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This pixelated Apple Arcade souls-like is now on PC and Switch | First Impressions - Bleak Sword DX
3K View2023-06-12In Bleak Sword DX, the protagonist is not the one wielding the titular Bleak Sword; rather, they must seek to destroy the weapon itself. As an unnamed warrior, your task is to lift the curse of the legendary Bleak Sword that has plagued the land for over two hundred years. While the story is not that deep, it serves as a premise and backdrop for the hack-and-slash combat action.
The gameplay in Bleak Sword DX is straightforward, with levels each comprising singular blocks and grouped into 12 chapters. Players must clear each level of monsters and survive waves of enemies. The levels are relatively short, ranging from a few seconds in the early stages to a few minutes in the more challenging ones.
Combat in Bleak Sword DX revolves around kinetic gameplay mechanics and features systems such as dodging, blocking, and parrying, along with a stamina system that is consumed with attacks (but not dodges, making them slightly overpowered). The controls are responsive, and the parrying system is forgiving, striking a satisfying balance. Despite the dodge and parry mechanics feeling a bit overpowered, the enemies' diverse characteristics and attack patterns prevent the combat from becoming monotonous. Some enemies strike quickly, while others require multiple hits to defeat or execute powerful attack combos.
As an enhanced PC/Switch version of the Apple Arcade exclusive, Bleak Sword DX introduces several new features that enhance the gameplay and expand the overall experience, mainly adding three new game modes: A randomized campaign run, a boss run only mode, and an arena wave survival mode. Bleak Sword DX also includes all the original chapters from the base game, as well as three additional DLC chapters.
Bleak Sword DX delivers a visually striking pixel art experience accompanied by an atmospheric sound design. The simplistic gameplay and the ability to continue from the same level after death provide a fair and enjoyable experience. While combat may feel slightly repetitive, the challenging nature and responsive controls ensure an engaging hack-and-slash adventure throughout.
Mentioned games
Challenging and satisfying pixelated souls-like combat | Full Review - Bleak Sword DX
Bleak Sword DX is a pixel art soulslike-roguelite that offers an enhanced version of the original game for PC and Switch, following its initial exclusive release on Apple Arcade.
🟩Pros
+Striking visual style, combining 1-bit aesthetics with modern visuals
+Challenging and satisfying souls-like combat
+Quick and accessible gameplay; short levels and forgiving restarts
+New game modes, controller support, and additional DLC chapters
lyndonguitar1K2023-06-12
This retro hack-and-slash is one of the hardest games I’ve ever played - Bleak Sword DX Quick Review
PLAY IT OR SKIP IT?
Skip it, unless you really love (and are really good at) fast-paced action games like Hades. Bleak Sword DX is an action-adventure hack-and-slash game that features a dark fantasy theme. I found its gloomy, pixel-art visual style appealing and pleasantly frightening, but most of the exhilaration I felt while playing was dragged down by punishing and frustrating game balance.
TIME PLAYED
Jay Hunter3K2023-06-09
Shadow of death 2
Shadow of Death 2 is an in-depth hack and slasher that sees you taking on creepy monsters in a mostly monochrome world. You’ve got a sword, you’ve got some special moves, and it’s up to you to cut everything into tiny, gory chunks. And do you know what? It’s really good. The key to any side-scrolling action game on mobile is the controls, and Shadow of Death 2 gets them pretty much spot on. A d-pad on the left of the screen controls your movements, then there’s a gaggle of buttons on the right that let you jump, dodge, attack and use your special moves.                                                                             Â
no.1G.O.A.T2962023-11-28
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