First of all if you like metrovania like games then this one will definitely scratch that itch. I found the fights difficult but not too difficult and for the most part fun. There is a bit of a grind to the game to get upgrade materials. So far it hasn't been too terrible since I die enough, and given the stuff in your inventory doesn't disappear on death, that I have been good so far RNG wise. I bank my "shards" for coins as much as possible so my losses can be minimal even if I don't get to retrieve my corpse/blood stain like in Souls series of games. The setting is good, the story so far is mediocre, but I still find myself playing it often. Now for my issues. There is a pretty bad pausing bug. It was not so prevalent to me at first but as I got further into the game, it started happening more and more. It basically plays fine, then it will just pause for a second or two then continue on as if it didn't happen (along with none of the buttons you pressed during happening either). It is potentially game breaking as you can die easily if it happens at the wrong moments. It's not my rig it's in the game itself (Threadripper 3970x + GTX3090). The controls are for the most part fine, but it doesn't feel tight. So the jumps feel off at times. Jumping to some platforms the lose controls cause you to over correct and fall (sometimes fatally). Some areas don't have maps, and that is a big issue IMHO. You will forget your way especially if you wait a day or two before you play again. Good news is it works fine on steam deck but exibits the same issues with the frame pausing so that is 2 systems of mine and many others from other forums I frequent that have the issue. Be aware though that some text (like ammo amounts in the on game inventory) are not really readable on the steam deck screen. Overall a 2.5/5 but I rounded up. Technical issues are what dropped the score otherwise I'd give it a solid 4/5. The pausing needs to be fixed, or I really can't recommend the game.

The game play is fun and the game looks great, but every time I launch the game I have to reset my key-binds. Its really starting to get on my nerves. I might return this game, then buy it again after they fix it; I haven't decided yet.

This "Hidden Gem" is a very well done souls-like Metroidvania game! Beautiful graphics and the sound/music works well. Combat is a lot of fun and I like how one mouse button is gun and the other is a sword (melee weapon). Weapons are upgradable and the map is very clean and easy to follow. Just play the game, it's worth every penny!

The Art concept is "okay". because you're basically buying this for its Concept, Metrovania feel. Although in my opinion they fumbled it. And art and animations, is a big draw to these side scroll games. Thats what sells these sorts of games. Without it, there is not much keeping my attention. Even with a good concept. I didn't get into games like Metroid or Castlevania because it was a good concept. It was because visually it had a unquie look and the Controls where Solid. From what I can see controls are fully customizable. But even then, the execution and organization of abilities comes off as Novice. As if someone made a UI, who've never played Metrovania style games. Animations are "okay". But they create a blance problem: Player animations are often slower than the enemy animations. Even in Ideal conditions prevents a proper or fair defence or attack. Let alone any meaningful dodge imo. Try using the parry mechanic. Its impossible to know where enemy hits end on your hitbox. And you have no bilities to block even early to mid level stage enemies. Some defensive ablities, give you a false impression they're meant to protect. Yet do little or none of that. The world seems flat. And backgrounds lack depth. Background animations are lazily made. And lack detail nor believable lighting. The backgrounds are poor quality imo. Relying on graphical tricks like chroma aberation and heavy shadows to obscure the details so that you don't notice its just wallpapper. Where animations and actual lighting would have been used, to create believable world. Forground details are "okay quality". But the Levels seem very flat, dull and boring. Player is animated Ok. However monster animations don't make sense. And you cannot shoot at an up down angle. You cannot hang on ledges or laders. Nor shoot while moving. The World map is a afterthought. Even for a shallow world, makes it hard to navigate.