
The stamina bar also originally affected every method of attack/tool use, even basic attacks, meaning Gail would be restricted to running and jumping until the bar refilled. Added to this, an in-game accessibility menu has a variety of options to better tailor the experience to suit your preference. While it is still a considerable challenge – Dark Souls was a big inspiration – players have the option to choose a skill level which will have certain aspects enabled or removed. The Switch release came under criticism for its punishing and often unfair combat difficulty which seemed very much at odds with the rest of the game. Because of this, healing in the field can be a tricky endeavour do you risk a fatal hit while trying to chow down or keep on the move? Which brings me to the aspect that divided players the most on initial release: difficulty. Even the game said it might be good for fertiliser! But I acquired the knack on the second attempt – cooking confidence restored! Food takes varying lengths of time to consume, depending on the type of food. The latter took me a little by surprise as you’re thrown into it without warning it left me questioning my culinary skills afterwards. When injured, Gail can regain health by consuming food this is enhanced with fishing and cooking minigames. The pixel art and animatoins are simply beautiful, and the soundtrack is superb: an exlecting range of soothing ambience, evocative piano, and so much more. Phoentopia really shines in its art style and score. The only minor gripes I came across were that some tools take a little more getting used to than they should – the slingshot trajectory is much lower than the crosshair suggests! – and crawling is a little clumsy to execute when controlling with the joystick. Thankfully, Gail’s controls are smooth and responsive. Aerial attacks and falling from a height can also leave you open to attack, so timing and positioning are crucial. Using certain attacks and tools however requires stamina indicated by a green bar when the bar dips below a certain point, Gail becomes exhausted and must wait for the bar to refill before she can perform them again.
Phoenotopia awakening steam upgrade#
Gail can wield a variety of different weapons and tools to dispatch enemies and solve puzzles, as well as finding precious stones to increase her stats, upgrade her equipment or trade for other things. Some of said areas require a certain tool or item like a flute to gain access, encouraging the player to delve deeper into every area they uncover. However, Phoenotopia manages to create its own unique experience through a wonderful blend of different genre aspects, with a huge dollop of personality thrown in.Įxploration is the game’s main focus with a plethora of Metroidvania-style areas to explore and traverse, solving satisfying puzzles in order to progress further. The influences are proudly on display with its mix of side-scrolling action and top-down world map exploration. 50 hours for completionists.Two words immediately come to mind within a few mins of gameplay: Zelda II. A main campaign length estimated at 30 hours of playtime. Over 60 original songs ranging from mellow piano and orchestra to raging synth/metal rockers and bagpipes!



An achievement system, with 33 badges to earn, for players seeking extra challenge and replayability. A world brimming with secrets! Find 33 Energy Gems, 55 Heart Pieces and 111 Moonstones. Fight against over 50 different enemy types and 12 boss encounters. Fly with rocket boots! Blast with bombs! Play the flute! Over 10 different weapons & tools with which to combat enemies and solve puzzles. A narrative-driven single-player adventure filled with charming characters, vibrant towns, and dangerous dungeons. Little does she know of the grand adventure before her, the evil lurking in the shadows, and the role she will play in the fight for Earth’s very existence! As the new oldest member of her fragmented community, she must set out to solve this great mystery. Join Gail, a simple villager, who must heed the call for adventure when a great star ship appears in the night sky and abducts all the adults.
