Core Descent

(About halfway through, might edit once I complete everything, I assume my final playtime will be 3-4 hours, which is pretty good given the price) I vibe with this weird little game a lot. Puzzles are somewhat easy but there's some pretty solid mechanics here. Kind of baffled by the platforming bits, in a good way? They're (so far) basically mindless hallways full of easy to grab collectables. It's good that it's easy because if the platforming was challenging it'd be frustrating with how unwieldy the controls are. I really do like the flow between platforming and puzzles, alternating between the two activities keeps me from getting bored despite either element individually being kinda basic. But that's just how my brain works, I'm not sure it will appeal to other people in the same way. Given the tile based structure it really feels like the game should have a level editor of some sort, but I get that's easier said than done. [strike]Edit: Softlock on a late game mandatory point of progression that saves you inside the softlock. Can't really recommend the game in an unbeatable state. Will change review back to recommended once this is fixed.[/strike] Has been fixed :)

Tried this in the NextFest demo and thought "This was pretty fun! If it's like $5, I'll probs just buy it when it comes out tomorrow!" Now that I've played through, this is a super fun little sokoban/Microvania-lite hybrid game! This feels like one of those flash games I used to love growing up blended with tons of more modern design sensibilities in the best ways possible! Easy recommend from me! Also, lowkey, the soundtrack on its own is worth the price of admission :P