The Metroid-vania game genre has been having quite a large resurgence in recent years. I feel like I’ve reviewed quite a few recently. Only recently I reviewed “Source Of Madness” (check it out HERE), but this most recent addition to the mix is “Moonscars.” The developers over at Black Mermaid have created a very interesting game here by adding many souls-like mechanics into the mix. A combination with that and its Metroid-vania style I wasn’t sure would make for a great fit, luckily, I was pleasantly surprised with my time spent in this dark and dreary world.
You play as Grey Irma, a knight that fights enemies made of clay. On your journey fighting these clay beings you are searching for “The Sculpter,” the god-like being that creates these clay foes and also happens to be your boss. Strange right? Yeah, the story is probably the weakest aspect of this game unfortunately, it’s given to us in small slivers just enough to keep the game going. I really wish games such as these where the story is secondary, it’s still being presented to the gamers as if it was just as much a priority as everything else.
What is taken priority for sure is the very engaging combat system that always kept me on my toes. You are given a light attack, a heavy attack, a dash, and a perry, all the basics you would find in a souls-like adventure. You are also given a meter that will deplete when you get aggressive or if you are in need of some health. To replenish this meter, you need to kill your enemies, which really incentivizes you to be aggressive (if you’re not always strapped for health of course). There is also a skill tree with plenty of fun things to unlock and make you a more ferocious knight. This isn’t the only souls-like feature though, because when you die, you must return to your previous dead body to reclaim your belongings.
Another aspect I really thought was cool was that there is a hub you return to after you die that you unlock by finding mirrors scattered throughout the world. This place replenishes your health and also serves as a checkpoint. It can also be used to teleport you to other areas, which is very helpful when backtracking. When entering this hub, you may find your doppelganger that you must fight and defeat to unlock your secondary weapon. Throughout playing, you will probably find yourself dying many times, especially during bosses, you slowly begin to learn the enemies’ pattern and eventually be able to take them down. It’s a very challenging yet rewarding experience.
I would be remiss to not mention the amazing pixel art this game has to offer. It has a very dismal greyish color palette; all the tones are very muted so when there are splashes of red on the screen it really pops in glorious fashion. “Moonscars” is not a perfect game, like I said, there are some story issues for sure. However, there is a lot it does get right here, with fun and challenging gameplay that will make any souls-like fan get hooked.
7.5/10
For more information, visit: Moonscars (playstation.com)
Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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