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Review of Alwa's Awakening on PS4

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Mar 2019
Cover image of Alwa's Awakening on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 21 Mar 2019
Genre: Metroidvania
Developer: Elden Pixels
Publisher: Elden Pixels

Introduction

Welcome to the pixelated world of Alwa, where magic is a thing, and you can totally lose track of time while fighting baddies who probably skipped breakfast. In 'Alwa's Awakening,' you step into the shoes of Zoe, a hero so brave she puts all of our high score attempts to shame. Let's dive into this retro-inspired carnival of challenges and see if it's worth getting off the couch for!

Gameplay

In Alwa's Awakening, Zoe is yanked from her everyday life-kinda like when your mom yells for you to stop gaming-and thrust into the land of Alwa, where she's got some serious work to do. The premise is simple: rescue the citizens from an Evil Overlord. Because, you know, someone has to. The gameplay is a delightful buffet of Metroidvania with a side of puzzles that might fry your brain, but in a good way! With an arsenal of powers, including the ability to conjure blocks-think Tetris, but with fewer angry arguments with friends-you'll navigate these pixelated worlds and take out foes that look like they haven't seen a salad in a while. The checkpoints here are forgiving, so there's no need for panic when Zoe meets her untimely demise. And trust me, you'll want to try out all her fancy moves... preferably not while standing on the couch.

Graphics

Visually, Alwa's Awakening is a pixel-art paradise that would make any retro gamer tear up with nostalgia-and not just because they stubbed their toe on the edge of the coffee table. The art style captures the essence of the 8-bit era, complete with vibrant colors and charming character designs that remind us of why we fell in love with gaming in the first place. Every corner of the world is painted like a nostalgic trip to your favorite arcade, where every pixel reminds you of simpler times-before the internet could distract you with cat videos without you even realizing it!

Conclusion

So, is Alwa's Awakening the title that will leave you glued to the couch for hours? Heck yes! If you enjoy puzzles, retro charm, and pixelated shenanigans that would impress your 8-bit loving grandma, it's definitely worth your time. While it may not reinvent the wheel (or fall into a pit of nostalgia like some games), it delivers a polished experience that hits all the right notes. Throw in some catchy tunes that will keep you humming like a caffeine-fueled bumblebee, and you have a game that not only captures hearts but also boasts plenty of obstacles to test your skill. Grab your controller, summon your inner Zoe, and get ready to save Alwa-just promise me you'll take snack breaks and maybe stretch a little! After all, the last thing we want is a cramp when defeating the Evil Overlord!

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