From the early days of video gaming, 2D action platformers, often called Metroidvanias, have held a firm place in gamers’ hearts, and for good reason. The best of them offer an exciting mix of challenge and fun that captivates the imagination. Enter Voidwrought, a creation from Powersnake Games and published by Kwalee, which keeps the genre’s tradition alive. This game immerses you in a thrilling adventure, keeping your reflexes sharp from start to finish. Set in a shadowy and decrepit world, you play the Simulacrum, descending from a cocoon to gather Ichor—the divine blood—from grotesque monsters. Armed with an array of Relics and Souls, you can customize your loadout to take on more than 70 different enemies and 10 daunting bosses.
One of the first things you’ll notice in Voidwrought is its breathtaking visuals. The hand-drawn art is some of the finest I’ve seen this year. The complex, labyrinthine world is filled with dark corridors and hidden nooks, creating an ominous vibe. The enemy designs are diverse and intriguing, boasting over 80 unique types of adversaries and bosses. As you explore new regions, you won’t encounter the same foes repeatedly. While the visuals are impressive, it’s the gameplay that truly sets this title apart, offering players a unique and enjoyable experience.
In your role as the Simulacrum, you’ll journey through the complex to collect the Ichor of the gods. True to Metroidvania form, you’ll navigate long hallways, uncover hidden paths behind breakable walls, and find secret chambers long lost to time. Along your path, vendors appear, offering an assortment of weapons, power-ups, and parts to upgrade your arsenal. As enemies fall, they release Ichor, which you can gather to make purchases. You also acquire new weapons as you conquer bosses, with a choice of up to 23 different armaments, and the ability to equip two at a time to match your combat style and exploit enemy weaknesses.
Voidwrought’s music and sound design are impressive, enhancing the overall in-game experience. With no spoken dialogue, text boxes deliver the story, while the background music sets the mood perfectly, giving each environment a lively, threatening feel. The boss battle tracks are particularly outstanding, fueling your adrenaline right from the get-go. I can’t commend the sound design enough for its ability to immerse you completely from start to finish.
However, the game’s difficulty balance, especially during boss fights, could use some tweaking. The first boss encounter felt overwhelming compared to my character’s experience level at that moment. Expect to die frequently when facing these challenging foes. While this is common in Metroidvanias, it can be frustrating when you’re otherwise progressing smoothly through the game. It’s one reason I often struggle with these games, but my curiosity about what’s around the next corner kept me hooked, and I’m sure it will for other players too.
Despite some minor balancing issues, Voidwrought is a game I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing. Although Metroidvanias often cause me to bounce off due to difficulty spikes or getting lost, this one kept me engaged—and the pin system, though unexplained, is handy for marking key locations to revisit. I stumbled upon this feature while exploring the menus, adding another layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Overall, Voidwrought offers a delightful experience, perfect for those who love the Metroidvania genre. With its evocative music, imaginative storytelling, and foreboding atmosphere, it stands out in a crowded market. While many studios are closing, erasing years of game-making expertise, it’s refreshing to see a smaller team deliver a gaming experience that captivates without the unnecessary clutter often seen in Triple-A titles. If this sounds appealing, definitely pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.
This review was based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
