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Review of Dust: An Elysian Tail on Nintendo Switch

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Sep 2018
Cover image of Dust: An Elysian Tail on Switch
Gamefings Score: 9
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 10 Sep 2018
Genre: Action role-playing, Hack and slash, Metroidvania
Developer: Humble Hearts
Publisher: Limited Run Games

Introduction

Dust: An Elysian Tail is the cute and colorful indie game you never knew your console needed! Released on the Nintendo Switch, this title is like a warm hug wrapped in an action-packed adventure, where you play as a heroic cat-like warrior with a serious case of amnesia. Just imagine if your favorite anime got together with a side-scrolling platformer; they wouldn't be able to help but create this masterpiece! Now grab your Joy-Con; let's get mystical!

Gameplay

In Dust: An Elysian Tail, you'll control Dust, an amnesiac warrior who stumbles upon a talking sword called the Blade of Ahrah and his annoying yet charming companion, Fidget (let's be real, she's basically a flying ball of sass). The combat is a blend of hack-and-slash mechanics where you thwart adorable enemies with flurry attacks that would make any anime hero proud. The game takes place in the stunning world of Falana filled with furry friends, dangers, and more collectibles than you'll know what to do with! Eventually, you'll scamper around the environment like a hyperactive squirrel, collecting loot, chatting up NPCs, and completing quests while unlocking shiny power-ups (because who doesn't love a double jump?). Don't forget about the sweet RPG elements that let you level up your character's abilities - it's a total way to flex bragging rights to your friends about how strong Dust is compared to that sad other character who can barely jump. You'll even get to witness backstory engrossing enough to leave you feeling like you just finished binge-watching the greatest anime series of all time. Dust's journey is driven by emotional stakes, enemies, and - wait for it - *plot twists*! Yes, in a game about talking animals and magic, not everything is what it seems. Ah, the power of good storytelling!

Graphics

Holy pixel art, Batman! The graphics in Dust: An Elysian Tail are nothing short of a visual masterpiece! The indie team has crafted a vibrant, enchanting world that feels alive and bursting with color. Each character is beautifully animated, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, only with even more spinning bats (yes, that's Fidget's job, and she's super good at it!) And let's be real, if you're playing on the Switch, each lush landscape is simply begging to be admired while you take a break from slashing and bashing enemies into pixelated shreds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dust: An Elysian Tail is a whimsical gem that leaves you feeling all fuzzy inside while simultaneously wrecking havoc on your enemies - talk about balance! The mixture of emotional narrative, visual wonder, and addicting gameplay encapsulates everything adorable about indie titles and proves to be a worthwhile addition to any Switch library. Whether you're seeking an engaging story or just want to mash some buttons against cute little critters, Dust has you covered. So grab your sword, put on your best absurd battle face, and let's dive into adventure! Rating: 9 out of 10. Because let's be honest, not even Dust could fix that final boss's slightly lackluster mechanics.

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