjoys speed running? Well now you're forced to. All other parts of the game is mostly chill exploration, but now you are forced to rush your way through claustrophobic levels with razor thin margin of error.
A little too slow? Death, with no indication why. There's a kill wall behind you, and you can't see it because you're facing forward.
A little bit too high? Death. A little bit to the right? Death.
Also I've encountered a bug where one wall has a kill trigger, but it doesn't move, so it makes zero sense. It truly feels like only the developer has play tested the final level.
Maybe you think I'm mad because of skill issues. Well, I've finished Celeste, Hollow Knight, do some surf maps, and I don't mind a challenge when it's well specified and has a satisfying answer.
Overall:
If you want a unique chill exploration with some platforming, go for it, and ignore the last level.
If you want a full coherent playthrough, probably not.

unfortunate waste of time, get out while your mind is not corrupt