Swordless

Platforming puzzle with 100 levels and a simple mechanic that quickly becomes difficult to manage. The trick is that you have to guide both the hilt and the blade to the pedestal where they are joined together to complete the level. The hilt is controlled with the keyboard and has only a short jump, while the blade is controlled with the mouse and can fly freely around the stage. The left mouse button lets the blade attack and destroy wooden obstacles, while the right mouse button makes it solid so the hilt can jump on top of it. This is the mechanic you'll use the most, so it's best to get comfortable with it quickly. The blade remains solid for as long as you hold the button and can also be rotated to create a flatter platform or angled upward to give the hilt some extra height. Once you release the button, however, you have to wait a second or two before the blade can become solid again. This prevents you from abusing the mechanic to make the game easier. The hilt is vulnerable and will be destroyed by touching anything sharp, such as floor spikes, rotating saws, arrows, and other hazards. The blade is much more durable and isn't damaged by most metal objects, allowing you to block arrows and safely bump into many obstacles. It can still be destroyed by glowing hazards, though. New threats and mechanics are introduced at a steady pace, with fresh challenges appearing every few levels. Although the game is designed to be played solo, it's much easier if you have a friend controlling either the hilt or the blade. Before long, you'll be multitasking by dodging hazards aimed at both characters at the same time, often while they're on opposite sides of the stage. As you focus on one, the other will be exposed and die. Difficulty is brutal, and you'll stop playing very soon without a pal nearby.