Games worth discovering

Cheap knock off or quality game? - Soul Crusade

1K View2023-03-05

Ah, Soul Crusade, a game that wants to be Dead Cells so badly, it's practically begging for the comparison. But is it a cheap knock-off or a worthy alternative? Let's find out.

First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: Soul Crusade is not available on iOS. Sorry iPhone users, you're out of luck on this one and I feel for you since I also had to play this game on an emulator. But for those on other platforms, you can pick it up for the same price as Dead Cells, which might make you wonder if it's worth it. And to be honest, if you're looking for quality, just buy Dead Cells. It's even available on iOS and free on Apple Arcade, so why settle for a cheap imitation?

But hold on, hold on, let's give Soul Crusade a fair shake. Sure, it's not as polished or well-made as Dead Cells, but that doesn't mean it's a complete waste of time. The gameplay is solid, and while it might be a little easier than Dead Cells, that could be a plus for some players. The enemies are engaging and fun to fight, and there's even a greater focus on RPG elements and story than in Dead Cells. Also I felt like the world was a bit more interactive, but that might've been just because I haven't played Dead Cells in a while.

But speaking of RPG elements, as you level up in Soul Crusade, you'll have the opportunity to craft custom armor and gear, which is always a welcome feature in any game. Plus, you'll unlock new abilities as you progress, which keeps things fresh and interesting.

Now, let's talk graphics. The visuals in Soul Crusade are...well, they're alright. Nothing too flashy or special about them, but they get the job done. I've seen better 2D pixel art in other games, but at least the Castlevania-like art style is a plus. And hey, who doesn't love a good homage to one of the greatest games in this genre?

All that being said, do I recommend Soul Crusade over Dead Cells? Not really. It's fine as a game, but when it's so similar to Dead Cells and is competing in the same genre, it just doesn't make sense to choose this game over the original. The only reasons I can see someone opting for Soul Crusade is if they really love the Castlevania art style, though Dead Cells is somewhat close in that department too, or if they're really into the RPG elements and customizability.

Overall, Soul Crusade is a decent game that's worth checking out if you're a fan of the genre, but it doesn't hold a candle to the greatness that is Dead Cells. But hey, at least it's not as bad as some of the other knock-off games out there.