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Genre: Roguelike, 2D Platformer
Developer: Knight Shift Games
Publisher: Playtonic Friends, H2 Interactive Co., Ltd.
Release Date: Sep 10, 2024
Platforms: Steam
Release Price: $19.99
Written By: Draul
Edited By: Bex
Elsie is a vibrant, pixel-art roguelike platformer developed by Knight Shift Games and published by Playtonic Friends. It draws inspiration from titles like Mega Man and Dead Cells, offering a fast-paced gameplay experience with a colorful aesthetic. While the game boasts a strong sense of style and impressive mechanics, it isn’t without its quirks.
The game’s story revolves around Elsie, a synthetic lifeform tasked with restoring balance to her homeworld after a catastrophic event. While the narrative provides a decent backdrop, it doesn’t take center stage, allowing gameplay to shine. The character designs and world-building are charming, but the story occasionally feels underdeveloped, with key plot points glossed over in favor of action.
Gameplay is the heart of Elsie, and it excels in its fluidity and challenge. The controls are tight and responsive, encouraging players to master the dash-heavy combat and precise platforming. The roguelike mechanics ensure that no two runs feel the same, with procedurally generated levels, a variety of weaponry, and a robust upgrade system. However, the difficulty curve may feel punishing to newcomers, requiring a significant investment to progress meaningfully.
One of Elsie’s standout features is its art direction. The pixel art is not only vibrant and eye-catching but also brimming with personality. Each enemy, environment, and animation is meticulously crafted, creating a cohesive and immersive visual experience. The soundtrack complements this beautifully, with a mix of upbeat chiptunes and atmospheric melodies that enhance the game’s pacing and intensity.
While the visuals and music are stellar, Elsie occasionally stumbles in its level design. Some sections feel repetitive, with a limited variety of layouts in certain biomes. This repetition undermines the thrill of exploration, making extended play sessions less engaging. A more diverse array of environmental challenges could have added depth to the gameplay loop.
Another minor gripe is the lack of accessibility options. Players with limited dexterity or vision may find the fast-paced combat and vivid visuals overwhelming. While the game’s difficulty is part of its appeal, a wider range of customization options, such as adjustable difficulty settings or visual filters, would make Elsie more inclusive.
Overall, Elsie is a visually stunning and mechanically satisfying roguelike platformer. Its combat and movement mechanics are a joy to master, and the art direction is among the best in the genre. However, a lack of variety in some areas and accessibility features holds it back from perfection. Fans of challenging action-platformers will find much to love here, but casual players may struggle to fully enjoy its offerings.
Pros:
- Beautiful pixel art and engaging animations.
- Tight, responsive controls with satisfying combat.
- Diverse upgrade system and weapon options.
- Excellent soundtrack that enhances the gameplay.
Cons:
- Repetitive level design in some areas.
- Steep learning curve may deter some players.
- Limited accessibility options.
Draul gives Elsie a Drastik Measure 8.1 out of 10 (81)