Aeterna Noctis - Is this the hardest metroidvania? (Review)

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I did get the code for this game for free from the developers and I was given a chance to play it a while before release to provide feedback. This has not swayed my opinion on the game one way or the other. Aeterna Noctis was developed by Aeternum Game Studios and released at the end of 2021.It’s currently available on XBox consoles, PC and PS5, though Switch and PS4 versions are planned to release soon. I played and recorded all the footage on an XBox Series X for this review.

[@divineglitch9550]

I was going to play this, But after this review it sounds so intense I just don't know If I can.

[@SirPumpkinSlice]

Thank you for your honesty

[@grupodw01]

@@divineglitch9550 In Aeterna mode 100% you can. In Noctis mode, you choose the challenge... you can always try.

[@PleiadianDreams]

Wishing you well, love your shows.

[@jhh-jiynks6568]

Love your commentary

[@AeternaNoctis]

This is one of the best reviews ever made about Aeterna Noctis! Thanks a lot, Pam (Cannot be Tamed), for such a great video. The entire dev team appreciates it ♥

[@josephhanicak7922]

You guys made an awesome game. It was so good I bought it again just so that I could play it on PS4. Do you guys have any plans for a DLC? A mode where you play as the queen going through another cycle would be sick.

[@AeternaNoctis]

@@josephhanicak7922 Hi Joseph! We cannot confirm or deny that we are working on a DLC, but what we can say is we have lots of content to keep expanding the Aeterna universe :)

[@wastingtime2380]

@@AeternaNoctis U.u

[@BenjaminGlatt]

Just wanna drop my appreciation for this gem here. I got this, like, the day it came out on a whim. The platforming is so, so rewarding when you get it right. Excellent game.

[@AeternaNoctis]

@@BenjaminGlatt Thank you so much for your kind words! Your feedback means a lot to us :)

[@bnza2]

I'm always surprised to see the relatively low view counts on your reviews. You're so comprehensive and professional, you deserve so much more. Keep it up, Pam!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I’m trying. It seems that unless my video gets linked on Reddit it just disappears into the KZbin ether.

[@txa1265]

Agreed - I’m not a console gamer, am crap at Metroidvanias, but always enjoy Pam’s perspective and detailed descriptions. I occasionally end up buying stuff for my Switch like Cloudpunk based on her reviews and thoughts.

[@shredjward]

@@Cannotbetamed1 it seems like posting shorts boosts your visibility exponentially per short, maybe you could post an under-a-minute teaser when you release a new video? I only managed to see this review because you posted on twitter about it.

[@Hibernial]

Reddit is a mean place with hecklers. Hopefully it’s a sort of short term crutch that won’t be needed longterm. Best of luck. Long live metroidvanias!

[@YuzoKoshiroSan]

Take a wild guess why. OnlyFans has to be the next step.

[@dimisbam7725]

Nice review...from the background music to the tone of your voice everything is really calm and relaxing

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@BlondeMcGuinn]

15:45 That’s all I needed to hear. The D-pad is an absolute necessity for me for 2D metroidvanias. Thanks again Pam! Whenever I’m looking for a new metroidvania, I check out your videos. You’re very thorough and passionate with your reviews and I sincerely appreciate it.

[@SmolderingFire]

I was playing Aeterna with D-pad

[@superpowerman4354]

Greatly appreciate how you included musical score in your reviews, it’s such a massively important yet overlooked part of most of reviews these days.

[@DaRizat]

Great review. I just hit 100% on this game last week and I just feel sad that it's over. I do agree with your complaints and I appreciate you throwing shade at the Road to Heaven section which is awful. Cosmos is one of the greatest areas of platforming I've ever experienced, and the boss fights in this game are so rewarding when you figure them out. I do want d-pad support but in the areas that really stress the left stick like Trial IX or Mausoleum IV I think switching from d-pad to stick for arrow aiming would be even worse. It's a hard problem to solve for the devs. Hoping to play as the Queen next time!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Road to Heaven seemed so unnecessary. It didn’t really add anything new and the fastest path through it was not clear at all. I’d love another game where you play as the Queen.

[@malkav0488]

@@Cannotbetamed1 december news granted all my wishes 🥳

[@Gunni1972]

You almost had me hooked...right up until the moment, when you mentioned the "dropping of the soul, when you die"- thing. I like a good challenge, and the controls look fluid. The design was appealing and the movement options sounded like something genuinely new. A sad no-no.

[@bigwiggles3737]

Agreed. I don't hate the feature in Hollow Knight or Elden Ring. But considering how difficult the platforming looks here, and that you don't gain new experience until you recollect it, makes this seem extremely frustrating.

[@GabrielPerez-yg9bi]

The soul drop isn't a problem at all in this game (although I don't like the idea of mixing metroindvania and souls like features). There's a lot of check points on the game and in the last case you can easily warp back and re-buy you soul (there's a nice teleport mechanic in the game). If you give this game a chance the recomendation that I can give to you is be smart, there's a lot of movimations mechanics and all hard plataform sections has many ways to do but the way of developers intend is the easiest.

[@OperationPhantom]

Now that was a good critical review. Hope the devs pay attention, as it seems the game can definitely be tweaked to improve things overall. Maybe make the search for your soul thing optional, or put in a friendly sorcerer who will exchange said soul for something rancid? Some graphical elements look strangely familiar from HK and Ori... I bet finishing the game feels like a real achievement though! Conglaturation!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

It did feel like an accomplishment. Thank you!

[@frozenninja4030]

Holy crap. This looks like a tough one!! That Cosmos level looks like it would be a blast to play through but some of the little tricky areas look like me pulling my hair out after the 20th retry. You really are a badass for persevering through this game. And that eye shadow is awesome!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thank you!

[@starhew2868]

It looks interesting but... I do love the idea of a metroidvania with a really big map - the exploration and trying to remember all the little nooks and crannies is what I love. But...I don't think the "white palace" section needs to be the entire map..scares me a bit lol

[@davec3651]

Looks beautiful, but also soul-draining. And the game is pretty cool too.

[@LucemFerre82]

This might be the only game I've ever played on easy mode, I started out on normal but at the underground fortress I just lost the will to continue. Switching to easy(now normal mode after the patch) made it bearable, but certainly not easy. I've platinumed almost all souls games and beaten loads of metroidvanias so I don't suck but this game was brutal, very impressed that you finished it on noctis mode!

[@Dustinthewind03]

I’m fairly familiar with souls games and difficult ones. Going to hell out of Elden Ring but I’ll probably play it on easy also if I get it. It’s on sale for like 10 1/2 bucks in the store right now.

[@LucemFerre82]

@@Dustinthewind03 I have beaten it on hard now, you should definitely get it, one of the best metroidvanias out there!

[@doctor_foobario]

Christ, 11:34 gives me PTSD except "rage" instead of "stress". I just beat the game 20 minutes ago. Maybe one day I'll go back and 100% it, but right now I need to go to the park and read some poetry and calm the fuck down 😀 Good game though. Good review too Pam, I was umming and uhhing about whether to start such a behemoth of a game and your review pushed me over the edge.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I'm glad you made it through.

[@OldyAlbert]

Aeterna Noctis ended up being one of my favorites in the genre. It almost felt like it was made fore me and nobody else. Like i could see how most of the audience will just stop at points, and not going to lie, my asshole was on fire a lot of the time, but in the end in breeds patience in me. TP arrow felt too much until i discovered gem that slowed for a sec after shot. It just that alot of metroidvanias have kinda half-empty levels. Like they designed overall map, but each room, each moment to moment gameplay is pretty basic. But some games desided to make every moment, every room a struggle - like Aeterna Noctis, La-Mulana, Batbardian. It can probably end up feeling needlesly frustrating and tiring for alot of people, but it also makes the game feel actually big, since you remember every room, because navigating it comes with a struggle. If that makes sense

[@madquest8]

I'm amazed they are still making platform games like this. Not for me, I don't have the reactions or skill, but I can still appreciate how much work went into it.

[@johnsweetman7860]

Great review. Very informative. Was thinking about downloading this game, now my mind is made up! Thanks, and keep up the brilliant work!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jaythomas468]

This game is PRETTY AWESOME, from what I played of it. I need to go back to it because I kinda ragequit when I realized I wasn’t getting ANY of the standard trophies/achievements for PROGRESSING through the game so I went online and APPARENTLY they don’t pop unless you play on Hard difficulty (which the trophy/achievement description says NOTHING ABOUT).

[@Cannotbetamed1]

It does give a warning right on the difficulty selection screen that you can't unlock achievements on Aeterna mode.

[@jaythomas468]

@@Cannotbetamed1 MAYBE IT DID, but I don’t remember that and it unfortunately wasn’t restated ANYWHERE in the actual trophy/achievement descriptions that I REMEMBER (plus, I SEEM TO REMEMBER the two difficulty options are given their own unique label other than normal/hard so I probably just selected the DEFAULT ONE out of confusion without taking a moment to understand it). Anyway, game’s STILL GREAT from what I played of it-that little thing just ANNOYED TF outta me.

[@richterbelmont2544]

Very well put together review as always! Can tell that you really put a lot of effort on this one. I really appreciated your side-by-side comparisons on the difficulties. I can imagine that's tedious, and I for one appreciate you going that extra mile. I also love the comparisons to you made to other games to help make this game more comprehensive. Aeterna Noctis looks to really give you your money's worth with the length and difficulty of play. Your constructive criticism is very well thought out and is always refreshing as opposed to most KZbinrs that bend the knee to appease developers. Thanks as always for the great content Pam! Happy MAR10 Day!

[@ophidianmind333]

Thank you for the in-depth review. I'm curious enough to give this one a try, though I may play it in Aeterna mode because difficult bosses are much more of my thing than difficult platforming. If I end up liking it enough, then I might give Noctis mode an attempt to find out just how much of a masochist I really am.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Awesome, hope you have fun with it.

[@richardwilliams877]

Really can't work out if I want to give this one a go, but interesting to look at! Thanks for showing it off!

[@AlexMathiesen]

Slightly related, while playing ori and the will of the wisps, here were the stages of thought I had when I was at a difficult platforming section. -okay, what am I supposed to do? -do I seriously have to do that? How the hell am I supposed to do that? -okay, this looks... possible, but still hard as hell. -dude, that was hard as hell, but I did it. Hell yeah.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Yes, it's always satisfying when it goes like that.

[@StevenBeverage]

Just bought this game partially based on this review. Stoked to get started. I doubt I'll finish it, but it looks damn fun.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Have fun!

[@ajoydas-Watch-It]

Imma have a countdown timer running for this one on Noctis and put it on 70 hours ;) Let's Go!

[@leerv.]

Thank you for the review! I'm glad you mentioned that you can't use D-pad. That flabbergasts me; I have to pass on it due to that, I don't platform with the stick. Also hard agree about the souldrop-on-death mechanic being tired at this point. Yes, please, can we relegate this form of torture to the wastebins of history already?

[@daawoudubaidullah6230]

I feel you on the D-pad thing. This game’s platforming looks tough as Giacemellee2 which was great because of the D-pad

[@constadin86]

Best review and you are trully gifted them. Dont stop!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks so much!

[@anotherkellydown]

You do one heck of a game review. Glad I found your channel 👍

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks so much, welcome to the channel!

[@daryljr5361]

This game sounds good it sounds like though it wants you to throw the controller across the room.. Great review! I may try this game some of the piano in the background sounds really relaxing

[@lotterwinner6474]

I picked this one up on a whim and wow does it ever have the most intense platforming sections of I think any game I have ever played. I am typing this with sore hands after finishing with an hour play session. I am nearly done the game with only two bosses remaining, the last boss and the emperor. I have collected nearly every item with just a couple more items left in the final dungeon. I am stunned with how good of a review you made and nearly everything you said is something I said myself while playing. Although you said it much better then I could have. I cannot stress how long this game is. For a metroidvania its almost absurd. I highly recommend this game for metroidvania fans who want a challenge and enjoy platforming.

[@Gharik15]

Excellent review! I am definitely intrigued and will put this on my steam wishlist.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@FebUSAlf]

Thanks for the info and reminder, I was curious about this game when I saw a trailer a few months ago. I'm pretty terrible at metroidvania games but I hope to give it a try at least. That's some nice, professional gameplay footage; you made the game look easy.

[@winterburden]

Very cool, thanks for showing us Pam!

[@markusWestWind]

i just played an hour the aeterna mode, got a bit stuck, saw your video and now i feel ashamed and a cm to deinstall the game ;) great review, a joy to watch!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thank you!

[@troobadore]

Thanks Pam- Another great review.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks for watching!

[@somedude1324]

Nice review! Had my eye on this game for awhile. This looks like a challenging game for sure.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@abbasidanny]

Hi Pam, just discovered your channel a few days ago. Since getting back into gaming a couple of years ago I've been looking for likeminded people to act as 'filters' for the overwhelming amount of info, and you could be another one for me. Keep up the great work. Will consider becoming a Patreon supporter.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Hey, welcome to the channel

[@lukesmith1685]

How thorough! Your videos are multifaceted yet simple! I just watched another of your videos about A game with 3 interchangeable characters. You really achieve great balance of covering what comprises the pros and cons, but in a way that conveys appreciation for the producers' hard work and creativity without being overly particular. You're so right on some of the overused gameplay tropes in this genre, especially the no exp and other inconveniences while re-acquiring your soul and whatnot. Side note: Could you PLEASE consider doing a video of "The Messenger?" It's an incredibly fun and inspiring videogame that's engaging, easy to enjoy, and made for the player! The production company is Devolver studios, but The writer is actually Canadian like yourself, and the first time I finished the secret dialogue (or monologue rather😅) with the mage shopkeeper on the snowy mountain part of the game (but you have to continue inquiring about what's in his cabinet😂) I literally googled the production studio, called them and the main writer/developer picked up and chatted with me for a while! I told him thank you several times for including such reassuring and encouraging stories and humor in the game and that it's so rare to encounter quality inspiration these days. As someone who likes Tolstoy and Dostoevsky but also loves Final Fantasy games and nearly all RPG's and platformers, I really appreciated his effort to convey life lessons in an endearing way, especially in a videogame. Just something to consider😅 I Just feel like with bigger titles like Dead Cells, blasphemous, etc that came out close to the same time, The messenger kind of got overlooked as it was a bit early to the platformer party and didn't have as much pre-release attention. Hope the best for your endeavors!😊👍

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks so much! I have played The Messenger, I probably won't play it again for a video. I like the first part when it was an action-platformer, wasn't crazy about it when it tried to be a metroidvania. Banging soundtrack though.

[@lukesmith1685]

@@Cannotbetamed1 it does bang! 😆✌ thank you!!

[@falkeprophet]

Just a couple days ago on my first run I beat the game 100% on Noctis mode and I already cant wait for the dlc and the sequel. Playing Celeste before this game makes it feel way easier

[@canontheory]

I was actually playing Celeste before it coincidently so it wasn’t too bad, it was extremely hard but chapter 9 of Celeste is too insane

[@Oisin2]

I really like the way you documented the progression of your personal playing experience of the game as part of the review. It made it really enjoyable and engaging, reminding me of when I played games like Hollow Knight. Keep up the great work! :)

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it.

[@skijumpnose]

Excellent review, Definitely looks challenging but beautiful just like you said. The Underwater Fortress stage looks a nightmare!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thank you!

[@Podcir]

I am being so tempted to play it, especially after Your review😊 I would love to try and get all the achievements in it but I am seeing that apparently one achievement is unobtainable (Emperor Boss killed without taking any damage).

[@coktoe4487]

I've got a good amount of difficult games in my backlog already, and I'm finding myself less and less drawn to games that have high difficulty levels in recent years, but I'll keep this one in mind. It looks super high quality. Art, graphics, and animation are top shelf.

[@bcclutch3822]

If you are less drawn to high difficulty in game dont even consider this nightmare

[@jkl1110]

Me, having already seen a review on another channel: Well I can't miss a opportunity to hear her lovely voice

[@factandsuspicionpodcast2727]

The Queen of Light might be the hardest boss fight in gaming. And I say this as a From Soft veteran. That fight nearly broke me.

[@Nathaniel_76]

Very good and detailed review. Much appreciated.

[@raegansworld8542]

Very awesome review I’m am thoroughly impressed to say the least u now have a new subscriber

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks, welcome to the channel!

[@ozzyperez3190]

The level of grind must be applauded ❤️Hard pass for me but it looks like a journey that's for sure. I do love the level design and visuals 🔥

[@cappy2282]

It is challenging but I'm really enjoying it. Great review 👍🙏

[@rogerbabin8175]

Great review. I'm looking into the Summum Aeterna and noticed its packaged with this game so I was curious to learn about it. Your review was informative enough to scare me away from it. As much as I love souls games I hate collecting souls on death and learning that this game doubles down on that while also being brutally hard (I sucked at Hollow Knights platforming already) is enough to turn me away. The easy mode still makes it a little tempting but I'm pretty sure this game is not for me. Love the art design of the regions though. The sequel goes in a rogue like direction which I enjoy more than metroidvania so maybe it will appeal to me still. Curious if you plan to review it.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Yeah, I've been playing Summum Aeterna for a few weeks. I do plan to put out a video when I can sit down and write one.

[@deadninjastorage6160]

I always like getting the double jumps in these Metroidvanias. Watching the platforming in this video makes me wince because I remember how brutal the platforming was in those other games you mentioned. But, I do love Metroidvanias and this game looks really good. Guess I’ll make a beeline to the Xbox store

[@BenjaminGlatt]

This game seeks to answer the question, "what if going anywhere was Path of Pain?" Loads of fun.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Exactly.

[@enderforces7013]

i agree with pretty much everything, the only platforming part that made me mad was the mausoleum. I expected the platforming to be way harder, it doesn't really make sense that mid game platforming and that boss are part of the same quest.

[@lordsesshomaru3979]

I love the length of this game and the challenge it presents. This game is for people who truly love a good challenge mentally and physically

[@TheMissingLink2]

Pam and a Metroidvania review? I can't click fast enough. Great review. Game looks interesting, might check it but I agree with you about those Hollow Knight mechanics. It seems like a lot of developers these days try to emulate not only that game but also Dark Souls, a bit too much. Difficulty is great but there's a fine line when it comes to balancing that out with the gameplay experience. And yes, I hate not being able to use the D pad in a 2D game. At the very least, it should be a toggle option always. Anyway, once again, great review Pam.👍

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thank you!

[@UltraGeezer]

I’m so exhausted by the “lost soul” mechanic. And I agree, even in Hollow Knight, it got played out. Thank you for pointing this out. I cannot wait until this mechanic is no longer en vogue.

[@mattmilliken1510]

So, for anyone finding this and is curious about it, as I was, as a big fan of stuff like Celeste and path of pain in HK, the controls have been GREATLY improved. I'll be honest and admit that I pirated this after watching a few videos about it, which I'll sometimes do if I'm cautious about a purchase to try before I buy. Cracked copies are almost always the 1.0 version that comes out at release with no patches, and the one I played didn't even have the easier mode mentioned here. The controls were absolutely terrible, even the first tutorial on how to pogo off the ball of light took me like 10 tries and this isn't my first or even 50th rodeo in this genre and mechanic. The controls were just absolutely terrible, and I uninstalled after the first boss. I saw the game on sale on ps4 and picked it up after seeing a video saying the controls were improved and there has been a major improvement. They're not HK tight but they have been tightened significantly. A game focused on brutal platforming like this lives or dies on how it controls and it sucks that it controlled how it did at launch otherwise maybe the buzz around it would have been much greater.

[@lycorisradiata2706]

Seems pretty cool, i don't mind the difficulty and platforming. What i do mind is that I'm waiting for a switch release.. and looking at the graphics makes me think it's not gonna run that well 😒 Thank you for the incredible review, Pam! Entertaining and professional as always.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thank you!

[@dellagustin]

This looks very interesting, I'll put it on the list.

[@dellagustin]

I spoke too soon, the size of the game threw me off

[@das7711]

Well it looks like Aeterna, mode for me. Will probably still take me a long time to beat. Another gem I didn't know about. Thanks for the review :)

[@dtx109]

Always love the reviews!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@malkav0488]

About the length, I felt another step after the initial stretch, closing to the end I found myself wanting more. It's like I had cycled ^^ up to the end I was infuriated by the map reveal, both the vendor and the crappy uncover preventing to see it whole, despite it being gorgeous

[@callmedd3494]

Looks like fun, think I'll be checking out. Most likely on the "easy" mode as 70 hours of difficult platforming might be a bit much for me.

[@lewischampion3050]

I totally agree with the missing D-Pad movement being an issue, so many times the innate frustration with this metroidvania’s progression could have been avoided with this simple option enabled. Either way great title

[@Soapy_Papoose]

Sounds like a game where I'll check out the sequel. Valdis Story: Abyssal City is my personal indie darling. Definitely check it out on Steam if you like metroidvanias with quality action and build diversity. Also has multiple characters, endings and lots of secrets.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I’ve had that one on my steam wish list for a while. Wish it was on console.

[@mattotterpop]

Great video as always Pam, even if im a little late in viewing it! I must say it is one id probably try if it were to come to games pass and play it there before deciding whether or not to make a purchase, if they address some of the things you mentioned like d-pad support that would help, otherwise it seems like it would be super frustrating and my reflexes arent what they were 10 years ago!

[@Leaf__22]

Just bought it on steam for 75% off. Thanks a bunch for the review!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@SmolderingFire]

I was playing it with D-pad, PS2 controller help me play with it. Anyway nice review, there also DLC is out

[@TheRavenwolf666]

The gameplay looks wicked awesome and I want to get that game but at the same time I’ll be frustrated dying over and over again.

[@tonydeluna8095]

Hi Pam, Hope you're doing well. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead. Love your reviews, keep up the great work

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@63Reed]

Yesterday I watched one of the Sony clips on this game. It left me thinking the game was less than desirable. But upon watching your video…gurl you have me sold.

[@andrewsilva7635]

Great review Pam!❤️

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@INFPGamer]

Looks rage inducing. Maybe teh easier difficulty is like hard mode in other games? Congrats to you on beating it. Hardcore indeed.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks! It was a real challenge.

[@ryangerlach5956]

Hi Pam. Great review. That game looks incredibly hard.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

It was, and thank you!

[@pepepemariano]

Agree with pretty much all you've said about the game. Great video!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@atquinn1975]

Great review!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@robertomelgar1008]

Great review! I realised that this game is not for me and probably would drop it after a few hours.

[@SOLIDIFIEDYOLK]

Bday achievement unlocked! My Son turns 16 today and loves games that offer agony and perdition. Knee deep in Elden Ring but nice alternative. Thumbs up Tamed!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Happy birthday to your son!

[@RobertoMakoto]

Definitely snatching this one next time I see this one on a Steam sale but I'm positive I won't get as far as you did, it looks impossible😅

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Good luck with it!

[@shortbreadhead]

Perfect time if anyone is thinking of jumping in with Pit of the damned too

[@SirPumpkinSlice]

The game reminds me of the AVGN game and not in the most flattering way. I kept remembering the death blocks, which are near universally hated. I feel like a hypocrite in game difficulty. My favorite game is Ninja Garden and I eventually mastered it. Though over time I have grown opposed to how game difficulty is put together. This might make no sense, but I had something I call honest difficulty. It probably makes little sense,, but I think difficulty should be organic and grow with your skill in the game. Now if you want your difficulty to destroy you immediately, you can have a hard mode, you can have a hard mode. I hope that makes sense. I really enjoyed your review. I appreciated you saying when the Switch version is coming out. Also how you went into detail on the game play. I was considering getting it then you mentioned that it.is a 2D game did not use the D Pad and that put me in the no buy category. Though maybe they fix it later. Great detailed review.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@84blizzle]

A huge map filled to the brim with upgrades? I'm already sold.

[@michaelsenko3177]

This game looks too stress inducing for me. I'll just watch someone else play. Thank you for posting this video.

[@johnpettigrew3056]

So it's Symphony of The Night meets MegaMan X and Super Meat Boy. I'll have to get my meds improved before I take this one on because I'm not as young as I once was 😁 I think you should mention a few of the remakes that happened not so long ago, in a galaxy not so far away like Wonder Boy Asha and Actraiser Renaissance, or at least try em if you haven't 😎

[@Ivancsantana2]

Great review! How would u rank it in your metroidvania ranking?

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I think B. It’s very well done, but my complaints about the length and some of the levels meant I was happy to just finish it and not go for 100%.

[@lifeonleo1074]

Looks amazing. I love Metriodvanias but I am terribly bad at finding my way around in these sort of games and I usually spend hours running around trying to find the right path or power up before I give up and look up a KZbin walkthrough after becoming thoroughly frustrated. I sometimes wish Metriodvanias had like an optional assist mode where one could be pointed to the next place you need to go to progress the story/game, that would really help for people like me that get lost easily. . But some might say that defeats the point of a metrovania in the first place. But I don't think so, I stand firmly in the camp of Dark souls should have a easy or reduced difficulty mode" so people can enjoy it in diffrent ways.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

It is nice that this game has waypoints to point you in the right direction for the main objectives.

[@bakednotfried1184]

Great review

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Thanks!

[@goonerstu35hopkins45]

Music score seems pretty epic ☺️

[@Cannotbetamed1]

It's a very nice score.

[@goonerstu35hopkins45]

@@Cannotbetamed1 Kind of reminds me of sofn in some regard or something of that caliber.

[@tomaspavka2014]

Best " castlevania " since bloodstained and better. I don't finish yet. Unfortunately I buy this game on switch 😖 480p sometimes 360p on portable mode. I must buy again on steam and play on my gpd. Really hard and absolutely massive. But for now I play afterimage much easier and gorgeous ☺

[@jackp.3605]

This was the biggest rollercoaster review ride I've ever been on. I think I want to play this game?

[@Drinkabeerandplayagameofficial]

Game looks cool but definitely too much of a commitment. Good on ya for actually finishing this

[@Mineya]

This is a hard pass from me, however, I am thoroughly impressed that you were able to Endure 70+ hours of this.

[@andyp.3882]

I highly recommend trying Environmental Station Alpha. It's a simple little mv with tons of post-game content.

[@joshsweet7512]

The day Pam and Lily run out of Metroidvanias will be a sad one indeed... It will also never come! Colour me excited!

[@Cannotbetamed1]

It's true, I don't think it will ever come. There's so many coming out.

[@benjaminh1034]

I recently finished the Underwater Fortress and I’m taking a break to play Elden Ring. The difficulty at this point is so high that it’s exhausting to play. It’s crazy that I find a From Software game relaxing by comparison.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

Ha, there were a few times while playing this that I went back to my Dark Souls playthrough as a break.

[@Adam-sz1hp]

How is the difficulty level compared to NES games like Castlevania 1 and 3? It looks like a great game.

[@CaptainxCSNx]

I love this game so far. Your review definitely made me want to pick it up. I'm a bit of a masochist so I am down for some pain. My only nit pick so far is, as you mentioned not being able to use the d pad to move. With THIS much jumping around shit it should be an option at least. The analog feels a touch off in the precision needed for some of these parts.

[@canontheory]

It gets brutally hard towards the end with some of the optional areas making path of pain seem easy lol worth it though

[@metalmayhem76]

Hello 🙂 Pam....hope all is well and gaming is goin good....this game totally has a Castlevania:Symphony Of The Night look.

[@blagdiesel]

I'm playing it right now and it's great. I'm glad I didn't know I wouldn't be able to use the d pad for movement or I might have skipped it. That was also the main reason I hated salt and sanctuary gave up after a few hours.

[@Cannotbetamed1]

I gave up Salt and Sanctuary because of the lack of map.

[@igormarquessantanaoliveira7258]

@@Cannotbetamed1 também kkk

[@absence9443]

I love the size of the game.

[@jaythomas468]

I actually started playing this relatively recently and it doesn’t seem too hard just yet but I’m only a few hours in. Also, if you’re into indie Metroidvanias, you could check out HAAK on the Switch as well as maybe SuperEpic: The Entertainment War, Foregone, MindSeize, and Kunai.