Another Castle

Another Castle, released on PC and WiiU, is a two-dimensional platformer enriched with elements taken from RPG roguelike games. The project was developed by an independent studio Uncade.

Plot

We play the hero named Andy, an ordinary contemporary guy, who is transferred to the magical land in order to gain a certain artifact. The object of his mission is random. Sometimes, we will have to look for a magician's hat, and other times we will go on an expedition for a magical sword. After reaching our destination, we won't find the object we are looking for. Instead, the game will maliciously inform us that it is located in another castle (hence the title of the game), which is, of course, a reference to the Super Mario Bros. series. But not everything is lost. The desired item gets unlocked and we can equip it during the next playthrough.

Mechanics

The basic gameplay mechanics resemble typical 2D platformers. Our task is therefore mainly to push forward, jump from platform to platform and avoid obstacles. We also face enemies, including powerful bosses. The game is diversified by an extensive equipment system. We start the campaign armed only with a simple yoyo but, after some time, Andy will expand his arsenal with swords, axes, crossbows, and even a flame thrower. Another piece of equipment is clothing that protects against injuries. They provide the possibility of survival in inhospitable places (e.g. a diver's costume helps you survive underwater) or increase the mobility of the character. A good example of the latter category is the jetpack. The hero can also cast spells and use them to summon allies, create energy shields or levitate. Each spell costs a certain number of mana points which regenerates automatically at a slow pace.

Game modes

An important feature of Another Castle is the random map generation system. During the campaign, we always visit the same sequence of words, including mountain peaks, deserts, castles, mysterious caves, space, and forests. The level layout of each of these worlds, however, is different each time, so that the game can be played many times without the feeling of boredom. In addition, the authors have also prepared a random map of the world, allowing for journeys between levels. There are also secrets, mini-games and equipment shops.

Last updated on 25 March 2013