Review of Grimvalor (Android Version) by Direlight Oy (5 out of 5 Stars)
Description and Story
Grimvalor is a hack-and-slash platformer developed by Finland-based Direlight Oy, available on Android via Google Play. The latest version (1.2.9) was updated in February 2025. Set in a dark fantasy world, the game places players in the role of a lone warrior tasked with uncovering the fate of the lost king of Vallaris. The story quickly turns sinister, plunging players into a battle against hordes of darkness and King Valor’s fearsome guardians. The game blends exploration, skill-based combat, and a story-driven experience, offering a premium adventure. The first act is free (1-2 hours of gameplay), with a one-time purchase unlocking all five acts.
Review (5 out of 5 Stars)
Strengths:
Fluid and Engaging Gameplay: Fast-paced, skill-based combat with a mix of attacks, dodges, and jumps is incredibly satisfying. Mastering enemy patterns and mechanics delivers a true sense of progression.
Stunning Graphics: The 3D visuals are optimized for Android devices, with atmospheric landscapes—from dark caves to ruined castles—immersing players in the fantasy world.
Precise Controls: Customizable touch controls and Android game controller support provide a seamless experience. A recent update added gamepad button configuration.
Epic Boss Fights: Challenging and engaging boss battles require strategy and precision, amplifying the sense of achievement.
Rich Story: While simple, the story is immersive, enhanced by strong world-building and exploration in Vallaris. The friendly merchant adds a charming touch.
Offline Play: Fully playable offline, ideal for on-the-go gaming. It also supports Play Saved Games for progress syncing across devices.
High Value: The generous free first act and one-time purchase (~$6) for the full game offer excellent value, with no ads or additional microtransactions.
New Game Plus Mode: Adds replayability with new weapons, trinkets, and tougher enemies.
Weaknesses (Very Minor):
Inadequate Map: Some players note the map could be more detailed to ease navigation in Vallaris’ complex world.
High Difficulty for Newcomers: Some boss fights may feel daunting for new players, though manageable with practice.
Limited Weapon Upgrades: Weapon and skill upgrades could have more impact on playstyle, but this doesn’t significantly detract from the experience.
Overall, Grimvalor is a masterpiece in the mobile hack-and-slash genre, drawing inspiration from Castlevania and Hollow Knight. With flawless execution, stunning visuals, and an engaging story, it earns a well-deserved 5/5, making it a must-play for fans of metroidvania or action RPGs.
Scores from Websites and Marketplaces
Google Play: 4.8/5 (based on 95,447 reviews as of February 2025). Players praise gameplay, graphics, and lack of ads, though some mention boss difficulty.
AppGrooves: 5/5 in many reviews, lauded for fluid gameplay and Castlevania comparisons, with minor notes on map and upgrade variety.
PocketGamer: “Chaining together a slick series of attacks, dodges, and jumps, is incredibly satisfying.”
TouchArcade: 5/5, predicting “mobile gaming fans will be playing and replaying this one for years to come.”
Offline or Online Status
Grimvalor is a single-player, fully offline game, ideal for on-the-go play. The Play Saved Games feature requires an internet connection for progress syncing, but core gameplay does not.
Additional Information
System Requirements (Android): Android 7.0 or higher, with ~600 MB of storage. Optimized for various devices.
Game Size: Approximately 600-700 MB (varies by device).
Languages: Supports English, Finnish, Russian, and others.
Development Status: Updated in February 2025 (version 1.2.9), with gamepad improvements and optimization for new devices.
In-App Purchase: Full game unlocked with a one-time ~$6 purchase, no ads or extra microtransactions.
For fans of hack-and-slash or metroidvania games, Grimvalor is an exceptional experience worth the time and investment. Direlight Oy has set a high standard for mobile gaming with this title.