Loop Hero. Obscure games you might have missed in Q1&2 2021

What is Loop Hero about?

It's a real mix of genres. In Loop Hero we will play a card game, a strategy, a roguelike with randomly generated levels, and all this in pixel-art style and fantasy atmosphere. The plot centers on the fate of the protagonist, who is faced with the task of saving a world trapped in a time loop. This is generally just an excuse to go on more expeditions in search of loot. In this case, many of the rewards are cards which we use to assemble better and better decks. In Loop Hero, however, they are not used to upgrade equipment, but rather for...

What do they praise Loop Hero for?

...World building! It's precisely the original mix of genres and creative reinvention of many mechanics that makes Loop Hero create its own category of games, where it has no competition so far. This title instantly conquered Steam, finding more than half a million buyers, and the creators announce further development of the game. Players have raved about the complexity of the mechanics and how well everything works together, providing both an adventure and a challenge. Despite the derivative pixel art, a breath of fresh air wins out in Loop Hero.

1. Loop Hero in our encyclopedia

Kaze and the Wild Masks

What is Kaze and the Wild Masks about?

When a comet hits the Carrotland, veggies turn into malevolent beasts. They can only be saved by the Mrs. Rabbit Kaze, who, with Sonic's agility, rushes to the rescue. The heroine can fly and swim, as long as she finds the right mask with a special power. Simple platformer mechanics hide quite a high level of difficulty, and good reflexes sometimes come in handy while playing.

What do they praise Kaze and the Wild Masks for?

Kaze and the Wild Masks pays homage to classic platformers like the aforementioned adventures of the blue hedgehog or Donkey Kong. For veterans of 16-bit gaming, it's an extremely nostalgic trip back to a time when no one thought about open worlds, online co-op and season passes. Back then, all that mattered was following the dizzying pace, rushing to the right side of the screen, and of course, great timing. Everything comes to life and looks better than ever with high resolution and smooth animations. The perfect old-school platformer!

1. Kaze and the Wild Masks in our encyclopedia

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

What is Ys IX: Monstrum Nox about?

This is the next installment in the Japanese Ys RPG series, which was established in 1987 with Ysa I: Ancient Ys Vanished. The protagonist of almost all of its installments is the warrior Adol, who's having various adventures in fantasy realities. In nine, the action takes place in the huge metropolis of Baldeux, which serves as a penal colony for criminals of all kinds. As it happens in RPGs, the gameplay is mainly about exploring the world, completing quests, developing your character, and dynamic battles that require a lot of dexterity. The latest installment puts a strong emphasis on verticality, so climbing on rooftops or levitating makes it easier not only to explore, but also to battle.

What do they praise Ys IX: Monstrum Nox for?

The very fact that the series has existed since 1987 proves that itsn't some random title, but an item with an established reputation, enjoying considerable fan recognition. A sentence from one of the reviews of Ysa IX: Monstrum Nox sums it up perfectly: "I feel so stupid for not playing Ys for so long." Well-written characters, an intriguing storyline, and well-crafted movement and combat mechanics all make this game a compelling experience. The game is also stunning in terms of visuals. Since Final Fantasy managed to break through to the mainstream, maybe it's worth giving Ys a chance too?

1. More about Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

Oddworld: Soulstorm

What is Oddworld: Soulstorm about?

It's a continuation of the series that began in 1997 with the game Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. Once again, we play a friendly creature Abe and we start the adventure just after the end of the story from the remake of Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty, although this time, the story has a slightly darker tone. Fleeing from the the glukcons, we end up in the desert without food and water, but a certain addictive drink comes to the rescue...

New to the series is the crafting and loot collection mechanics. There was no shortage of sneaking, solving logic puzzles and manipulating various mechanisms. As always, we can also benefit from cooperation with other mudocons by giving them simple orders.

What are they praising the game Oddworld: Soulstorm for?

Mainly for the graphic design, superb cutscenes, and beautiful locations. Abe continues to charm with his ignorance, and there's no shortage of nostalgic references in the game, though the production did get dinged a bit for gameplay mechanics and bugs. This is because the mudokon AI and checkpoint system didn't quite work. However, many prioritize the opportunity to return to Abe's cherished world over some technical issues.

1. Oddworld: Soulstorm in our encyclopedia