Apr 2019
Picture this: you wake up one morning and the world is a total mess. Sounds like a regular Monday, right? Not for Ash, the gooey blob protagonist of The End Is Nigh, who navigates the remnants of his world post-apocalypse while looking for friendship - and his missing body parts. This game is the brainchild of Super Meat Boy's creator, and if you think it's going to be less punishing than its predecessor, prepare to be very, very wrong.
In The End Is Nigh, players control Ash through over 600 interconnected levels that resemble a colorful, vibrant slap in the face. Ash is tasked with clearing platforming challenges while collecting bizarre items like tumors and video game cartridges. Tumors aren't just grotesque collectibles; they serve as your lives. Lose enough, and suddenly it's game over, and you're left contemplating your poor life choices. The game's retro levels are fantastically designed, each themed around the areas they occupy, complete with unique hazards and mechanics. It's like a nostalgic love letter to gaming, where every challenge makes you question just how good you are at platformers. The pixel art aesthetic and quirky animations make you chuckle, even when you're raging on your couch. Bonus levels and achievements offer that sweet satisfaction that keeps you coming back for more torture. Whether you're leaping over spikes or dodging incessant hazards, the level of challenge is one that keeps players on their toes - and their controllers firmly gripped.
Visually, The End Is Nigh is a buffet of colorful, grotesque delights. It sports a hand-drawn aesthetic that screams 'indie' in the best way possible. Colors pop, enemies are bizarrely imaginative, and the environments are beautifully crafted, making each level feel as unique as your ex's excuses for breaking up. The graphics encompass a weird but charming visual style, and the overall look seems to fit perfectly within the gameplay; they symbiotically create a world that's both unsettling and captivating.
Overall, The End Is Nigh is a thrilling culmination of challenge, creativity, and absurdity that doesn't shy away from making you reflect on life's unpredictability. It's not just about dying repeatedly; it's also about the glorious stories generated from your epic fails and eventual triumphs. With its clever design, cheeky humor, and visceral gameplay, Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel have once again captured our hearts (and frustrations) in a spectacular blob-filled ride. So, gather your nerves, prepare for an overwhelming onslaught of spike traps, and dive into a game where you can lament the world's end one jump at a time. Seriously, if you love a good challenge and a healthy dose of weirdness, then trust me, Ash's journey will keep you entertained until the very last spike.
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