Nocturnal is a new 2D action-platformer by Sunnyside Games, an indie developer based in Switzerland.
In Nocturnal, you play as Ardeshir, a fiery warrior who must save his homeland from a deadly Mist that has engulfed it in darkness.
You'll explore the island of Nahran, uncover its secrets and fight your way through hordes of enemies with your trusty flame sword. But be careful, the Mist is not only poisonous, but also drains your sword's power. You'll need to keep it lit by finding torches and solving puzzles along the way.
Nocturnal is a Metroidvania-style game with a twist: the Mist mechanic. The Mist adds a layer of challenge and tension to the game, as you have to constantly manage your sword's energy and avoid being suffocated by the dark fog.
The Mist also affects the environment and the enemies, creating some clever puzzles and scenarios. For example, you can use your sword to burn curtains and reveal hidden clues, or to light up platforms and activate switches. You can also heal yourself with fire, but only if you can spare some time from combat.
The combat in Nocturnal is fairly straightforward, but not particularly accelerating. You'll face the usual suspects: archers, spearmen, swordsmen and etc. You can dodge, jump and slash your way through them, but there's not much variety or strategy involved.
The enemies are simply more of an obstacle than a threat, and they don't pose much challenge unless you're surrounded by the Mist.
The game also lacks a map system, which can make navigation confusing and frustrating at times.
The game's graphics are a highlight, with a hand painted style that gives it a unique look using a fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean influences to create a rich and exotic atmosphere.
The lighting and fire effects are well done, and the Mist creates a contrast between light and dark that really enhances the mood.
The sound design and music are minimalistic, but effective. The game uses subtle sounds and melodies to create a sense of mystery and danger.
Nocturnal is a game that has a great idea, but doesn't fully deliver on it. The Mist mechanic is innovative and fun, but the rest of the game feels bland and generic. The story is weak and uninteresting, the characters are forgettable and the combat is repetitive.
Nocturnal is definitely worth playing for its fire puzzles and its visual style, but don't expect much depth from it.
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