Story 10/10
The story and setting are told to you in pieces, expecting you to connect the dots from everything ranging from background details, items descriptions, and small lore pieces scattered across the game. It is a fun way to tell the story, and fits well for this game.

Gameplay 9/10
Enemy AI is well crafted, albeit simple. This should not be taken to say the enemy is easy to fight, but one who fights any enemy long enough will learn attack patterns and behaviors to the point of being able to take apart any previously frustrating enemy. Bosses are amazingly crafted with perhaps two exceptions. However, the controls for keyboard are very cumbersome. I would recommend a controller, but keybind remapping helps immensely, and I recommend you do so if using a keyboard.

Level Design 8.5/10
The levels are outstanding in providing both a challenge to progress, as well as exploration for the player that is interesting and rewarding. The game teases alternative paths from the beginning that the player has to find the solution to later on, encouraging backtracking every now and then to explore new paths in older areas. There are some problems with design at times however, as some exploration puzzles and secrets require unreasonably precise movement, along with particular abilities and equipment loadouts to make. Few of these affect the main story and areas necessary to it however.

Graphics/Artstyle 10/10
The game's environments, characters designs, enemy designs, and more all do a perfect job of selling the game's story and atmosphere. With a game that relies as heavily on visual storytelling as this, the visuals play a much more important role and they do no disappoint in that regard.

Audio Design 10/10
The music throughout the game compliments each zone perfectly. From good instrument composition for the themes of a given level, to tone of the music that complements and sets the mood for everything from exploration to boss fights. Even a lack of sound when needed to create a sense of foreboding.

Overall 9.5/10
An amazing breakout for the developers. The game plays well with few hangups along the way. Though a bit short in playtime for some, every moment of it is amazing and worth the praise I give it. A must-buy for any fan of Metroidvanias who enjoy a focus on combat and amazing visual and audio design.

[h1]Spoiler-Free Review[/h1] [b]Story 10/10[/b] The story and setting are told to you in pieces, expecting you to connect the dots from everything ranging from background details, items descriptions, and small lore pieces scattered across the game. It is a fun way to tell the story, and fits well for this game. [b]Gameplay 9/10[/b] Enemy AI is well crafted, albeit simple. This should not be taken to say the enemy is easy to fight, but one who fights any enemy long enough will learn attack patterns and behaviors to the point of being able to take apart any previously frustrating enemy. Bosses are amazingly crafted with perhaps two exceptions. However, the controls for keyboard are very cumbersome. I would recommend a controller, but keybind remapping helps immensely, and I recommend you do so if using a keyboard. [b]Level Design 8.5/10[/b] The levels are outstanding in providing both a challenge to progress, as well as exploration for the player that is interesting and rewarding. The game teases alternative paths from the beginning that the player has to find the solution to later on, encouraging backtracking every now and then to explore new paths in older areas. There are some problems with design at times however, as some exploration puzzles and secrets require unreasonably precise movement, along with particular abilities and equipment loadouts to make. Few of these affect the main story and areas necessary to it however. [b]Graphics/Artstyle 10/10[/b] The game's environments, characters designs, enemy designs, and more all do a perfect job of selling the game's story and atmosphere. With a game that relies as heavily on visual storytelling as this, the visuals play a much more important role and they do no disappoint in that regard. [b]Audio Design 10/10[/b] The music throughout the game compliments each zone perfectly. From good instrument composition for the themes of a given level, to tone of the music that complements and sets the mood for everything from exploration to boss fights. Even a lack of sound when needed to create a sense of foreboding. [b]Overall 9.5/10[/b] An amazing breakout for the developers. The game plays well with few hangups along the way. Though a bit short in playtime for some, every moment of it is amazing and worth the praise I give it. A must-buy for any fan of Metroidvanias who enjoy a focus on combat and amazing visual and audio design.