Valentine's Day might be all about hearts and chocolates, but this year, it's about slaying demons in a retro-inspired platformer. Enter *Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore*-the game that teaches you how to control your inner hero by jumping on the heads of everything in sight. It's like *Super Mario* went on a date with a CD-i Zelda game and accidentally created an awkward but endearing child.
*Arzette* is a 2D platformer that sees you controlling its titular character as she embarks on a quest to save Faramore from the evildoer Daimur, who sounds like a villain straight out of a budget superhero comic. The gameplay is simple enough to pick up quickly, but sticky enough to make you question your hand-eye coordination by level three. Armed with your trusty sword, you'll slay enemies and solve puzzles, which is basically 70% of how adventure games operate. The levels are colorful and packed with cutscenes reminiscent of those glorious CD-i days, which means there's art everywhere that might be worth turning your head for, especially if you appreciate retro aesthetics in a daringly 'vintage' way. Essential moves like jumping and slashing are easy to master, which is fortunate because, if you can't, you might end up staring at the game over screen more than you'd like.
Let's not beat around the bush here; the graphics are intentionally made to remind you of the glory days of low-resolution gaming. It's vibrant and downright charming in a way that whispers sweet nothings of nostalgia directly into your heart. The animated cutscenes are possibly the highlight, sprouting smiles faster than your average meme. The slightly twitchy art style, which clearly takes inspiration from the infamous *Zelda* CD-i games, will have you appreciating everything, including your senses. Just don't expect any 4K effects that'll put your console's capabilities to shame-this isn't that kind of party, and thankfully so.
In conclusion, *Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore* might not be your typical AAA blockbuster, but it certainly has a soft spot in its pixelated heart for those who appreciate quirky indie games. Whether you're a gaming novice or an old-school enthusiast, the blend of action, platforming, and humor makes this title a charming experience. What's more, the homage to the CD-i games tears straight through the annals of pop culture mockery and turns it on its head while flat out stomping on gameplay mediocrity. So grab your Switch, channel your inner Arzette, and jump into this adventure-just try not to take it too seriously, or you might accidentally ruin the fun by expecting realism or depth. Score: 7.5 out of 10-because even retro homage deserves to be handled with a cute, if slightly incompetent, embrace.