I downloaded the demo and checked it out on GB Player for 5 mins before hopping into a call. It’s also available via browser.
Gameplay feels very nice. Artwork is super charming and well animated. Looks well tailored to a backlit GBA (won’t be using my front lit GBA SP for this one).
Hard to really understand the gameplay loop right now though. Kind of like Cave Story? I need to play it a bit more. But I love the fact that there is dialogue and nice NPC designs.
Neat! I’ll look into this one. I’m not following the GBA scene, but it doesn’t seem to be very active? Is it the first new unlicensed cartridge release? (Not counting repros and translations)
Just played through to the first boss. It’s pretty insane.
I love the heavy puzzle elements to it. Very unique, polished game. On my PVM it looks almost like a current gen title. Like how I’d picture hollow knight to look with scanlines.
Just beat the demo. Looks like I missed some stuff.
Yo, the music on this screen is killer. I’m rocking out in my headphones right now and just keeping it on this screen.
I think each level is going to be a separate mini metroidvania if I had to guess. I don’t think this is going to be one large interconnected world. Definitely recommend the demo highly. If they can deliver on a full game of this quality it’s going to be an instant classic.
I’ll probably just opt to buy the rom from them and put it on a flashcart. It would be one thing if this were a proven studio, but, as good as the demo is, I’m reluctant to shell out that much money as a preorder for a project with no target date.
Bought the ROM on Itch.Io and been playing it on my flash cart.
I’m about 7 levels into this and it’s exceeding my expectations.
It’s a really unique take on the metroidvania genre where each area is its own stand alone level that you run through 3 times to complete almost in a Nights into Dreams like fashion. Each path may overlap with the other two but the paths are unique.
There are also some permanent upgrades that you get to the moveset that occur from completing Zelda-like quests for the different characters you meet.
Each character is charming as hell and the script is sharp and witty.
As you complete side quests, you begin to realize that this is the intended critical path along the game. It does a good job of organically guiding you through without telegraphing it too much.
There are even some cool things that unlock that I won’t spoil.
Overall, this may take over Metroid Zero Mission and be my new favorite GBA game.
It also may be the most well animated game on the platform.
Wow, high praise, but glad to hear it’s good. I kind of forgot about this game. I enjoyed the demo, but I didn’t spend enough time with it to make a big impression.
direct link to itch io page:
and steam page, as it will be ported to PC “at a later date” per dev notes on itch page
Looks like the dev is suing the distributor of the physical version.
This is why I’m all digital + Everdrive these days when it comes to ROMs of homebrew games for old systems. I still happily pay the devs for the ROM but I’m willing to live with not owning a physical copy and prefer paying the discounted price.
This is where Flash Carts truly show their value in my humble opinion.
And as a separate matter, if you’re a GBA fan and don’t mind backtracking in your platformers, I still highly highly recommend this game. It is the only other game I’ve played on the system that rivals Zero Mission as my favorite GBA game.
That’s unfortunate it’s gotten to the point of suing.
It’s been a game on my list to get, but never ending backlog.
Per the release notes, the Steam version adds HQ audio, increased aspect ratio and two player co-op. 96% positive rating! I think it would be more fun, subjectively, on gba though.
